Checking in
Frequently Asked Questions
Checking in
What happens if my luggage is too heavy when I get to the airport?
Which terminal am I flying from?
Can I check in the day before I fly?
What time do I need to check in for my Thomson Airways flight?
What happens if my luggage is too heavy when I get to the airport?
If your luggage is heavier than your baggage allowance when you check in, you’ll need to pay an excess baggage charge. However, even if you pay the extra charge, each piece of luggage can’t weigh more than 23kg.
Excess baggage charges
• Short haul and mid haul flights – £12 or €12 per kilogram.
• Long haul flights – £17 or $25 per kilogram.
If you’re paying by credit card, you’ll also need to pay a credit card fee.
Which terminal am I flying from?
Thomson Airways usually fly from the main terminals at all of our airports. However, our Gatwick flights depart from North Terminal and Manchester flights use Terminal 2.
Can I check in the day before I fly?
Yes – if you’re flying with Thomson Airways from Gatwick, Manchester or Birmingham you can check in from 12.00 midday to 10pm the day before you fly.
Just so you know, in summer 2013 we’re launching online check-in. From then onwards, you must have checked-in online to use the day before bag-drop service at Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham. We’ll update our website with more information about online check-in before it launches.
Cruise holidays
You can check in the day before if you’re going on a cruise holiday, except when you’re flying out to join a Thomson Cruise in the Caribbean or Sharm El Sheikh. This is due to baggage and medical screening requirements.
How to check in the day before
The day before you fly
Only one person from your party needs to go to check-in, providing all passengers are travelling on the same booking. They'll need to bring tickets, passports and luggage for everyone on the booking, and must be able to vouch for the contents of the luggage. They'll receive boarding cards and baggage receipts and can then leave the airport.
Travelling to the USA, Cuba or Mexico? If you’re going to one of these destinations, you’ll need to return on the day of your flight to collect your boarding passes and complete extra security checks.
The day you fly
Return to the airport and – if you’ve already got your boarding card – go straight to airport security. All passengers must have their individual boarding cards before going through security to the departure lounge. Make sure you reach the departure gate at least 1 hour before your flight is due to leave. If you want to check in any more bags, you’ll need to return to check-in.
Can I check in online?
We’re committed to making your time at the airport even easier, which is why we’re launching online check-in for selected flights in summer 2013. If online check-in is available for your flight, you’ll be able to check in and print your boarding card at home. So, at the airport, simply drop off your bags and head through to the departure lounge.
Talking of your bags, if you’ve checked in online, Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham airports will take them off your hands the day before – ideal if you’ve got an early flight. And if you’d like to book extra kilos to avoid any unexpected charges at the airport, or you need to book space for sports equipment, you can tick off both during the online check-in process.
What time do I need to check in for my Thomson Airways flight?
UK Airports
At UK airports, check-in desks open 2 to 3 hours before your departure time. If you’re taking a long haul flight, we recommend you check in 3 hours before your flight leaves.
Only one person from your party is required to check-in, provided all passengers are travelling on the same booking reference. Just one of you needs to bring all passports and baggage to the check-in desk, and then you can all go straight to the departure gates together with your tickets and boarding passes.
Resort Airports
Check-in desks at resort airports usually open 2 hours before departure.
Check-in desk closing times
At both UK airports and resort airports, check-in desks usually close 45 minutes before departure, so make sure you’ve checked in at least an hour before you’re due to fly.
Other airlines
Recommended check-in times vary depending on which airline you’re travelling with, so make sure you check your tickets for details on when you need to check-in and arrive at the boarding gate.
