Gatwick - checking in the day before...

We've done it, was so much easier, turned up when it was convienient for us, got rid of the bags then stayed in the Hilton so in the morning we got up and went straight through past all the people who were queuing to check in.

I wouldn't hesitate to do it again. All our bags arrived when we did fine and we had a few as took two pushchairs and two car seats that were checked in as well as 4 cases.

Can you not just check in online? or is that not possible?

They don't do an online check in as far as I can tell Nick.

Fallen Angel, how was the Hilton? Just been looking at airport hotels, Sofitel looks good because it's connected to the north terminal but you have to let someone park your car and MrSun won't do that.

Which is the airline?

Thomson

Ah ok. you can do self service check in though.

Thanks katrowley. I think we may just go for something cheap like Travelodge and book the parking separately.

We 've just done this going to the dominican rebublic 3 weeks ago and it was so easy

we parked in the multi carpark cost about 4.00 we were only there about 20 mins, check in was empty so no waiting the checkin lady asked which seats we wanted.

we stayed in the mecure hotel 5 mins away it only cost 75 quid for a family room and 15 days parking

it was so easy we will be going from gatwick again.

We stayed at the Hilton the night before going ski-ing - meant we got lots more sleep and the small person didn't have to be woken up in the middle of the night (its all connnected to the terminal so very easy to get bags etc. there)

We did a package with parking and hotel which worked out very reaonsably

Lou, what was the parking situation at the Mercure? Did you have to leave your keys or did you just leave the car in their car park? Like I've said, MrSun is a bit funny about leaving his keys or letting someone else park the car. I can't blame him, we've had problems in the past with airport parking so tend to like to park on the airport.

We always stay here when we have an early flight at the Gatwick.

https://www.theturret.com/htm/home.htm

You need to leave your keys, as they move the car around the back of the hotel for the duration of your holiday and then make sure it's at the front of the hotel when you get back. It's a 10 minute car ride from the airport and althoug the place is a basic B&B the beds are comfy, the family rooms huge and all is very clean.

We parked in the carpark then left the key with the attendant as they move it into the compound

on the day we arrived back it was waiting in the carparkm my hubby chaecked it over and it was fine.