easyJet, Jet2 and TUI tip helps passengers get more sleep before morning flights
Passengers could enjoy a better night's sleep by taking advantage of the little-known hack
As the summer holidays draw near, families are eagerly anticipating their sun-soaked escapes. However, for those with early morning flights, the first day of their holiday might begin before the crack of dawn. Yet, a little-known trick could allow passengers flying with certain airlines to enjoy a longer lie-in.
A number of airlines offer a twilight bag drop service, enabling passengers to check in their luggage the night before their flight. Naturally, you'll still need to arrive at the airport with time to navigate security and make your way to your gate, as most airports advise arriving at least two hours prior to your flight's departure time.
However, this tip could be particularly useful for holidaymakers staying near the airport. Having already checked in your hold luggage, you may be able to delay your alarm, giving you a bit more sleep. It could also simplify your morning, as you'll have fewer items to lug around, reports the Express.
Major airlines, including Jet2, easyJet, and TUI, provide variations of this service, with further details available online. Each airline provides its own guidelines, but you'll need to bring along 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 time. The cut-off time varies between airports, as does the timing of the twilight bag drop slots. Participating airports include:
- 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 timings vary from airport to airport. Participating airports include:
- Birmingham Airport
- Bristol Airport
- East Midlands Airport
- Gatwick Airport
- Glasgow Airport
- Manchester Airport – from Terminal 2
- Newcastle Airport
While some airports offer free parking for passengers using early check-in services, it's worth checking before you travel to avoid any unexpected parking fees.