Hi,
I have an Easy Jet flight departing from the north terminal on a Monday morning in late May. I'm wondering if Monday mornings are particularly busy. I was thinking of arriving at security screening at 5 for a flight at just after 7 AM. I plan to drop off my checked bag the night before. The Gatwick airport website does list 3 hours as a suggestion for flights to Europe, but that seems excessive. So will 2 hours be sufficient to clear security screening and grab a coffee?
Thank You
Two hours is usually fine. Easyjet usually opens check-in either two hours before flights or slightly later.
I know Gatwick and Heathrow are two different beasts (LHR being the bigger beast) - but even our Air Canada flight home to Canada from London recommended only 2 hours early. Our flight from LHR was at 11am, and from the time we got off the tube to dropping a checked bag and getting thru security took us - seriously - all of 20 min! (at term 2). I would think at 5am, for a flight from LGW, that 2 hrs would suffice.
Yesterday, Gatwick security (North terminal) took less than 15 minutes.) Saturday is busy with flights to resort destinations. Very crowded terminal.
Two hours should be fine.
Easyjet moved to the North terminal a couple of months ago. They have lots of self bag drop counters (assistance is at hand) and it takes no longer than 5 minutes even in busy times, so I wouldn't bother dropping it the night before. I assume that they still have a manned counter there, but you hit the self check in desks before any manned area, so I didn't see this area.
Two hours is fine for European flights. The busiest slots are at 6am when flights out start, so at 7, there will be a bit of a lull, although there will be plenty of commuters taking internal flights, especially on a Monday.
You don't need to print your boarding passes off if you have a smartphone or tablet. Check in online in advance works well too.
You may want to buy food and drink to take onboard once you are through, as the choice onboard is limited.
I plan to drop off my checked bag the night before.
Easyjet generally do not open the bag drop until 3 hours before a flight (may vary slightly depending on airport).
Last week I arrived at Manchester 4 hours before my Easyjet flight and had to wait an hour before I could drop off my bag.
Only after you have dropped off your bag can you go through security. Easyjet also says you have to be at the gate 30 minutes before scheduled departure time. Screening varies, but is usually about 5-20 minutes, not a worry. 5am arrival for a 7 am flight should give you a good hour for coffee.
Makes sure you have your boarding pass printed out before you arrive at the airport. You can do an online check-in and print your pass up to 30 days in advance. So for a "late May" flight you should be able to do it today.
Are you staying at Gatwick the night before the flight? If so, the Sofitel is connected to the north terminal and there is a Premiere Inn as well just a little further--but also basically connected. I stayed at the Sofitel. It's okay but not as good as other Sofitels.
Thank you everyone!!!! Looks like 2 hours should work.
