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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
National
Jack Thurlow

Jet2, TUI, Ryanair and Easyjet: Airlines offering 'twilight' day-before bag drop offs at UK airports

With summer closing in we're getting to that time of the year in which airports are going to filled to the rafters with travellers looking forward to extended trips in the sunshine. Yet for some people the prospect of long queues and nightmare waiting times can be too much.

As we saw recently, complaints flooded social media over the "hell on earth" ordeal for people trying to get through Manchester Airport. Airlines recognise this too, which is why some of the UK's most popular ones, such as Jet2, are allowing customers to drop off their bags and luggage a day in advance.

Baggage allowances and check-in times vary from airline to airline - and turning up with the wrong size case could result in an unexpected fee. Dropping off your bags early can be handy for those that live locally or are staying overnight near to the airport.

Read more: TUI 'honeymoon ruined' for newlyweds as man banned from flight over 'ridiculous' passport rule

It means you can get rid of your luggage the day before you fly, then relax without worrying about more early morning queues. But only certain airlines offer a "twilight" or overnight bag drop service - and only at select airports.

Drop-off times vary, so passengers are encouraged to check with their airline before they head to the airport. See below for the latest bag drop policies for the main carriers across the UK.

Jet2

Passengers flying before midday can use Jet2's twilight check-in service. The free service is available seven days a week and allows passengers to drop off their bags between 3pm and 8pm the day before their morning flight.

The twilight service is available at airports in East Midlands, Bristol, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Leeds Bradford, London Stansted, Manchester and Newcastle. Just check-in online at least 24 hours before your flight, then allocate at least one person from your party to drop off up to six people's bags - and don't forget boarding passes and passports.

Getting ready to jet off (Leicester Mercury / Chris Gordon)

On the day of your Jet2 flight, head straight to security, relax and enjoy your getaway. But remember to check all travel requirements before you go to the airport and take along all documents for your party so ensure a smooth check-in.

TUI

If you've got a flight with TUI that departs before midday, you can check your bag in between 2pm and 9pm the day before. Passengers can then proceed straight to the departures area on the morning of the flight.

However, the service is not currently available in the East Midlands. The service is available at Birmingham Airport, Gatwick north terminal and Manchester terminal two.

Ryanair

Ryanair does not currently offer a day before bag drop. The budget airline now opens for check-in three hours before departure at Birmingham Airport zone B.

The airline does recommend for passengers to check-in baggage as early as they are able. According to the Ryanair website, bag drop desks close 40 minutes before the scheduled time of departure.

Easyjet

Easyjet's twilight check-in service is currently suspended at eligible airports. If you have hold luggage, check in online and print your boarding pass, then once at the airport, take your bags to one of the easyJet bag drop desks located in the departure hall.

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