Crazy o'clock flights are unsociable, exhausting and can make the start of a holiday incredibly hard work, but sometimes there's no other option.

Sometimes, the only flight you're able to get on is at 4.15am, or sometimes it's a total bargain and feels like it's worth it at the time of booking.

Here are our top tips for easing the pain of late-night flights...

Check into an airport hotel

Extend the holiday and avoid a 3am alarm by checking into an airport hotel.

Motorway delays on the way to the airport are a traveller's nightmare, especially when flying early in the morning or during peak periods.

If you want to avoid unexpected traffic or adverse winter weather – and enjoy a few extra hours of sleep – booking an overnight stay at an airport hotel allows you to arrive at the check-in desks on time and worry-free.

Take advantage of 'twilight drop-off'

If you're staying in an airport hotel the night before your flight, some airlines let you do a 'twilight drop-off' and drop your baggage the night before.

Aer Lingus and Virgin Atlantic are two flight companies that offer this service for their early-morning flights.

Twilight drop-off times vary for each airline, for example, TUI Airways allows passengers to drop-off their baggage from noon up until 10pm the day before if they are flying from Gatwick, Manchester or Birmingham.

Skip the queues by checking-in online

Speed through to security at the airport by checking-in for your flight online. If you have hold luggage, you'll still need to register your details and print a baggage tag, but it's still quicker, and if you just have hand luggage, you can glide on through.

Grab a little comfort by booking lounge access

It can be hard to find a seat in an airport's departure lounge, especially early in the morning when people are snoozing across several seats.

For a calm and comfy place to enjoy breakfast before boarding, consider paying for lounge access.

It's not always expensive (airport lounge access costs from £16 per person via APH.com) and there's usually complimentary food and drink to tuck into.

Let someone else park your car

Scouring around in the dark for an empty parking space at the airport before an early-morning flight is an easy way to dampen the holiday mood.

Consider pre-booking meet and greet airport parking, which is a drive-up and drop-off service – simply drive to the airport, drop your car with the awaiting valet and then head to the check-in desks while your car is safely driven to a nearby security-equipped car park.

For more information, visit APH.com or call 01342 859515.