Few things here, but will try and keep them simple.

Flying out next week and will use Paddingtion check in as I work nearby. I've found out I can drop my suitcase early. I hope they won't have any problem as my flight is at 8pm and I will be checking in at 8.30am! It's just more convinient to drop it off before going to work than lugging it to the office and then checking in at lunchtime. If it left it till after work, I'd have to take it to Heathrow as I wouldn't meet the 2 hr min requirement.

On this flight my partner is coming with me and is on the same PRN. I'm the only one in the EC, so I can do OLCI the night before, but from what I read, they would have to wait until 12 hours before to do the same.

If I check in first,via OLCI, would the seat next to me be automatically reserved for them if I move from the pre-assigned seat? (And yes I would check that there is seating available next to me before selecting it!)

My other alternative is to wait until I get to Paddington and use the self service machines to check both of us in at the same time. My partner won't be there, but as I will be checking in the only bag, if they need to see any id, it would just be mine.

All up, it won't be the end of the earth if we aren't next to each other as it's only a 45 min flight. I just wanted to get off the plane as quick as possible as we have people collecting us at the other end and don't want them waiting too long!

Anybody have any issues to watch out for using Paddington Check-in or OLCI?