Ryanair, Jet2, TUI, easyJet and BA queue skip rules for passengers this summer

is set to be one of the busiest travel periods of the year so far as dozens of are launched. is also preparing for chaos as 500 workers are planning to strike in the beginning of April.

Those planning to fly over Easter should prepare as best they can for delays and heavy traffic by arriving at the airport well before their check-in deadline. But just in case the unexpected happens, there are a few airline tricks that may save you time standing in long queues just to drop off your .

Many airlines have implemented a scheme called a twilight bag drop service that can save you significant stress, especially during particularly heavy travel periods. They allow passengers to arrive at the airport the night before their scheduled departure and check-in their large bags well before the flight’s check-in window. This service is particularly convenient for anyone living close by to their chosen airport, or for anyone staying in a hotel the night before. But, not every airline offers this service - so it's best to check with your tour operator first.

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Ryanair

Ryanair offers a bag drop service for flights before 8am flying from Manchester or Edinburgh airports. The twilight bag drop opens from 7pm to 10pm the night before.

Overnight bag drop is available free of charge to all Ryanair passengers travelling from Manchester Airport. Ryanair spokesperson Jade Kirwan said: “This exciting new initiative is a gamechanger for families or groups travelling on early morning flights and is available now at Manchester Airport’s Terminal 3 across Desks 36-37 – just follow the signs for ‘Twilight Bag Drop’.” According to the Ryanair website, bag drop desks open at the latest two hours before the scheduled flight departure time and closes 40 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

Jet2

Jet2 passengers with flights departing before midday can drop off their bags at Birmingham, Bristol, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Glasgow International, London Stansted, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester or Newcastle Airports.

Even more conveniently, if you are travelling as part of a group not all passengers need to go to the airport for the twilight bag drop-off. Every one passenger is able to check bags for up to six people. Jet2’s Twilight Check-in service is free of charge and open between 16:30 and 21:00 the evening before your morning flight.

TUI

TUI’s day-before bag drop is available at different times depending on your departure airport. For Birmingham Airport and Gatwick Airport (North Terminal flights only), day-before bag drop is available between 2pm and 9pm for flights before midday. For Bristol Airport and East Midlands Airport, day-before bag drop is available between 4pm and 9pm for flights before midday.

From April 2, 2025 day-before bag drop is available for flights before midday between 4pm and 9pm at both Glasgow Airport and Newcastle Airport. And finally, for Manchester Airport flights departing from Terminal 2 before midday, day-before bag drop is available between 2pm and 9pm.

easyJet

easyJet passengers departing from London Gatwick, Bristol, Berlin, Manchester, Edinburgh, Amsterdam, Glasgow or Belfast you can use the twilight bag drop. Depending on which airport you are departing from, twilight bag drop will be available for either one or four hours the evening before departure.

Be sure to double-check the twilight bag drop times for your specific airport. Additionally, keep in mind this service is only available for passengers with flights departing earlier than noon - although certain airports will only allow the service for flights before 8am.

British Airways

Twilight bag drop is available at London Heathrow Terminals 3 and 5, as well as London City, London Gatwick and Edinburgh airports. This service is available for flight departing before 10am the next morning.

For Heathrow the service is open from 4pm to 6pm for people with flights before 10am the following day, and at Gatwick and London City it is available from 4pm to 8.30pm for those with flights before 1pm.

If you aren’t able to make it to the airport the night before, also offers AirPortr doorstep check in. With this service, flyers can pay to have their baggage collected from their home, office or hotel.