TUI has issued guidance to passengers on how early to arrive at the airport during the busy summer travel period in July and August. The airline, which operates from more than 20 UK airports, expects planes to be fully booked and airports to be busier than usual with longer queues as demand surges.
Recommended Arrival Times
According to TUI, passengers should use check-in opening times as a guide, even if they have checked in online. For short and mid-haul flights, standard check-in opens at least two-and-a-half hours before departure. For long-haul flights, it opens at least three-and-a-half hours before departure. TUI advises that arriving earlier than this will not allow passengers to check in or pass through security early.
Group and Family Travel
For passengers travelling in a group, including families, TUI confirmed that only one person needs to drop bags off at the desk. That person must have all boarding passes (if checked in online), all passports and visas, and all bags to be checked in. However, groups travelling on flights to the USA and P&O Cruises flights to Malta cannot check in as a group. TUI recommends checking in online to speed up the process, and many passengers can use the TUI self-service bag drop on the day of departure.
Self-Service Bag Drop Locations
The self-service bag drop opens at the same time as the flight check-in time. It is available at Aberdeen Airport, Birmingham Airport, Bristol Airport, Cardiff Airport, Gatwick Airport (North and South Terminals), Glasgow Airport, Leeds Bradford Airport, London Luton Airport, Manchester Airport (from Terminal 2), and Newcastle Airport.
Checking Bags the Day Before
TUI also offers a service where customers can check in their bags the day before the flight, provided the flight is eligible. The service is available if the flight has a TUI Airways TOM or BY flight number, the customer is flying before midday, or the departure is from an eligible airport. Passengers can check airport eligibility on the TUI website. TUI warns that those using this service must take their passport and travel documents with them.
For passengers travelling without checked luggage, the process is quicker. TUI stated: "If you’re just taking hand luggage with you on your flight, and you’ve checked in online, you can make your way to security as soon as you arrive at the airport."
