In June we are flying out of Gatwick to Rome and would like to know how early do we need to be at the airport? Your help is much appreciated.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23243 posts
Depending on time of day, two hours should be enough. Later afternoon I might add 30 minutes.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thank you. Our flight leaves 9:35 am.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23243 posts
If you are checked in by 8, 8.15 you will be fine.
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
Note that Frank says "checked in by 8:15". He is not advising that you arrive at Gatwick at 8:15.
Posted by
Missouri, USA and Essex, UK.
991 posts
London Airports are always busy. I would allow extra time. You do not say where you are coming in from. If you are in London and are traveling to Gatwick in the morning then you will need extra time for traveling. Roads (M25) and trains will be busy. At the airport there can be long lines for check in and security. Give yourself some extra time.
Posted by
20 posts
Follow-up question for June trip:
We are staying in London (Novotel on Lambeth Rd) the night prior to an early (6:40am) flight to Venice on BA. The Gatwick Express doesn't start until 5am. We can take the Southern Railway at 4am out of Victoria (51 min) plus time and $ to get to Victoria from our hotel. OR should we hire a private shuttle? 2 adults and 3 teenagers with luggage. (the cost is about the same)
and
What time would you arrive at Gatwick for a 6:40 flight?
Goal is to maximize sleep.
How long would a private shuttle take at that time of the day on a Monday morning?
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
"Goal is to maximize sleep."
My goal would to get to Gatwick in plenty of time. Contact JustAirports.com for a quote and for journey time, bearing in mind that you should be at the airport 2 hours beforehand, although so early in the morning you could probably be safe with 90 minutes.
Posted by
Royaume-Uni nul points, pas plus
2501 posts
your goal is to get to Venice - you can sleep on the plane
look for earlier trains from London Bridge or Blackfriars
Posted by
Missouri, USA and Essex, UK.
991 posts
A 6:40 a.m. flight, out of Gatwick on a Monday. You will still need to be there two hours before to make sure you make the flight. It is an early start and I would not want to use the underground and trains that time in the morning with luggage. (although it won't be busy, but you will have some changing to do and then have to figure out what train to get on). I think your best bet is to get a private car or Taxi to the airport. The you can relax and sleep on the way to Gatwick in the car. Although its a Monday morning, the roads going out of London will not be busy at that time. But Gatwick is South of London and it will take some time to get there. Check with your hotel, i am sure they can help you arrange it.