Overview of London Gatwick Airport
London Gatwick Airport is one of the busiest airports in the United Kingdom, serving more than 46 million passengers annually. It is located about 30 miles south of London and offers flights to over 200 destinations worldwide.
The airport has two terminals, North Terminal and South Terminal, which are connected by a shuttle train that runs every few minutes. Both terminals have a range of shops, restaurants, and other facilities for passengers to enjoy.
London Gatwick Airport has a wide range of airlines operating from its terminals, including major carriers such as British Airways, easyJet, and Emirates. The airport is also home to a number of low-cost airlines, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious travellers.
Passengers arriving at London Gatwick Airport can choose from a range of transport options to get to their destination, including trains, buses, taxis, and car hire. The airport is well connected to London and other nearby cities, with frequent services running throughout the day.
Overall, London Gatwick Airport is a modern and well-equipped airport that offers a range of facilities for passengers. Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, it’s a convenient and efficient gateway to the UK and beyond.
Terminals at London Gatwick Airport
London Gatwick Airport has two terminals: North and South. Both terminals are connected by a shuttle service called the inter-terminal shuttle, which runs every few minutes and takes passengers between the two terminals.
The North Terminal is the newer of the two terminals, having opened in 1988. It has three levels: Arrivals, Departures, and Mezzanine. The Departures level has check-in desks for all airlines and a variety of shops and restaurants. The Mezzanine level has additional shops and restaurants as well as a children’s play area. The Arrivals level has baggage reclaim, customs, and immigration facilities.
The South Terminal is the older of the two terminals, having opened in 1958. It has four levels: Arrivals, Departures, Upper Level, and Lower Level. The Departures level has check-in desks for all airlines and a variety of shops and restaurants. The Upper Level has additional shops and restaurants as well as a lounge for premium passengers. The Lower Level has baggage reclaim and customs facilities.
Both terminals have a range of facilities for passengers, including lounges, showers, and baby changing facilities. There are also several hotels located within the airport complex for those who need to stay overnight before or after their flight.
Overall, London Gatwick Airport’s terminals are spacious and modern, offering a range of facilities and services to make the airport experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible for passengers. Whether you’re departing, arriving, or transferring between flights, you’re sure to find everything you need at these world-class terminals.
Airlines and Destinations
The following airlines operate from London Gatwick Airport: British Airways, easyJet, Norwegian Air Shuttle, Ryanair, TUI Airways, and Virgin Atlantic.
British Airways serves destinations including Antigua, Barbados, Bermuda, Cancun, Cape Town, and many more.
easyJet operates both domestic and international routes, with popular destinations including Amsterdam, Barcelona, Edinburgh, Faro, Geneva, Glasgow, and Madrid.
Norwegian Air Shuttle offers flights to cities like Bergen, Copenhagen, New York, Oslo, and Stockholm, as well as seasonal routes to destinations like Dubrovnik, Naples, and Rhodes.
Ryanair operates flights to a variety of European destinations, such as Dublin, Krakow, Lisbon, Rome, and Valencia.
TUI Airways, previously known as Thomson Airways, serves destinations in Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Popular routes include Cancun, Dalaman, Orlando, and Tenerife.
Virgin Atlantic provides transatlantic flights to destinations including Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York, and Orlando.
Routes and destinations may vary seasonally, so it’s always important to check with each airline for the most up-to-date information.
Transportation options at London Gatwick Airport
London Gatwick Airport is one of the busiest airports in the United Kingdom. It serves millions of passengers every year with a wide range of transportation options available to ensure that they can easily reach their destination.
One of the most popular modes of transportation for travelers arriving at Gatwick airport is the shuttle bus service. The shuttle bus provides easy and affordable transportation to and from the airport to various destinations around London. The buses operate frequently, making it easy for passengers to catch one.
For those who prefer to drive themselves, car rental services are available at the airport. Several renowned car rental companies operate at Gatwick airport, providing a wide range of vehicles to choose from. Passengers can book their rental cars in advance or upon arrival at the airport.
Another option available is the shuttle services offered by private companies. These shuttle services provide door-to-door transportation services, making it convenient for passengers to get to their destination without any hassle. These shuttle buses can accommodate individuals or groups of travelers.
If you prefer to use public transportation, the airport has train lines that connect to several destinations around London. The Gatwick Express and Southern rail services have frequent trains running between Gatwick airport and London Victoria station. The journey takes about 30 minutes, and passengers can purchase tickets either online or at the station.
London Gatwick airport also offers several taxi services to its passengers, including private hire taxis and licensed black cabs. Private hire taxis can be booked in advance, while licensed black cabs can be hailed on arrival at the airport.
In conclusion, London Gatwick Airport offers a wide range of transportation options to cater to the different needs of its passengers. Whether you prefer private shuttle services, car rentals, public transportation, or taxi services, you can easily get to your destination from the airport. With the availability of multiple transportation options, passengers can choose the most convenient and affordable mode of transportation to suit their needs.
Parking options at London Gatwick Airport
London Gatwick Airport offers a variety of parking options to suit travelers’ needs. There are short-stay and long-stay car parks available, as well as premium parking and valet services. The short-stay car park is ideal for those who are dropping off or picking up passengers, with rates starting at £4 for 30 minutes.
If you need to park for longer periods, the long-stay car park provides a cost-effective option. Rates start at £25 for 24 hours, with discounts offered for longer stays. There are also premium parking options located closer to the terminals, with rates starting at £45 for 24 hours.
If you’re after convenience, Gatwick’s valet parking service may be the best option for you. Simply drop off your car at the designated area and it will be parked for you while you head straight to check-in. Rates for valet parking start at £130 for three days.
It’s recommended to pre-book your parking spot to ensure availability and to take advantage of any discounts or promotions that may be available. Overall, London Gatwick Airport provides a range of parking options to suit different budgets and preferences.
Check-In Procedures
London Gatwick Airport offers a variety of check-in options to accommodate passengers’ needs. The first option is online check-in, which opens 24 hours before the flight departure time. Passengers can access their reservation through the airline’s website or mobile app and complete the check-in process, select seats, and even print their boarding pass.
The second option is self-service check-in, available in the airport terminals. Passengers can use the electronic kiosks to check-in, select seats, add baggage, and print their boarding pass. This option is convenient for those who prefer a DIY approach and want to avoid waiting in line at the traditional check-in counters.
Lastly, the traditional check-in counters are still available for passengers who prefer to interact with a customer service representative. The counters open around three hours before the flight departure time and close 45 minutes before the scheduled takeoff time.
Passengers are required to present their identification and travel documents at all check-in methods. Additionally, if passengers have checked baggage, they must drop them off at the bag drop counters after completing the check-in process.
Overall, London Gatwick Airport provides a variety of check-in options to accommodate passengers’ preferences and make the process as easy and efficient as possible.
Security Procedures and Tips at London Gatwick Airport
At London Gatwick Airport, security is taken very seriously and there are several procedures in place to ensure the safety of all passengers.
These include x-ray screening for carry-on baggage, body scanners for passengers, and thorough checks on items such as liquids and electronics.
To make the security process smoother, passengers should arrive early, wear easy-to-remove shoes and jackets, pack liquids in a clear plastic bag, and have their boarding pass and ID ready.
It is also important to follow all instructions given by security personnel and be patient during the process.
By following these tips and cooperating with staff, travelers can ensure a safe and stress-free experience at London Gatwick Airport.
Customs and Immigration
Upon arrival at London Gatwick Airport, passengers will first proceed through immigration control. They will need to present their passport, visa (if required), arrival card, and any supporting documents. The immigration officer will ask a few questions regarding the purpose of the visit and the length of stay.
After clearing immigration, passengers will collect their luggage from the baggage reclaim area and proceed to customs control. A green channel is available for passengers carrying goods that are within the duty-free allowance limit, while a red channel is available for passengers carrying goods that exceed the duty-free allowance or prohibited items.
For departing passengers, they will need to go through security checks before entering the departure lounge. This includes passing through metal detectors, removing electronic devices and liquids from their bags, and placing them in trays for X-ray scanning.
Once in the departure lounge, passengers will be able to enjoy the various food and retail options available before boarding their flight. They must ensure they have all necessary travel documents, including passports and boarding passes, before heading to the gate for boarding.
Amenities
– Shops and dining options are available throughout the airport, with a wide variety of cuisine and retail options.
– Free Wi-Fi is offered to all passengers, with no time limit or data quota.
– The airport also features several lounges, including airline-specific lounges and independent lounges available for purchase.
– Currency exchange services are available in both the North and South terminals.
– A prayer room is available in the South terminal for passengers of all faiths.
– Baggage storage facilities are available for those needing to stow their luggage during a layover or before a flight.
– Family-friendly amenities include baby changing facilities, children’s play areas, and special assistance for families traveling with young children.
Accessibility Services
London Gatwick Airport offers a range of facilities and services for passengers with disabilities or mobility issues. Wheelchairs are available upon request, and there are dedicated assistance points throughout the airport. Additionally, there are accessible toilets, hearing loops, and visual aids such as Braille signage.
Passengers with hidden disabilities can also receive assistance through the Sunflower Lanyard Scheme. This scheme allows staff to identify those who require extra support without the need for them to disclose their condition. Service animals are also permitted within the airport. If you require any extra assistance, it is recommended that you inform your airline prior to your visit.
Connecting Flights at London Gatwick Airport
Connecting flights can be stressful, but with a little preparation and knowledge of the airport, it can be a smooth process.
If you have a connecting flight at London Gatwick Airport, make sure to check your boarding pass for your gate number and departure time.
You can also use the airport maps and signages to find your way around the airport.
It’s important to allow enough time to get from one gate to another, especially if you need to go through immigration or security again.
Consider using the airport’s shuttle service or taking a walk if your gates are far apart.
Make sure to also double-check the airport’s restrictions on liquids and prohibited items before your flight.
And if you’re feeling lost or confused, don’t hesitate to ask for help from airport staff. They’re there to assist you in any way possible.
Baggage Claim and Lost Property
After you have landed, follow the signs to the baggage claim area. Your bags should arrive on the assigned carousel. Check the display screens for your flight number to confirm the location of your baggage.
If your luggage is missing or damaged, report it to the airline’s baggage handling desk before leaving the airport. You will need to provide a detailed description of your baggage and submit a baggage claim report. Keep a copy of the report for your records.
If your lost baggage is found, the airline will contact you to arrange for its return. It may take up to several days for your baggage to be located and returned to you. If your baggage is not found within 21 days, you can file a claim for compensation.
Emergency and Medical Facilities
London Gatwick Airport has a team of trained medical professionals on-site 24/7 to assist in case of emergencies. In the event of a medical emergency, passengers should inform airport staff or contact the nearest emergency call point.
For serious incidents, paramedics are available at Gatwick’s medical center, which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The medical center is equipped to handle a range of emergencies, from minor injuries to more serious conditions.
There are also several defibrillators located throughout the airport, which are easily identifiable by their bright green signs. In addition to medical facilities, Gatwick also has a dedicated fire service with highly trained firefighters on standby to respond to any emergencies.
Hotel Accommodations
For travelers looking for a comfortable stay near London Gatwick Airport, there are numerous options available. These hotels offer a range of amenities, from free airport shuttle services to on-site restaurants and bars.
Here is a list of five hotels located within close proximity to the airport:
1. Courtyard by Marriott London Gatwick Airport – 0.3 miles
2. Hilton London Gatwick Airport – 0.5 miles
3. Premier Inn London Gatwick Airport South – 0.6 miles
4. BLOC Hotel Gatwick – 0.6 miles
5. YOTELAIR London Gatwick Airport – 0.8 miles
Each of these hotels offers a convenient location for those with early-morning or late-night flights.
Useful Tips
When traveling through London Gatwick Airport, it can be overwhelming and stressful. However, with a few insider tips, you can navigate the airport like a pro and even enjoy your time there.
First, download the Gatwick Airport app to stay up-to-date on flight information and navigate the airport easily. Next, take advantage of the free Wi-Fi and charging stations throughout the airport to stay connected.
If you have some time to spare, explore the various shops, restaurants, and lounges in the airport – from high-end boutiques to casual dining options, there is something for everyone. Lastly, consider booking a lounge access pass to relax in comfort before your flight.
By following these helpful tips, you can make the most of your time at London Gatwick Airport and start your trip off on the right foot.
Contact Information
- Lost and Found: +44 (0)1293 503162
- Baggage Services: +44 (0)1293 503020
- Customer Services: +44 (0)344 335 1801
- Information Desk: +44 (0)844 892 0322
- Parking Services: +44 (0)344 811 8311
- Taxi Services: +44 (0)1293 569090
Airports near London Gatwick Airport
For travelers looking for alternative flight options or with layovers and connecting flights, here are some airports near London Gatwick Airport:
- London Heathrow Airport – located approximately 28 miles north of Gatwick Airport, Heathrow Airport is the busiest airport in the UK. Transportation options include the Heathrow Express train, National Express coach service, and taxis.
- London City Airport – located approximately 35 miles northeast of Gatwick Airport, London City Airport is primarily used for business travel. Transportation options include the Docklands Light Railway, buses, and taxis.
- London Luton Airport – located approximately 63 miles north of Gatwick Airport, London Luton Airport is a hub for budget airlines. Transportation options include National Express buses, trains, and taxis.
- London Stansted Airport – located approximately 70 miles northeast of Gatwick Airport, London Stansted Airport is another hub for budget airlines. Transportation options include the Stansted Express train, National Express buses, and taxis.
Each of these airports offers a range of international and domestic flights, and transportation options to and from the airports vary depending on the time of day and mode of transport chosen. It’s always best to research and plan ahead to ensure a smooth journey!