International check-in

Voyager2002

MidlandsMum wrote: »

If your train is late the travel insurance will not pay out. I've heard them say that passengers should have taken a cab, driven themselves, done a national express coach, allsorts.

This depends on the company, and on precisely what wording the policy uses. Hence my advice to check.

For my most recent journey (just before New Year) I used 24/7 travel insurance, where the policy clearly states that it would pay out under these circumstances (and I checked by telephone). I had a long rail journey to the airport; my train was delayed; and so I had only about thirty minutes available to get through security (I had checked in on-line before leaving home). Security was quick, and at that point I discovered that my flight had been cancelled!

Voyager2002

markymoo wrote: »

*wanders down to train station*
*gets on train which will get to airport at 7.30am*
*10 minutes later, signal problems - 25 minute delay*
*25 minutes later, train breaks down - 60 minute delay getting new train, and old train out of way to carry on journey*
*arrive at airport, 1 hour 25 minutes later, which is 8.55am*
*check in desk closes at 9am*
*run through airport*
*miss check in and can't go on holiday*
*cry*

the above scenario could happen easily.. why save a few quid and then not have a holiday, then you'll have wasted lots of money!

but, as someone else has said, it is your decision to make, i'll just like to add, don't whinge to us, if you miss your flight!!!

M

Something similar happened to me a few years ago. The train company organised (and paid for) a taxi to take me all the way from Exeter to Heathrow. My travel agent (Trailfinders) told the airline what was going on, so they managed to check me in quickly and get me to the departure gate in time. My insurance company was useless, but fortunately was not needed.

MancBrel

Voyager2002 wrote: »

This depends on the company, and on precisely what wording the policy uses. Hence my advice to check.

For my most recent journey (just before New Year) I used 24/7 travel insurance, where the policy clearly states that it would pay out under these circumstances (and I checked by telephone). I had a long rail journey to the airport; my train was delayed; and so I had only about thirty minutes available to get through security (I had checked in on-line before leaving home). Security was quick, and at that point I discovered that my flight had been cancelled!

From memory the shuttle bus is £4 each way, per passenger. If you havent booked yet then compare the total cost of the Travelodge and shuttle with the Bewleys Hotel, next to the airport train station. The Bewleys have huge rooms with 2 double beds and you can walk to the airport in a few minutes.
I often stay here when I have an early flight. I'm staying next week for £69.

Blue264

masted75 wrote: »

Btw, anyone know how much the travelodge's shuttle bus to/from the airport costs?

By coincidence, we're just discussing that in this thread...

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1425535

masted75

MancBrel wrote: »

From memory the shuttle bus is £4 each way, per passenger. If you havent booked yet then compare the total cost of the Travelodge and shuttle with the Bewleys Hotel, next to the airport train station. The Bewleys have huge rooms with 2 double beds and you can walk to the airport in a few minutes.
I often stay here when I have an early flight. I'm staying next week for £69.

Thanks, i'll look into the Bewleys option and compare them.

Tojo_Ralph

masted75 wrote: »

If we got there 2 and a half hours before the flight, would that be a problem in any way?

In a word..... No.

Is it a charter flight or a scheduled flight?

How early you really need to be at an airport for a flight really depends on three factors..... a) The airport ..... b) Is it a Charter or Scheduled flight ..... c) The time of day and day of the week.

If you were to turn up at the check in desk for a random international charter flight 2-1/2 hrs prior to departure on any given day at any given UK airport, there's a 99.9% chance you will simply be joining a long queue.

If however you were to turn up 2-1/2 hrs prior to departure at the check in desk for an international scheduled flight ..... at a lot of UK airports, there's a good chance that the check in desk would not even be open.

That said...... As per many others comments...... Do you really want to risk your holiday for an extra 30-60 minutes in bed? ..... Get there early, check in, chill out.
...

Pollycat

masted75
Thanks for letting us know what you've decided to do.

I hope you have a great holiday - and a stressfree time at the airport.

pinkcandyflossprincess

masted75 wrote: »

Point taken - thanks everyone, you're right.
We're going to get the train the evening before, use the 'day before check-in service' and stay in the travelodge. Like you say, not the cheapest option but the most sensible.

Btw, anyone know how much the travelodge's shuttle bus to/from the airport costs?

very wise, we are doing the same on thurs at gatwick as early morning flight on mon so id rather get there early night before and can check bags in also that night. with easyjet too:eek: so its better to try and make it a bit less stressfull:rotfl:
have a nice hol....
x

Enterprise_1701C

Glad you've taken the overnight option - you can actually relax then! Have a lovely holiday.

We're lucky, we live about 30 mins from Gatwick and 40 mins from Heathrow, driving wise, so if we miss the train (we have a direct rail service to Gatwick!!) we can quickly grab a cab (or a friend) and still get there, especially as we always go for the earlier option!!

We always get there early with easyjet if we can't check in online, we've found that you get into an early boarding group if you're early!!