Arriving Prepared: Gatwick Airport Arrival Time Planning

Gatwick Airport recommends that passengers arrive at least two hours before their flight to allow plenty of time for check-in and security. However, check-in times vary depending on the destination of the flight, with long-haul check-in opening four hours before scheduled departure, European flights three hours before, and UK and Ireland flights two hours before.

Check-in times

It is recommended that you arrive at Gatwick Airport at least two hours before your flight to allow plenty of time. However, check-in times vary depending on the type of flight. For long-haul flights, check-in opens four hours before scheduled departure, for European flights, check-in opens three hours before, and for UK and Ireland flights, check-in opens two hours before.

If you have already checked in online and only have hand luggage, you can go directly through security to the departure lounge. It is always best to check online for flight information and to contact your airline for specific advice on checking-in times.

For international travel, a valid passport is normally required. It is also a good idea to check on Twitter for any updates or delays at the airport.

As a general rule, it is best to arrive at the airport at least three hours before your flight to allow for any potential delays.

Long-haul flights

For long-haul flights, it is recommended that you arrive at Gatwick Airport three hours in advance. This will allow you plenty of time to check in and pass through security. Check-in opens around three hours before your scheduled departure, and you must check in at least 60 minutes before your flight. You should pass through security at least 35 minutes before your flight departs. If you are travelling with luggage, you can save time by having it collected from your doorstep and checked in for you, allowing you to head straight to security when you arrive at the airport.

If you are travelling by train, check the trains before you go and find out about any possible last-minute changes. Leave early, or consider staying in a nearby hotel the night before your flight.

European flights

Gatwick Airport is one of the UK's busiest airports, so it's important to know when to arrive and what to expect. Check-in for European flights opens three hours before your scheduled departure, and it is recommended that you arrive at least two hours before your flight to allow plenty of time.

If you're travelling by train, check the trains before you go and find out about any possible last-minute changes. If you're driving, remember that if you break down on the way, or if there is a crash and you get held up, you could end up missing your flight if you don't arrive on time.

If you want to arrive early to relax in a lounge, Gatwick has plenty of options to cater to every traveller. There are also plenty of hotels near Gatwick Airport, and most of them can arrange to take you to the airport.

UK and Ireland flights

For UK and Ireland flights, check-in opens two hours before scheduled departure. It is recommended that you arrive at least two hours before your flight to allow plenty of time. However, it is always best to check online for flight information and check your ticket or contact your airline for specific advice on checking-in times.

If you have already checked in online and only have hand luggage, you can go directly through security to the departure lounge.

If you are flying long-haul, check-in opens four hours before scheduled departure. For European flights, check-in opens three hours before.

The Gatwick Airport website advises that day-before check-in is available for TUI, easyJet and British Airways passengers.

Day before check-in

It is recommended that you arrive at Gatwick Airport at least two hours before your flight. However, if you are travelling long-haul, check-in opens four hours before scheduled departure, so you may want to arrive earlier than this.

If you are checking in the day before your flight, this is only available for TUI, easyJet and British Airways passengers.

Check your ticket or contact your airline for specific advice on checking-in times.

Frequently asked questions