2:30pm flight from Gatwick - what time would you leave home?

[Getonnow]

I'm going by train. If everything runs to schedule it's 1hr:45 mins and involves crossing London on the tube.

I'm taking luggage that will need to be checked and there's no on-line check in.

It's my first ever flight alone (at 53yo!) and I'm nervous.

Part of me thinks go really early, another part thinks a long wait on my own won't be fun. WWYD?

Which station into London are you coming into?

I’d do clubroom. I mean you’re going to be there for hours so you’re gonna get your moneys worth 😂

When are you travelling? There is currently an ASLEF overtime ban impacting train services until Feb 6th, so I would definitely allow yourself plenty of time.

I'd leave home earlier in case there's a delay on the train to London. It's a 50 minute ride in for me but there's always bloody delays or cancellations, or you get on the train and it has to stop in the middle of nowhere for ages. Then if there's a problem you won't miss your flight. If there isn't a problem you can have brunch in London.

You've said all you'll have is a backpack and small wheely case? That's really not difficult to get to the loo with.

I'd plan to be there 2-3 hours if you don't need to check in. Better to be there in time and enjoy a relaxing coffee/meal beforehand and runway activity!

I travel a lot for work, but l usually arrive 2-3 hours before a flight, in case something goes wrong on route. I’ve experienced motorway closures and train breakdowns.

l’m surprised your carrier is not allowing online checkin though, which airline are you travelling with?

l have lounge passes and recommend you book a lounge. Gatwick has 2 terminals (North and South) so check which one you are flying from so you have your lounge booking right.

Get the lift with your son and don't bother with breakfast etc in London, just go straight to the airport and settle in!
Better to be early than rushing. I LOVE being in airports on my own!

I’d get the lift with your son.

Tubes and trains in London at the moment are plagued by delays. Plenty of cafes and shops at the airport to explore and take a book/iPad.

Google Gatwick Airport Lounges and book online. Look for one relatively close to your gate if you'd prefer to make the most of your time there.

In each terminal, the different Gatwick lounges are fairly close to each other and departure gates are not detailed until just before boarding.

If checking luggage I aim to get to the terminal 90 minutes before the flight. Self service label printing and bag drop is really quick these days.

The “anyone that’s paid” lounges have a 3 hour limit I think. They are a good shout on your own.
North and South terminal are connected by a free monorail which is fun and quick so don’t worry about arriving at the wrong terminal.

I wouldn’t want to start too early. There’s soooo much waiting around once you’re through departures ( waiting for a gate to be displayed, waiting at the gate, waiting to get on board, waiting for plane to take off) it’s exhausting.

I don't think it would be ridiculous, but would that involve getting the most heaving commuter train into London? That would be something I'd probably try to avoid :)

Sadly, that is modern air travel for you, exhausting it is!

The issue is not about arriving at the wrong terminal, the shuttle runs 24/7, but as the lounges are airside, it’s important to book the lounge in the right terminal. You cannot travel between terminals once you have cleared security.

You need to be at the airport 2 hours before the flight. An hour contingent. 1.45 hrs travel, and round up the extra 15 mins as you're travelling across London. You need to get the train by 9.30.
Nothing wrong with leaving earlier and camping out in a cafe if you're more comfortable doing that.
Bear in mind check-in will open 2.5 to 3 hours before your flight, so if you're too early you're stuck landside with your luggage.

I've just missed a flight this morning as the gate was shown at 7.21 (1 minute late) and closed at 7.40. We had to wait for the shuttle, go two stops and then walk quite a way to get to the gate, arriving at 7.41 and they wouldn't allow us to board. All I can say is RUN as soon as your gate is shown... we've been delayed 7 hours and had to pay £100 all because of this

I would go with your DS to the station at 7.45am. I prefer to sit waiting around at the airport, rather than at home worrying!

Quite frankly for a flight at 2:30pm yes if you left at 7:45 and arrived at the airport at 10am that would be ridiculous. If everyone did that there would be chaos at the airport with so many people.

However if that is the only convenient time to get a lift then fine do it and take a book or a few podcasts

Don’t get the lift as then you’ll be on a packed commuter train

But def go early so you have bags of time. I’d probably leave about 10ish, aiming to get there for 12ish, which leaves time for delays, mistakes, coffee etc so it’s more relaxed.

I would aim to get there an hour earlier than recommended (so 11.30am) only because this gives you a buffer in case something happens re: tube or train.

If all goes to plan then yes you will be there a little too early but you can have some lunch, potter around shops etc. If you do experience any delays then you still have ample time to get your flight.

We just flew into Heathrow yesterday. We've always caught the tube, but tried national express for the 1st time. I'm SO glad we did with all the delays etc currently. It also saved having to haul suitcases up and down the stairs on the tube and walking miles along connecting corridors.

Have you considered national express instead? Your son could drop you at a nearby stop to get to Gatwick directly and avoid the train/tube altogether.
Coach Travel & Airport Transfers | National Express

I'd probably be there now!

I always get to the airport too early...just in case of traffic, broken down train etc.

Have people been to Gatwick recently - nice seats where you can watch the planes take off - errr no everything is shops and caffs - so you will be sitting in a busy caff for the time. There's no tucked away seating area as I remember.
Leave at 10.30, 2 hours for train, get there 12.30. Train from London goes right to Gatwick. You might have to take the tram thing to the north terminal but again should take minutes.

Check the trains on the morning you travel: the Gatwick trains have been on strike this week and it will continue on and off.