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?

I'd aim for two hours before the flight, but leave a spare hour for trains to go wrong. (Depending on how frequent the trains are). So 9.45.

But there's no harm going earlier if it will make you less stressed.

Usually take it with me. Or leave it at the cafe table but take my valuables. Or ask a friendly person on the next table to keep an eye on it - a randomly chosen person is unlikely to be a thief.

I would go at this time but I'm chronically early for everything

I'd go early and get the lift. Trains could be delayed and there are plenty of nice. bars and cafes at gatwick once you've checked in to sit and read and wait. can be quite relaxing, a long as Gatwick not too busy.

if you don't need the lift I'd leave about 9.30.

I'd go with your son at 7.45. You'll be there 10ish if all runs to plan, and if it doesn't you won't be stressing about being late.

I love airports, my holiday starts in the airport ... nice breakfast or lunch, couple of glasses of wine and a bit of shopping. Have a fab time.

But she won't be able to check in for hours if she's really early, let alone get airside for the lounges. Leave between 10 and 10.30.

You can’t check in your luggage before around 2 hours ish before your flight so If you go too early you’ll be stuck rhe ‘boring’ side of the airport before security with all your bags and little else to do.

i usually aim to arrive 2.5 hours early to give me that 30 mins buffer in case of traffic/train delay etc

This varies considerably from airline to airline. Some will allow baggage drop the night before.

9am.

Assuming this is a short haul flight to somewhere in Europe then I would leave at 11am. That would give 15 minutes for any delays and then at the airport 90 mins before departure. If long haul then I would leave at 10am.

Different airlines have different check in windows so check with the carrier.

I like airports and with having to travel through rush hour I'd be cautious. You might have a bit of a wait before you can bag drop and go through security but at least you won't be stressed and rushing!

I love your optimism, but 15 minutes for delays seems like no time at all to me

🤣🤣🤣🤣

Are you travelling from Gatwick North or South. If you arriving by train you have to get the shuttle to the North Terminal from the station so it takes longer .

Which London station do you arrive into? You can also get direct Thameslink trains from St Pancras / Farringdon to Gatwick as well. That may be less hassle than tubes and changing at London Bridge.

Yes, that's what I was angling at.