Airport travel can often feel like a marathon, a series of hurdles to overcome before the real vacation begins. From the obligatory check-in queues and baggage drops to the security shuffle, the pre-flight experience is rarely a highlight.
Especially when juggling children, bulky luggage, or tight schedules, the process can quickly become overwhelming.
However, Manchester Airport is offering a “gamechanger” solution, a little-known service that’s transforming the way passengers start their holidays.
Day-Before Bag Drop
Gone are the days of dragging heavy suitcases through crowded terminals on the morning of your flight. Several major airlines, including TUI, Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2.com, and Virgin Atlantic, now offer a day-before bag drop service.
This allows passengers to check in their luggage the evening before their departure. This simple yet effective strategy has already been embraced by over 65,000 travelers in 2024, proving its popularity and efficiency.
The beauty of this service lies in its ability to streamline the entire airport experience. By dropping off their bags the night before, passengers can bypass the morning check-in rush and proceed directly to security.
This translates to more time for relaxation, a leisurely breakfast, or simply enjoying the airport’s amenities before boarding.
While each airline operates its day-before bag drop with slight variations, the core concept remains the same: simplifying the journey.
Airlines Offering Early Bag Drop
TUI’s “Day-before Bag Drop” allows passengers with flights departing before midday to drop off their luggage between 2 pm and 9 pm the previous day. Crucially, only one person from a group needs to be present, as long as they have everyone’s passports and travel documents.
This flexibility is a boon for families and large groups. TUI also offers a handy perk: free parking for up to an hour in the Terminal 2 West multi-storey car park, with validation provided by their check-in staff.
Jet2.com’s “Twilight Check-In” operates similarly, accepting bags between 4:30 pm and 9 pm for flights departing before noon.
Again, only one representative from a group of up to six is required. Free parking for an hour in the Terminal 2 West multi-storey car park is also available.
Virgin Atlantic’s “Twilight Check In” is open from 4 pm to 8 pm for all flights departing the next day. However, all passengers must be present with their passports for check-in.
The free one-hour parking in the Terminal 2 West multi-storey car park remains a consistent benefit.
easyJet’s “Twilight Bag Drop” caters to flights leaving before 8:30 am, with bag drop available from 6 pm to 9 pm the previous evening.
Each passenger must be present with their passport and digital boarding card. Free parking for up to half an hour is offered in the Terminal 3 multi-storey car park, a short walk from Terminal 1.
Ryanair’s “Twilight Bag Drop” serves flights departing at 8 am or earlier, with bag drop open from 7 pm to 10 pm the preceding evening.
Passengers can utilize the Terminal 3 multi-storey car park for up to half an hour, free of charge.
Stakeholder Comments
“We and our airline partners are always looking at ways of making journeys simpler and smoother for our passengers, and these services are a gamechanger,” says Jennifer Byrne-Smith, Customer Operations Director at Manchester Airport.
“Dropping your bags off at the airport the day before you travel means you can get through the airport more quickly on the day of your flight – and we know that passengers who use these services really value the flexibility that they offer.”
Sue Bradley, Director of Customer Experience Delivery at TUI UK & Ireland, furthers this sentiment. “With our Day-before Bag Drop service, passengers can skip any morning queues, get into holiday-mode even quicker, and enjoy some extra time in bed.”
“We know our customers love the flexibility of choosing when to drop their bags off, as it makes their travel day even more seamless.”
Summary
The day-before bag drop service is a simple convenience to reduce stress and maximize enjoyment. By eliminating the morning rush, passengers can start their holidays on a more relaxed and positive note.
This innovative approach demonstrates Manchester Airport’s commitment to enhancing the passenger experience, making travel smoother and more enjoyable for everyone.
Before your next flight, consider taking advantage of this time-saving hack and transform your airport experience from a chore to a breeze.
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The post Beat the Rush: Manchester Airport’s Little-Known Travel Hack appeared first on AviationSource News.