The checked luggage can then be dropped off at one of the several BA self-bag drop points situated in the Check-in area of North Terminal, level 2, near check-in zones A and B. If self-check-in is too confusing, airline staff will be present and happy to help.

At London Gatwick Airport (LGW), the location of your bag drop depends on whether you are flying from the North Terminal or the South Terminal. Most major carriers like British Airways and easyJet have moved toward a "Self-Service Bag Drop" model to reduce queues. In the North Terminal, the bag drop zone is located on the "Level 1" check-in floor; for easyJet, this is a massive, automated area where you scan your own boarding pass to print baggage tags. In the South Terminal, the bag drop is located on the "Level 2" departures floor. Airlines like Vueling, Norwegian, and various long-haul carriers have their desks here. It is important to check your terminal ahead of time, as the two terminals are connected only by a two-minute automated shuttle train. Most airlines at Gatwick allow you to drop your bags up to two or three hours before departure, but some offer "Day Before" bag drop services if you are staying at an airport hotel, which can save significant time on the morning of your flight.