Check-in times

What time do I need to be at the airport?

Check-in at least two hours before departure. If you have pre-booked your seat, you can check in 90 minutes before departure. Be sure of your departure times by double-checking your flight details in advance.

Day Before Check-in At Gatwick and Manchester

Jetting off at the crack of dawn? Why not check-in your bags the day before? Available at Gatwick and Manchester – it’s free, and you don’t need to pre-book.

 

This service is available to customers travelling with Thomson Airways (Flight numbers. starting with TOM), with a scheduled departure time before midday.

 

Our Day Before Check-in desks are open between 12:00-22:00.

 

The important bit…
To comply with Department for Transport requirements, ALL members of your party must come to the airport for check-in. You’ll need all tickets, passports and baggage. Our team will then explain arrangements for your departure the next day. Subject to availability.

 

Step-by-step guide to Day Before Check-in

 

At London Gatwick, Thomson Airways flights check-in at North Terminal, Zone A.
At Manchester Airport, Thomson Airways flights check-in at Terminal 2.

 

The day before your flight

Step One: Go to check-in any time between 12:00 midday and 22:00 – looking out for the Day Before Check-in desks.
Step Two: You will be asked the usual security questions relating to baggage. Checked-in baggage is then processed as normal.
Step Three: You will receive boarding cards (unless travelling to the USA, or on certain Cruise flights) and receipts for checked-in baggage.
Step Four: You’re free to leave the airport and relax for the night.

 

On your day of departure

Step One: Return to the airport. If you’ve already received your boarding card, go straight to airport security. Queues are at their peak first thing in the morning. Please ensure you leave enough time to reach your departure gate at least one hour before your flight leaves.
Step Two: Sit back and relax as we look forward to welcoming you onboard .

 

Please remember…
If you’re travelling to a destination that requires further security at check-in (e.g. all USA flights), you won’t be given boarding cards the day before.

 

You should still follow the steps above, but you’ll need to return to check-in on the day of your flight to pick up the boarding cards.

 

Day Before Check-in is not available for flights to certain Cruise destinations.

 

Day Before check-in at Birmingham Airport

Day Before Check-in is also available at Birmingham Airport, where a small charge and pre-booking applies. If you’re flying from Birmingham and would like to pre-book Day Before Check-in, then contact us on 0871 231 4787 (calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras).

 

Day Before Check-in FAQs

 

Q: If I am travelling as part of a group, but only a few of us want to make use of Day Before Check-in, is this possible, or do we all have to check-in together?
A: All members of your group will need to use the Day Before Check-in service at the same time.

 

Q: If for any reason, on the day of departure, I decide I want to check in an additional bag, is this possible?
A: You will be able to check-in additional items of luggage on the day, but charges will apply if you happen to exceed your baggage allowance.

 

Q: Will I still have to queue on the day of departure? (Is there a special desk allocated, etc?)
A: If you’ve checked-in already, then on the day of departure you may proceed directly to the departure lounge, via airport security, and you’re good to go. If your flight is subject to additional security/medical screening requirements (that’s flights to USA and certain cruise flights), then you will need to register with the security / medical screening desk at check-in on the day of departure before you are issued your boarding card.

 

Q: If I check-in the day before, does this mean I can arrive at the Airport later on my departure date?
A: You must allow sufficient time to clear airport security, and you should reach the departure gate at least one hour before your scheduled departure time (remember, boarding can commence as early as one hour prior to the scheduled departure time, don’t be late!).

 

Q: I’m flying with Thomson Airways on a flight to join a P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, Fred. Olsen Cruises Lines, Ocean Village cruise line; can I still take advantage of Day Before Check-In?
A: Unfortunately not. Cruise lines have a different check-in procedure which does not lend itself to Day Before Check-In, and this facility can not be offered to customers travelling to join a cruise line that is not operated by Thomson or First Choice.

 

Q: If I’m flying with Thomson Airways to join a Thomson/First Choice operated cruise (that’s Island Cruises or Thomson Cruises), can I use Day Before Check-in?
A: Yes, just follow the normal procedure, with one exception. If you’re flying out to join a Thomson Cruise in La Romana (Dominican Republic), we’re really sorry, but due to baggage and medical screening requirements, this service isn’t available.

 

Q: What if I have booked golf club carriage/ski carriage; can I still use Day Before Check-in?
A: Of course! Golf clubs and ski’s are accepted when checking-in the day before at Gatwick and Manchester.