Gatwick Airport: A Traveler's Worst Nightmare?

London Gatwick Airport is an international airport in England. It is a hub for airlines such as British Airways, easyJet, and Wizz Air. The airport has a bad rating of 1.7/5 on Trustpilot, with many reviews citing issues with seating, cleanliness, and customer service. Some passengers have also reported experiences of racism and rude behaviour from staff. The airport is also criticised for its small size relative to the number of passengers and airlines it serves, resulting in crowded and cramped conditions. Delayed flights and long walks to gate areas are other common complaints. However, some reviews highlight the airport's clean facilities, friendly staff, and convenient shopping and dining options.

Rude and unwelcoming staff

However, not all reviews of Gatwick Airport staff are negative. One reviewer on Trustpilot noted that while the airport works (staff) were not friendly, the special assistance team was "amazing". The same reviewer went on to describe the staff as "so kind and compassionate", which they "much appreciated". Another review on Trustpilot describes the staff as "friendly", while a review on AirlineQuality.com mentions that a cleaner was "more than happy" to address an issue that the reviewer had.

Lack of seating

London Gatwick Airport has received several complaints about its lack of seating. One passenger complained about the absence of seats at Gate 5, forcing them and 30 other people to sit on the floor. Another traveller noted that the North Terminal is inadequate for the volume of passengers, with a shortage of seating areas, particularly in bars and restaurants. This sentiment is echoed by other travellers, who describe curling up on tile flooring or leaning against walls due to the limited seating options.

The South Terminal has also been criticised for its lack of seating in the departure area, causing discomfort for elderly passengers. The airport's response to this issue has been deemed unsatisfactory, with one reviewer suggesting that the airport staff spend a night there to understand the extent of the problem.

The seating shortage is especially notable given the high volume of passengers Gatwick Airport serves. With 46.1 million passengers passing through in 2018, the airport can feel crowded and cramped. The terminals themselves are quite a distance from one another, with a 15-minute walk between them, adding to the challenge of finding a place to sit.

While some passengers have praised the airport's cleanliness, friendliness of staff, and the convenience of shopping and dining options, the lack of seating remains a significant issue for many travellers. This has contributed to an overall ""Bad" rating of 1.7/5 on Trustpilot, with travellers expressing disappointment and frustration with their experiences at London Gatwick Airport.

Poor dining experience

London Gatwick Airport has received numerous complaints about its dining and seating experience. The airport's North Terminal has been criticised for not having enough seating to accommodate the large number of passengers. Travellers have reported having to sit on the cold floor or lean against walls due to the lack of available seats. This issue is not limited to the North Terminal, as some reviewers have mentioned similar experiences in the South Terminal as well.

The dining options at Gatwick Airport have also been a source of disappointment for many travellers. Some reviewers have complained about the limited variety of food available, with one person specifically mentioning the high price of a burger, which was over £17. The outlets serving food and drinks are often crowded and heaving, making it difficult to find a space to sit and enjoy a meal. The bars, in particular, are crowded, and passengers have to beg for service.

The overall dining and seating experience at Gatwick Airport can be quite poor, with travellers facing challenges such as limited seating, high prices, and crowded dining areas. These issues can make the airport feel cramped and unpleasant for those waiting for their flights.

However, it is important to note that not all reviews are negative. Some travellers have praised the airport's duty-free shopping, clean facilities, and seamless combination of convenience and comfort in the South Terminal. Nonetheless, the consistent complaints about seating and dining suggest that Gatwick Airport could improve in these areas to enhance the overall travel experience for its passengers.

Expensive food

Food at London Gatwick Airport is considered expensive. Starbucks, for example, charges 34% more at UK airports, with Gatwick being one of the highest. As a busy terminal that served over 40.9 million passengers in 2023, the demand at Gatwick is high, and the management is forecasting a 6.8% increase in passengers for 2024.

There are several reasons for the high food prices at Gatwick Airport. Firstly, passengers have limited options once they have passed through security, so businesses aim to maximise their profits. Secondly, the cost of renting retail spaces within airports is incredibly high, which is reflected in the prices charged to customers. Additionally, space constraints within the airport mean that there are limited products available and fewer seats in restaurants.

Some travellers suggest bringing your own snacks and eating a full meal before arriving at the airport to avoid paying the high prices. There are also alternative dining options outside the airport, such as restaurants in Crawley, which is a short train ride away and offers a variety of dining options to suit different tastes and budgets. Zari Restaurant, located just a 10-minute drive from Gatwick Airport, is another popular choice for affordable dining.

Despite the high prices, there are some noteworthy dining options within Gatwick Airport. For a relaxed dining experience, the North Terminal outpost of Shake Shack offers a range of meals, from breakfast to dinner. Juniper & Co provides a unique drinking experience with its sweeping circular bar and selection of fruity cocktails. For breakfast, PizzaExpress' breakfast dough balls are a unique offering, and the airport's Nando's is the only one in the UK and Ireland that serves a breakfast menu.

Delayed flights

London Gatwick Airport, located about 47.5 km south of downtown London, is one of the busiest single-runway airports in the world. According to recent data, Gatwick Airport was the worst airport in London in terms of delayed and cancelled flights. The airport had average departure delays of over 30 minutes, with an average delay of around 18 minutes, and a cancellation rate of 6.7% of all outbound flights.

Several factors contribute to these delays, including poor weather conditions, airspace constraints across Europe, and third-party ground operations. For example, fog can cause temporary restrictions and delays, and even when it dissipates, planes and pilots may still be out of place, leading to further disruptions.

The performance varies significantly among airlines operating at Gatwick Airport. Gulf Air, for instance, had the best on-time performance in 2023, with an average delay of just seven minutes per departure. In contrast, Freebird Airlines, Tunisair, and Fly One kept their flights on the ground for an extra hour on average.

Delays and cancellations at Gatwick Airport can cause significant inconvenience and uncertainty for passengers, who may have to consider alternative travel options or face prolonged layovers. To avoid unnecessary delays, it is recommended that travellers check the status of their flight with their airline and be familiar with the Minimum Connection Time (MCT) required for connecting flights. Additionally, planning transport alternatives beforehand can help travellers navigate the airport and reach their destination more efficiently.

Furthermore, travellers should be aware of their rights and the procedures for claiming compensation in case of missed connections or delayed flights. Organisations like MYFLYRIGHT, a legal tech company, specialise in supporting passengers affected by flight delays and cancellations, providing access to justice and assistance with refunds or compensations.

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