Our Flights from Birmingham are always at 6:30 am on am Monday morning which means getting up at about 2.00am, getting ready, driving to the airport (30 mins), parking at the Airport for about £90, and getting the shuttle bus to departures. All a bit hectic.
This year we tried something different. We got our son to take us to the airport at 7:30 pm on Sunday night. Checked in at the new Etap Hotel, which was £35 for the room. We went over to the airport and had a bite to eat and a drink at Weatherspoons before going to bed at about 10.00pm.
We set the alarm for 3.30am, showered and dressed and did the three minute walk to departures (thats how close the hotel is), checked in and then went to have breakfast.
This way was cheaper and more relaxed. The only downside ws that the room was too warm and Helen didn't sleep too well and there were no tea making facilities. The room didn't have internet access which would have been handy as we could have seen which check in desk to go to.
Next time we will try the Ibis Hotel which is adjacent to the Etap. The rooms are a bit more expensive at £59 per room per night but the rooms have internet and climate control. I really did like the quick walk from the Hotel to Departures. Its worth trying and its cheaper than parking at the airport. You just need to get family or friends to take you to the airport and to pick you up on arrival back from holiday.