Virgin twilight check in or DIY check in?

[TMM]

My husband and I are considering doing one of these.We live about 45 minutes from Gatwick, but we would like to utilize one of these services anyhow.

Can anyone give me the good the bad and the ugly experiences you have had?

Thanks!

 

[Claire L]

We did Twilight check in last year and it worked out very well, we live quite close so went up the previous day. Although had pre booked seats still changed to nicer ones at check in, still upstairs in PE. Had to wait for half an hour after check in as advised may need us to open cases for further checks, this was ok as had to get our FX that was pre ordered.
Following day was great arrived walked in no luggage and straight through to departures

Claire

 

[TMM]

We did Twilight check in last year and it worked out very well, we live quite close so went up the previous day. Although had pre booked seats still changed to nicer ones at check in, still upstairs in PE. Had to wait for half an hour after check in as advised may need us to open cases for further checks, this was ok as had to get our FX that was pre ordered.
Following day was great arrived walked in no luggage and straight through to departures

Claire

Hi Claire,

When you did twilight check-in, did you arrive just an hour before your flight?

Thanks for the info!

 

[Claire L]

No we didn't as we had booked the Clubhouse Lounge and wanted to take full advantage of it

Claire

 

[Dimplenose]

We also live about 45 minutes from Gatwick and used the online checkin this year. It gave me the confidence not to stay at Gatwick the night before the flight - but I'm a real worrier about missing the flight so we arrived 3 hours early anyway!! Very good system and I wouldn't hesistate to use this facility in the future.

Libby

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

We do on line as it allows us to put the dirty clothes in the cases as we stay at the Hilton. Then the next moring, we use the normal check in to get rid of the cases

 

[Miffy2003]

The introduction of online check in is a fantastic perk I think.

We stick with Twilight as live 3 1/2 hours drive from LGW so choose to stay over the night before. We wear old clothes and throw them in the bin when we check out of the hotel (to save taking extra hand luggage on)

 

[Rascal1003]

We are about an hour and a half from LGW and use DIY Check In every time.
It is brilliant not to have to queue for so long and not to have to arrive so far ahead of time.
We usually plan to arrive a couple of hours before the flight, plus allow a bit of time for the M25 which is the biggest variable and weakest link in the whole chain.

 

[jtlover]

I would say it depends whether you want to stay the night before at a Gatwick hotel - if you do then do Twighlight check in. If not then online check in is good. I have done both. I find Twighlight check in more relaxing as you have got rid of your bags you are at the airport the night before and you dont have to get up so early in the hotel. You just go straight to departures the next day and that is about an hour before your flight takes off!

Also dont forget about doing it the other way drop your bags at DTD from 8.00 a.m. - 1.00 p.m. and enjoy your last day more - though you have to be back at the Orlando airport 2 hours before the flight.

 

[Soprano]

So how does this DIY check in work?

A few quesions if you please! I just arrive at Gatwick and hand over my details? Is there a certain desk I go to? How much time do I save? When do I need to arrive at the airport?


TIA

 

[jtlover]

So how does this DIY check in work?

A few quesions if you please! I just arrive at Gatwick and hand over my details? Is there a certain desk I go to? How much time do I save? When do I need to arrive at the airport?


TIA

You go onto the virgin website and put in your flight booking detail. You can do this 24 hours before your flight. This allows you to check in your bags an hour before your flight instead of the usually 3 hours! You do not have to queue with everyone else. There is a separate check in area with machines and there are always Virgin reps around to help you. This machine then gives you boarding pass tickets and then you go forward to a separate bag check in where they take your bags for you. It is really easy and very stress free. I have used it and it has taken hardly any time at all!

I see you live in London, you could even drive the night before check your luggage (twighlight checkin) in and then drive the next day to the airport and go straight to departures, again only needing to be at departures I think it is 50 minutes beforehand?

 

[jtlover]

We do on line as it allows us to put the dirty clothes in the cases as we stay at the Hilton. Then the next moring, we use the normal check in to get rid of the cases

We always have an overnight holdall and then get the bus to where the car is parked on the morning we fly out and put the bag in the boot and then get the bus back to the terminal It doesnt take long.

 

[Soprano]

You go onto the virgin website and put in your flight booking detail. You can do this 24 hours before your flight. This allows you to check in your bags an hour before your flight instead of the usually 3 hours! You do not have to queue with everyone else. There is a separate check in area with machines and there are always Virgin reps around to help you. This machine then gives you boarding pass tickets and then you go forward to a separate bag check in where they take your bags for you. It is really easy and very stress free. I have used it and it has taken hardly any time at all!

I see you live in London, you could even drive the night before check your luggage (twighlight checkin) in and then drive the next day to the airport and go straight to departures, again only needing to be at departures I think it is 50 minutes beforehand?

Thanks for the info.

To be honest, I am usually calm and laid back, but when it comes to getting to the airport for a hoilday, I aim to be there at least 2.5 hours before take off!

 

[jtlover]

I would still do the DIY check in though - this then gives you more time to go round duty free! and to relax more.