When we travelled independently,for the first time, we went straight into the airport when we arrived, and didn't speak to a rep of any kind. We were early, and no check-in was open, but we waited around(probably taking up precious space) and when the sign went up, we asked one of the staff who were hanging around if we were heading for Newcastle through this desk. By that time a queue had already started to form, and after a sly look at other folks bag labels, we decided it was the right place. We didn't come across any problems, and we didn't need to wait outside in the heat. Hopefully all goes as well this time too.