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				Gatwick Check-In - How Early?
				
Posted: 
07 Aug 2011 08:58 
				by DarrenG
				For the first time we have booked hotels, flights etc separately and it's far from clear how early we can check-in.
The booking confirmation says 9.20pm check-in which seems quite late for an 11.20pm flight.  Monarch's website says contradicts itself saying 2hrs in one place, 3hrs in another and in one place says check-in desks at Gatwick are open all day which seems unlikely from past experience.
As we have access to a lounge, and that shuts at 10pm, I'd like to get there in enough time to check-in, and have an hour relaxing in the lounge before we're kicked out.  Does anyone know what time we can expect the check-in desk for our flight to be open?
			 
			
		
			
				Re: Gatwick Check-In - How Early?
				
Posted: 
07 Aug 2011 09:49 
				by Chocoholic
				I have found in all the airports I have flown from in the UK (several) the baggage checking in doesn't open until 2 hours before the flight. I used to get to the airport really early but not any more. 2 hours before for me unless you want to be stuck at the front of the unmanned check-in desk for ages - that is presuming they display your flight number on it prior to it opening as in most cases they dont.
Make the most of the lounge though. Have a great time.
			 
			
		
			
				Re: Gatwick Check-In - How Early?
				
Posted: 
07 Aug 2011 09:53 
				by DarrenG
				Thanks. It looks like the 9.20pm check-in is when then desk opens so little point getting there any earlier.
The mad scramble to get rid of your bags at check-in is the one bit of the whole process that I hate.
			 
			
		
			
				Re: Gatwick Check-In - How Early?
				
Posted: 
07 Aug 2011 09:58 
				by cassielucy
				we fly with Monarch regularly and ususally find 2 hours before flight time is about the norm fo checkin
			 
			
		
			
				Re: Gatwick Check-In - How Early?
				
Posted: 
07 Aug 2011 11:40 
				by Chocoholic
				DarrenG wrote:Thanks. It looks like the 9.20pm check-in is when then desk opens so little point getting there any earlier.
The mad scramble to get rid of your bags at check-in is the one bit of the whole process that I hate.
Same here- I hate the mad scramble. Last year someone nearly knocked over my elderly mother in a rush to get to the check in. Needless to say I went mad! This check in business brings out the wild in some people. Pity you cant prebook your seat without paying.
 
			 
			
		
			
				Re: Gatwick Check-In - How Early?
				
Posted: 
07 Aug 2011 11:49 
				by DarrenG
				I don't understand why they can't open earlier, reduce the queuing and allow people a little time to relax airside once rid of bags.  My parents fly from Manchester and there they have the Twilight check-in where they can get rid of the bags the day before. So much less stress.
			 
			
		
			
				Re: Gatwick Check-In - How Early?
				
Posted: 
08 Aug 2011 16:31 
				by Katiehutchinson_1991
				we normally fly with TC and  they normally open 2 1/2 - 3 hours before the flight takes off 
xxx
			 
			
		
			
				Re: Gatwick Check-In - How Early?
				
Posted: 
08 Aug 2011 16:38 
				by DarrenG
				We've booked the pickup so that we get there about 8.15pm. If the check-in is open, great, if not we'll go grab a coffee. All desperate to get going now, a few more hours to wait.