The summer holidays are fast approaching, and families are counting the days to their sunny getaways. While there’s lots to look forward to, it’s not all fun and games for early morning flyers.
For those who have booked an early flight, the first day of their holiday could start well before sunrise. However, passengers flying with certain airlines can enjoy a longer night’s sleep, thanks to a little-known hack.
Several airlines offer a twilight bag drop service that allows passengers to drop off their bags the night before their flight.
Of course, you’ll still need to arrive at the airport with plenty of time to go through security and head to your gate — most airports recommend getting there at least two hours before your flight departure time — but the tip could be ideal for holidaymakers staying close to the airport.
If you’ve already checked in your hold luggage, you might be able to push back your alarm, meaning you get some more shut-eye. It could also make your morning a little easier as you’ll have fewer items to carry.
Major airlines, including Jet2, easyJet, and TUI, offer variations of the service, and more information is available online. While each airline sets out its guidance, you’ll need to take your boarding passes and passports.
Jet2
Jet2’s website explains: “With our free Twilight Check-in service, you can drop your bags off at your UK departure airport between 16:30-21:00 the evening before your morning flight.
“Thanks to Twilight Check-in, when you arrive at departures the next day, your luggage is already sorted. If you live near the airport or are staying at a hotel close by, it’ll make your morning a little bit easier.
“Sound good? Remember, to use Twilight Check-in, you must check in online any time from 28 days and no later than 24 hours before your flight, via our website or app.”
The service is available seven days a week if you’ve checked in online and are booked on a flight departing before midday from a participating UK airport. These include:
- Birmingham
- Bristol
- East Midlands
- Edinburgh
- Glasgow International
- Leeds Bradford
- Liverpool
- London Luton
- London Stansted
- Manchester
- Newcastle
easyJet
easyJet’s website explains: “Got an early morning trip? Beat the rush by dropping off your hold bags the evening before your flight. Simply head to our Bag Drop area during the hours below with your passport and boarding passes, then we’ll take care of the rest. Your bags will be ready to collect when you arrive at your destination.”
Whether you’re eligible to use the service will depend on your flight departure times. The cut-off time varies between airports, as does the timing of the twilight bag drop slots.
London Gatwick Airport
Bristol Airport
Berlin Airport
Manchester Airport
Edinburgh Airport
Amsterdam Schiphol
Glasgow Airport
Belfast Airport
TUI
TUI’s website explains: “If your flight has a TOM or BY flight number, your flight time is eligible, and you’re flying from one of the airports listed below before midday, you can check your bags in on the day before you’re due to fly.
“You can save even more time by checking in online beforehand. If you’re joining one of our Marella cruise ships, day-before bag drop is available for all destinations.” Once more, the bag drop timings vary from airport to airport.