Pre-flight hotel stay or morning drive?

[Andybear]

I can't drive and the train journey to Gatwick is one and a half to two hours for me. Trains in this area aren't exactly known for their reliability so I stay at the Premier Inn North Terminal the night before. If I'm going to be caught up train problems I'd rather it be the day before the flight.

[unixgirl]

I live 1hr 40 mins from Manchester airport, at least that's what Google Maps says . I knew this was in perfect conditions so as I check in 2 hrs before transatlantic I added a bit and set off at 6:15am to get to Manchester in time for a 10:40 flight. I saw signs saying long delays at junctions 19 & 20 on M62 when I was heading for it on the M1. I really must learn the M62 junctions . After leaving 2hrs 25 mins before my 2 hr checkin window for a work flight I arrived 1hr 40 mins before my flight.
Yes I caught the flight but it could have been a different story.
For my holiday flight next month I've booked the Cheadle Village Hotel the night before. In future I will always book a hotel the night before the transatlantic as it's just too big a gamble.

[Grandee]

Stay overnight, definitely. We're only an hour from Manchester but an overnight stay is always better than the worry of breakdown, accident, road closure etc etc. This year's trip starts with a parking package at the Radisson at Man Airport. So park the car at the hotel, walk/ride along the covered walkway next morning to Virgin Atlantic check in and the next time we go outside is to pick up a hire car in Atlanta. That is assuming we don't have to trek to a remote stand to board!

[Grandee]

Originally Posted by JMDisneyfan

We live about 1 Hour 45 mins from Manchester & we are staying over in a hotel. We are staying at the Clayton Hotel, has anyone else stayed there?

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Stayed there a couple of times prior to a Florida flight. Not bad and the bar is fairly nice. Ask reception for a room away from the railway line which can be a bit noisy! Oh and remember to book the shuttle (if you need it) in advance for next morning . Enjoy.

[LLamb]

We are only 25 minutes from Manchester but stay over. Just not worth the stress in the morning.
It’s already a tiring day travelling especially leaving a 4am.

[The 2 Minnies]

Always stay over at the airport the night before. No worrying about delays on the journey there and also like the fact we have got the car tucked away for the duration.

A lovely relaxing meal and a few cocktails in the hotel, to me that’s the first day of my holiday.