Nighttime Operations At Gatwick Airport: Open Or Closed?

Gatwick Airport is open 24 hours a day, but security checkpoints close for a few hours each evening. If you arrive after they've closed, you can stay in the landside areas until the checkpoints reopen at around 3 am. While the airport doesn't shut, the number of flights at night is limited by a quota. The number of flights between 11:30 pm and 6 am is currently 11,200 in the summer and 3,250 in winter.

Gatwick Airport is open 24 hours a day, but security checkpoints close for a few hours each evening

There are two terminals at Gatwick Airport: North and South. Both terminals have a decent amount of benches and seats, but they fill up quickly due to the high number of travellers. The South Terminal is reportedly quieter than the North Terminal, but the seating and sleeping options are fairly similar. If you're staying in the landside area of the North Terminal, travellers recommend heading to the lower level near the coffee shop for some comfortable seats.

If you're looking for a place to sleep, it's best to arrive early to secure a decent seat. The seating in the airside areas is more comfortable, with padded, armrest-free benches and lounge chairs, some even with footrests. Small corners and nooks in the main public and gate areas offer some peace and quiet for those who prefer to sleep on the floor.

The airport staff and security guards generally don't bother sleepers, and travellers report feeling safe. However, security guards may ask to see your ID and travel tickets, depending on where you choose to sleep. It's important to take precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables when sleeping in any airport, especially when travelling alone. Here are some tips:

• Know where the security office is located and look for video cameras near your chosen sleeping spot.
• Stay near other travellers or close to security if you're travelling alone to deter potential thieves.
• Hide your valuables and consider padlocking your bag to something or sleeping with your bag up against a wall to prevent theft.
• Stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe. You can always catch up on sleep during your flight.

In addition to the seating options, Gatwick Airport also offers hotels and lounges for those seeking more comfort and privacy. Two hotels, Bloc Gatwick and YOTELAIR, are located inside the airport and offer day rooms and hourly rates. Several other hotels from familiar brands, such as Hampton, Hilton, Premier Inn, and Sofitel, are also located nearby. However, accessing these hotels requires leaving the secure area of the airport.

The airport offers various amenities to make your stay more comfortable. Free charging points and unlimited WiFi are available throughout the terminals. There are also 24-hour food options, including Pret a Manger, Starbucks, and Caffe Nero. For those seeking a refreshing shower before their flight, there are shower facilities available in the North Terminal for a fee.

The South Terminal is quieter than the North Terminal

Gatwick Airport is open 24 hours a day, but the security checkpoints close for a few hours each evening. If you arrive at night after they've closed, you can stay in the landside areas until the checkpoints reopen at around 3 am.

The South Terminal is somewhat quieter than the North Terminal. If you're staying landside in the North Terminal, travellers recommend heading to the lower level near the coffee shop for some comfy seats. In the South Terminal, you can find comfortable seats in the lounge area upstairs, where there's also a place to charge your gadgets. There's also a 24/7 Cafe Nero nearby.

If you're looking for uninterrupted sleep, there are two hotels inside the airport that offer day rooms and overnight stays.

There are 24-hour food and drink options available

Gatwick Airport does not shut at night, and there are plenty of 24-hour food and drink options available. If you're spending the night at the airport, you'll be pleased to know that there are various eateries and cafes to keep you fuelled and entertained.

The South Terminal is the place to be, with a wider range of options available compared to the North Terminal. Start your day (or end it) with a hearty breakfast at The Flying Horse, a family-friendly pub serving up great-value meals. They open bright and early at 4 am, so you can get your fix of bacon, eggs, and all the breakfast classics.

If you're craving something more exotic, head to the Grain Store Café & Bar, also in the South Terminal. Here, you'll find an extensive breakfast menu with a healthy twist, featuring locally sourced ingredients and fresh produce.

For coffee lovers, Café Nero in the South Terminal is a 24/7 haven. Grab a warm cup of coffee and settle into one of the comfortable seats with 90 minutes of free Wi-Fi. If you're in the North Terminal, Jamie's Coffee Lounge is your best bet, open from 3 am to cater to those early morning caffeine cravings.

If you're after something more substantial, the North Terminal has Tortilla, offering tasty tacos and wraps, while the South Terminal boasts Pizza Express, where you can indulge in some classic Italian fare.

For a quick bite on the go, Greggs in the South Terminal provides a taste of home with their iconic baked goods and sandwiches.

And if you're in the mood for something sweet, Krispy Kreme serves up their famous Original Glazed doughnuts, along with barista-crafted coffee and delicious shakes.

So, whether you're killing time during a layover or spending the night at Gatwick Airport, there's no need to go hungry with these 24-hour food and beverage options readily available.

The airport offers free unlimited WiFi

Gatwick Airport is technically open 24 hours a day, but security checkpoints close for a few hours each evening. If you arrive at night after they've closed, you can stay in the landside areas until the checkpoints open again around 3:00 am.

In addition to free WiFi, Gatwick Airport has many other amenities to keep you comfortable and entertained during your stay. Both terminals offer padded, armrest-free seating, and the South Terminal is known to be quieter than the North Terminal. If you're looking for refreshments, 24-hour food concessions are available, including Black Sheep Coffee, Pret a Manger, Starbucks, Caffe Nero, Greggs, and more. For entertainment, the airport features art installations by local artists, children's play areas, and interfaith chapels for quiet prayer or meditation.

There are hotels inside the airport that offer day rooms and overnight stays

Gatwick Airport does not shut at night, and there are several hotels inside the airport that offer day rooms and overnight stays.

The BLOC Hotel, located in the South Terminal, is the closest hotel in the world to an airport security gate. Its reception is on the same floor as the International Departures area, giving guests a few extra hours of sleep if they have an early morning flight. The hotel offers free, fast WiFi, a restaurant partnership with two local airport restaurants, parking, and HD LED TVs in every room.

The YOTELAIR is another hotel located inside the South Terminal. It offers a choice of premium and standard cabins, with flat-screen TVs, workstations, comfy beds, and monsoon showers. The minimum booking is four hours, making it a good option for those in transit. The hotel provides free fast WiFi, free hot drinks, 24-hour guest services, and extra luggage cabins.

The Hampton by Hilton is located inside the North Terminal and is just a five-minute shuttle ride from the South Terminal. The hotel offers clean and comfortable rooms with crisp duvets and a choice of pillows. There are five types of rooms available, all non-smoking. Free breakfast is available, and "On the Run" breakfast bags are provided from Monday to Friday.

The Premier Inn is located opposite the North Terminal's main entrance and offers a free shuttle to the South Terminal. The hotel provides king-size beds, a choice of firm or soft pillows, tea and coffee stations in every room, function rooms, and an on-site restaurant.

The Sofitel is located inside the North Terminal and is within easy access of the South Terminal. The hotel offers rooms to suit everyone, from standard Classic rooms to opulent Prestige Suites. Many rooms benefit from superb views of the airport. The hotel provides 24-hour room service, safety deposit boxes, and 14 meeting rooms. There are three dining options: Gatwick Oriental, La Brasserie, and Le Café.

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