London Gatwick Airport
The London Gatwick Airport is one option when flying in and out of London, England. This airport has several special features, including assistance for those with special needs, an instant messaging service, and duty free shops, that make your flight memorable.
Before you can enjoy all of the features of the London Gatwick Airport, you have to get there. If you are driving yourself, you will find the airport 45 km south of London off of M23 at Junction 9. The airport is also accessible via the A23 London-Brighton Road. Finally, the airport can be reached through M25. All exits for the airport are clearly marked. Once you reach the airport, you will either have to park or use the appropriate forecourt area to drop off your passengers.
It is far easier to get to the airport through public transportation, if possible. Trains, buses, and coaches all service the airport. Using public transportation ensures that you will not get lost, nor will you have to worry about finding a place to park. If you are coming from London, you can catch the Gatwick Express, a dedicated line to and from London Victoria and the airport. The cost for this service is £14.90 for the inbound trip.
The National Rail system also has several trains that travel to the London Gatwick Airport. The rail system drops passengers off at the South Terminal, and those who need to access the Norht Terminal can do so through a free transit train operated by the airport. Trains to the airport run regularly from most major train stations.
If the town you live in or are visiting does not have a train station, consider taking a coach. There are over 400 towns in the UK that are connected to gtatwick via coach, some of which have direct services. Most coach tickets can be purchased ahead of time, ensuring that you have a seat on the coach you need. Finally, if none of these things work, consider using a local bus service from Crawley, Redhill, Horsham, or Horley, and other local towns.
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If you choose to drive your own car, you will need to find a place to park. The London Gatwick Airport has several parking options. For those who need to park for an extended period of time, the Courtlands Parking Gatwick is one option. You can book a space in this parking center ahead of time, and it is monitored through a 24-hour staff and security cameras.
If you want to be close to the South Terminal, then consider Parking Express Gatwick. This parking center also has security measures in place and is controlled through a ticket system. It is open 24 hours a day, and it takes only four or five minutes to park and get to the terminal from Parking Express.
If you need to be near the North Terminal, consider Gatwick NCP Flightpath. This is a year-round parking area with security and a ticket system. It takes around ten minutes to park and get back to the airport, which is a mile away from the parking center and accessible through a shuttle that runs every ten minutes.
Of course, if you are picking someone up from the airport and wish to park, you will not want to use these long-term parking centers. Gatwick short stay parking is available at both terminals, and this costs just £1 for 15 minutes. From this parking terminal you can walk to the airport.
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Once you get to the London Gatwick Airport, you will need to check in before you can head to your gate. Several of the airlines at Gatwick now allow you to check in the day before your flight. This will save you time when you get to the airport, ensuring that you get to your flight on time. You can check the Gatwick website to see whether or not your airline allows day before check in.
If your airline doesn't allow day before check in, you will need to arrive at the airport early to give yourself enough time for check in. If you are flying internationally outside of Europe, you will need to check in three hours before your flight is scheduled to leave. For flights within the EU, you need to check in two hours before your flight leaves. If you are flying within the UK or Ireland, one hour should give you enough time to check in before your flight leaves. You may also be able to use self-service check in kiosks to save yourself some time. Some airlines even allow you to check in online the day you leave.
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If you are flying with a device that is capable of receiving an instant message, you can use the Flying Messenger service through the London Gatwick Airport. This service will send up to date flight information to your handheld device. With this service you can check the status of your flight through your phone or PDA.
All you have to do to use the Flight Messenger service is send a text message to 82222 and type in the airport short code and flight number for your flight. You will then be sent a text message with the current status of the flight. You will also see the terminal where the flight will be arriving. You can use this service if you are flying or if you are planning on picking up someone from the airport. You will have to pay the instant messenger charges that your wireless provider charges for this service.
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Once you have checked in for your flight, you will need to pass through security before heading to your gate. Knowing some of the security protocols ahead of time will help you get to your gate as quickly as possible. Because of recent terrorist concerns, heightened security measures are in place at the London Gatwick Airport.
First, keep in mind that you can only have one carry on that you take through security. If you have a purse or briefcase that you also want to take with you in the cabin, you must be able to fit it inside your one carry on bag. If you have a large electronic item in your bag, such as a laptop, it must go through the x-ray machine in its own bin. Walkers and child safety seats will also go through the x-ray machine.
There are also regulations in place about liquids. You may only carry 100 ml of each liquid on board the plane with you, unless you purchase the liquids at the airport after going through security. Any liquids must be placed in a separate zip top bag that is 20 cm by 20 cm. Food for babies and medications are exceptions to this rule, but you must be able to prove that these items are necessary. You may even be asked to taste your medications. No sharp or pointed objects are allowed, unless medically necessary. If you are traveling with your own personal wheelchair, not an airport chair, you will have to allow the security personnel to inspect the wheelchair.
After your belongings are sent through the x-ray machine, you will walk through a metal detector. If the metal detector goes off, you will be scanned with a hand held wand. Sometimes implants or items in your pocket that you forgot about could cause the detector to go off, so this is not a reason to panic. It is essential that you cooperate with all security staff, as failure to cooperate could lead to your arrest.
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There are two terminals at the London Gatwick Airport: the North Terminal and the South Terminal. You can use the Gatwick Airport website to determine which terminal you need to fly from. Both terminals have several services to make your stay at the airport more comfortable.
The North Terminal has several restaurants and shopping facilities. It also has a play area that is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers at the lower level near the international departure area. Older children will enjoy the arcade. The South Terminal also has several services for families. If you plan ahead, you can book the Gatwick Family Lounge to use during your layover. The Family Lounge is stocked with puzzles, games, magazines, and books for children. Both terminals have diaper changing stations in the restrooms.
Business people will be able to use wireless Internet services in both terminals that are provided by T-Mobile, BT Openzone, or the Cloud Networks. There is a fee for this service. Laptop stations and powered chairs are located throughout the airport to give you a place to charge your battery when needed.
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Of course, chances are you are not coming to the airport to shop, but you can get those last minute gifts or travel items at the airport. If you are traveling internationally, you can purchase duty free items at the airport to take home to friends and family. Anything you purchase after passing through security is allowed on board the plane.
You can find shops of all types at the London Gatwick Airport. The Body Shop is a store that sells skincare products, lotions, and aromatherapy products. Books Etc. is the best place to purchase a book to read on the plane. Do you need a last minute gift? Consider purchasing some fine European chocolates at the Chocolates store. Do you like Clinique products? Consider purchasing some tax-free at the Clinique store in the North Terminal. These are just some of the many types of stores you can find at the airport. There are also toy stores, travel stores, clothing stores, luggage stores, and convenience stores as well.
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Sometimes you will need to eat while at the airport. There are many restaurants and cafes in both terminals for you to choose from. If you need something fast, you can try McDonalds or Burger King. If you are traveling in the morning, grab your favorite latte at Starbucks and a doughnut at Krispe Kreme. Est-Presso is another option. This café sells sandwiches, cakes, and coffees.
If you have a little time before your flight, you can have a sit down meal at Garfunckel's, Frankie & Benny's, Chez Gerard, or the Metro Café. If you are in the mood for something more exotic, consider the Caviar House Seafood Bar. If you are flying from the North Terminal of the London Gatwick Airport, you will want to check out Aqua, a unique bar that sells only bottled water. This is a one of a kind shopping experience, complete with a dazzling water fountain at the center of the shop. Whatever you like to eat, you can find it at the London Gatwick Airport.
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If you are visiting the London Gatwick Airport and need special assistance, there are several options you can consider. Each airline has different assistance options, but the airport has wheel chairs you can use while in the airport. Also, motorized vehicles can help you get where you need to go without having to walk long distances.
If you want to keep your own wheel chair, you will need to check with your airline. Some airlines will allow you to check your wheel chair at the gate, while others require you to check it when you check your luggage. You must then use an airport wheel chair. There are employees at the airport that will help you manage the airport wheel chair.
The London Gatwick Airport also offers shopping assistance with their Shopping Collection service. If you are traveling in the EU, you can purchase your items through the Shopping Collection service, and then pick them up on your arrival at your destination. This allows you to purchase airport and duty free items without having to worry about transporting them.
The London Gatwick Airport also has assistance for hearing and sight impaired passengers. Induction loops are located at certain locations throughout the terminals. These allow hearing impaired individuals to hear instructions easier. Also, all signs in the airport are yellow with black text. This allows those with partial sight impairments to see the signs as easily as possible. The forecourts, parking lots, baggage claim halls, and terminals all have Help Points. Help Points are equipped with phones that allow you to request special assistance if you have a special need that you cannot find help for elsewhere in the London Gatwick Airport.
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