'Two hour' airport rule that you'll need to follow if you're flying Ryanair, TUI, easyJet and Jet2

Heading overseas is something millions more Brits will do in the coming months as the summer holiday season kicks off.

With dreams of sunny beaches and cocktails in 30C heat, we'll almost book with anyone as we look to avoid spending all our time in a British summer defined by all things muggy.

But as summer approaches, so will queues. And flexible rules that you might be able to take advantage off in the off-peak seasons are likely to quickly fade away as staff manage demand.

Most of us will travel with budget airlines such as Ryanair, TUI, easyJet and Jet2.

Well, if that's you, make sure you keep your eye on something called the 'two hour' rule.

What is the 'two hour' rule?

It's quite simple - we're talking about bags.

And more specifically, bag drop if you're checking in luggage or other items like a pushchair or pram.

Basically, every airline has its own rules when it comes to getting to the airport and handing over your precious cargo.

A woman on the way to check in her luggage (Getty Stock Images)

Turn up too early? You could be made to wait around.

That wouldn't be ideal really, given bag drop isn't the most spacious of places in many airports and lines can get very fully in peak months.

So when exactly should you turn up?

If you're flying with Ryanair, the bag drop will open 'at the latest' two hours before departure. You could be lucky earlier but there's simply no guarantee.

It says: "The Bag Drop desks open at the latest 2 hours before the scheduled flight departure time and closes 40 minutes before the scheduled departure time unless you are notified otherwise before flight departure."

EasyJet's bag drop time differs depending on the airport. If you're flying from Manchester, it'll open two hours before the departure time.

Flight board at Manchester Airport (PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

You're in luck if you're at London Gatwick, with it opening 2.5 hours ahead of the flight time.

TUI is the same as easyJet's Gatwick terms. We're looking at 2.5 hours as a standard time frame. If you're flying further afield, it's 3.5 hours.

Its website says: "Standard check-in opens at least two-and-a-half hours before departure for short and mid-haul flights.

"And at least three-and-a-half hours before departure for long-haul flights. Arriving any earlier than this won’t mean you can check in or pass through security early."

A Ryanair plane (Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Jet2's rules say you should get there around 2.5 hours beforehand and no later than 40 minutes before the flight. But it warns: "Please check this section of the website at least 12 hours before your flight for the latest flight information."

So while the 'two hour' rule isn't strict to 120 minutes, the point is to make sure you check and be prepared.

Travelling can be stressful enough in busy summer months without adding extra issues to your hectic schedule.