Cheap red eye options

pen-y-jen

I was trying to be a good moneysaver and have booked an early morning flight from Stansted as it was cheaper than the later flights.

I have to check in at 5:30am on Friday morning. I finish work at 10pm on Thursday and live 3 hours away from the airport. My options are:

1. Sleep in the airport, but then I have to take a blanket and a mat and they won't fit in my hand luggage.
2. Sleep in my car (I'm small and it's big!) at the Mid Stay car park. It costs the same whether I arrive at 1am or 5am so won't cost me in any extra.

Has anyone slept in their car at an airport before? Do security mind?

lfc84

go home, get up early and go to airport.

what time is your flight? can you check in later than 530am and get more sleep.

pen-y-jen

My flight is at 07:25 and it's international. I'd rather drive straight from work when I'm still (relatively!) fresh than get up at 2am and drive for 3 hours then.

Doshwaster

Have a look at the hotel + parking deals so that you can drive there the previous evening, sleep in a proper bed (even if it's only for a few hours), have a shower and wander over the the airport for check-in time. Often it's no more expensive than the parking alone and your body will thank you afterwards.

Try http://www.holidayextras.co.uk/ for starters, especially the "undercover hotels".

budgetflyer

Park up in a layby near airport.Then book into car park usual time. Simples.

pen-y-jen

Thanks for the suggestions.

FlightSearch10

Better Sleep first then, wake up early an go to the air port.

getmore4less

Check in on-line.

Only need 1hr-1.5hr to bag drop and get through security.

We use the holiday inn express as stansted for hotel paring through holiday extras(3* secret) with the 10% off it only a few £ more than parking 8days+.
last time they put us in the mid term which was handy no shuttle charge like the hotel.

Bronnie

FlightSearch10 wrote: »

Better Sleep first then, wake up early an go to the air port.

I really wouldn't!

I work evenings too and tried this once. Went home, had a couple of hours sleep and set off for airport at 3am, as soon as I hit the motorway, I felt sleepy again. The drive was really difficult as I was on my own and felt like nodding off. By then there was no time to stop for coffee and I ended up with both windows wide open and the radio full blast to keep me alert.

Seriously, I would NEVER do that again it was a nightmare.

Doshwaster

Bronnie wrote: »

Seriously, I would NEVER do that again it was a nightmare.

Yes, I've had similar experiences. It's just not worth the risk. I once found myself driving straight past the airport as I was so tired.

The OP doesn't say how long he is going away for but if it's for more than 2 or 3 days then a parking + hotel deal is going to be no more expensive. I've just booked a week's parking at Heathrow plus a hotel for the return (landing at 11pm and don't fancy a 3 hour drive). The package was £89 which is only about £15 more than the parking alone would be.