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Travelling from Gatwick Airport, whether you are travelling with children, persons with disabilities or special needs, all require careful planning. Use our useful guide on air travel, including airport parking and packing. |
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What should and shouldn't be in your suitcase ... |
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We have put together a comprehensive list of things for travellers to consider before setting off on your journey from Gatwick Airport, such as securing your home, convenient airport parking, ways for a comfortable flight and general tips and advice on relaxed travel.
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Travelling to Gatwick Airport ... |
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Gatwick is 28 miles south of London, accessible from Junction 9 of the M23, as well as the London-Brighton A23 road.
With the M25 just 10 minutes away, Gatwick Airport connects to the UK's road and motorway network with ease.
Whatever way you are getting to Gatwick, use the ‘Getting to the Airport’ section of this Information Guide:
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With a variety of parking options available to passengers travelling to Gatwick by car you can choose from length of stay, your budget or the level of service and help required.
If you are collecting or dropping off travellers, or you are planning to leave your vehicle for a short amount of time the airport's short stay car park is your best option. Both the North and South Terminals have short stay car parks.
Passengers travelling away for longer than a few days Gatwick's long stay parking long stay car parks are suggested.
Choose from long stay parking with complimentary transfers to and from the airport terminals, or convenient meet and greet valet parking.
Valet meet and greet parking, available from both the North and South Terminals at London Gatwick Airport, leaves you free from worry about airport bus transfers, it gives you peace of mind, plus ease and convenience when you arrive and return to the airport.
By pre-booking your valet meet and greet parking you simply drive straight to the airport terminal, where you'll be met by the meet and greet company representative, this allows you to proceed straight to check-in.
Secured in a safe parking compound, your vehicle will be ready and waiting for you when you return to Gatwick. Your meet and greet parking rep will be waiting for you, leaving you free to load your bags and head straight for home - no bus transfers, no waiting, no delays.
Considered the ultimate in airport parking, valet meet and greet provides airline travellers a stress free start to their holiday or business trip. The service is just as stress free on your return, when you are feeling exhausted and ready to get on the road home. Ideal for families with young children, persons with disabilities or special needs, people with sports equipment or heavy bags. It is particularly good for business travellers, without the luxury of time.
Expect to pay in the region of £83 for one week and £118 for two weeks for meet and greet parking, dependant on the operator you choose.
It is always advisable to pre-book your valet meet and greet parking to guarantee availability.
To book call 0870 300 600 9 or visit www.help-me-park.com. |
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Following your arrival at Gatwick you will need to head straight for your check-in desk (see your ticket for details and the information boards shown in the airport) so you can check-in for your flight and drop off your luggage.
Be aware that in recent times security has tightened greatly so do leave extra time for check-in and security control. Make sure you arrive in plenty of time before your flight.
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Flight Type |
Check In Time |
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Long Haul Flights |
3 HOURS before departure |
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European Flights |
2 HOURS before departure |
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UK & Northern Ireland Flights |
1 HOUR before departure |
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Keep your luggage with you at all times if you are not going straight to check-in. Do not let anyone else take your bags for you. Once you have checked in the same applies for your hand luggage - do not leave it unattended and do not let anyone carry it for you.
You should never offer to look after another passenger's luggage whilst on airport grounds. You should not carry any thing other than your own hand luggage onto the aircraft. If you are approached by another passenger that you are not aquatinted with alert airport staff immediately, likewise if you notice any bags unattended.
Once in the departure lounge keep a regular check on the display boards that will highlight your boarding gate. Do allow enough time to get to the gate as some can take as long as 30 minutes to get to.
You can find more information on security checks you will need to pass through between the check-in desks and boarding the Aircraft in the Airport Safety and Security section of this Fly Guide. |
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Plane journeys can be uncomfortable and very boring, even more so if you are travelling with young children and small babies. Check out our top tips for making your flight that bit more bearable.
Before you set off to the airport think about what you will need in your hand luggage as well as passports, tickets and money so you have everything you need once you have boarded.
Think about whether you will need to include any prescribed medication, decongestants (especially if you have a cold), sanitary protection and valuables that you don't want to pack in your main luggage. It's worth packing a light weight change of clothes and also a toothbrush and paste in case of delays so you can freshen up.
Things are always more uncomfortable when we are hungry. With this in mind it's worth remembering that airline food portions can be fairly small. Consider having a meal before you board and also packing some snacks in your hand luggage - especially as buying snacks on board can be costly and limited. Do note that Customs do not permit you to take fruit or dairy products on the aircraft.
Pack some magazines, your stereo and a book as whilst long-haul flights supply entertainment, it might not be to your taste.
Cabin pressure can cause swollen hands and feet, plus it will dry out the skin. Make sure you drink lots of water to stay hydrated, both before and during the flight. Also limit the amount of alcohol you drink as this adds to dehydration. It's worth carrying some moisturiser to help prevent dry skin.
Taking off your shoes so that your feet are more comfortable can also help. It's also worth packing some sandals or flip flops into your hand luggage too if you are travelling to a hot destination and have a lengthy transfer.
It can get very cold in the cabin so take a warm jumper to keep you warm. It can even double up as a pillow so you can try and get some sleep.
If you have difficulty falling asleep in anything but quiet pack some ear plugs. Likewise, if you need total darkness, pack an eye mask.
Suffer from travel sickness - invest in some tablets or wrist bands - and pack any other remedies that you know work for you.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) - a serious condition where blood clots develop in the deep veins of the legs - can effect those travelling on long-haul flights. This is because passengers get little or no exercise, which may increase the risk of developing DVT.
Do try and walk around on the flight as much as you can, particularly if travelling on a long-haul journey. Stretch your legs, wiggle your toes and clench your bottom to get the blood circulating.
More information on how you can help prevent DVT, and who is at risk can be found on the Department of Health website.- Click Here
Lastly, read our article below - ‘Tips on Staying Comfortable When Flying’ before you travel. |
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Helping You Stay Comfortable... |
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1. Upgrade |
At check-in ask to see if there are any complimentary upgrades available. These are rare but if you 'don't ask, you don't get'. |
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2. Front Row Seats |
Ask for a seat by an emergency exit or a front row seat (front of each cabin section) as these seats have more leg room. |
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3. Aisle Seats |
Aisle seats allow you to stretch your legs to the side (be careful of passers by). What's more, it means you can get out to the toilet, or to take a walk through the cabin, without disturbing other passengers. |
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4. Pillow |
To get you off to sleep you might want to pack a light blanket or small pillow. Alternatively you can buy blow-up neck supports that act as a good pillow and aid comfort and sleep. Ear plugs will help keep out noise, whilst an eye mask will block out light. |
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5. Painful Ears |
You can now buy special ear plus that equalise air pressure in the cabin so you can help alleviate painful ears during take off and landing. You'll find these useful if you are flying with a cold, have sinus problems or allergies. |
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6. Dehydration |
Flying will cause dehydration that will make you feel very uncomfortable. Drink plenty of water before your flight and also make sure you keep drinking during the flight. It's worth carrying on your own (big) bottle. |
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7. Snacks |
Don't forget snacks and refreshments - if you are having an in-flight meal it's worth remembering that portions can be small! |
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8. Anxiety |
Anxiety brought on by flying is very unpleasant. Practice some simple breathing techniques that you can use during the flight. You may find a book, crossword or travel game helps take your mind off the flight. However, if you suffer very badly from anxiety consult your Doctor before you fly. |
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Travel with Young Children and Babies... |
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When travelling with small children make sure you are prepared for their 'little emergencies' and boredom by packing some activities in your hand luggage.
Good ideas are travel games such as snakes & ladders, Connect 4 and such like. Colouring books and crayons, reading and sticker books to help keep your children entertained. You could even try wrapping the different toys up and guessing what they are, adding to the fun.
Many airlines provide children with an activity pack, presented to the child after take off. Whilst these are great, they won't hold the child’s attention for long periods of time.
Pack some toys that you can play games around - dolls, toy cars, toy planes, etc - and make up stories about them.
Travelling with a young baby can be daunting. Pack everything you think you might need, just in case. Include plenty of baby food or formula milk in the event of delays. Finger food, cold water sterilising tablets, spare nappies and nappy bags. Also make sure you have a spare change of clothes for any messy accidents.
Remember - it does get cold in the cabin. Make sure you include warm clothes for your children and babies. |
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Disabled and Special Needs Travel... |
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These days most airlines are fully equipped to help those passengers with disabilities or special needs.
Disabled, or special needs passengers are advised to check that any special assistance required is included in the ticket price before booking.
Well in advance make sure the airline knows of your disabilities or special needs so these can be accommodated.
Most carriers ask passengers with disabilities or special needs to transfer to an airline wheelchair at check-in. However, if you would prefer to stay in your own wheelchair up to boarding do check, in advance, that this is possible.
Do note that Gatwick Airport is a large airport with many boarding gates so there are often long distances to walk. Some take up to 30 minutes to walk to. With this in mind, special assistance vehicles are available for travellers with special needs or disabilities. Pre-arrange these prior to your arrival at the airport to avoid any delays or unavailability.
Independent travel agency, Travel-Care, has charitable status that offers advice to all passengers that may need extra help on their journey travelling through Gatwick Airport.
If you have any questions or queries regarding disabled travel you can find Travel-Care in the Gatwick Village, in the South Terminal.
Or you can call them in advance on
+44 (0)1293 504 283. |
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