arriving at Gatwick for an early flight.....is this enough time?

[Rosie29]

I'll be I the UK next month for only a few days. My flight home is at 7.30 a.m. And I can either get a train to arrive at 11 pm ish the night before and stay in the airport/ hotel,or, my preferred option, spend more time with my parents and travel overnight and arrive at 6 a.m. My friend thinks is cutting it fine and I won't make it through check in (Easyjet flight and I'll have a bag to check in) and get through security. As far as I can see the Railway station is in South Terminal where I fly from, so I was wondering if anyone knows if this is possible.

It is cutting it quite fine, especially if there is any type of hold up on the train. It is possible if all runs ok but personally I prefer to have more time.

I've very nearly missed two flights before due to problems with the roads nearby.

I'd be worried about security. If there are a load of flights leaving at the same time, it can get backed up. They won't prioritise you even if your running late.

Could you get a lift or taxi to the airport?

6am is cutting it fine. Only needs for there to be a lot of flights, a lot of them easy jet & the check in will be very busy.

I can recommend the Premier in at Gatwick North Terminal. Nothing worse than stressing about missing your flight.

Thank you so much for the replies. I'll book the earlier train. i know you can drop your bags off the night before, does this mean you can go through security into the departure lounge, rather than waiting near the check in desk for hours?!

You can drop your bags for an early Easy Jet flight after 8pm & up until midnight.

I don't think you will be allowed through security at that time for an early flight. Check with the airposrt, maybe?

Have a look at the 'Yotel'. It is a very interesting concept, a very small pod like room, with an amazingly comfy bed, loo, shower, TV, as much tea, coffee and hot choc included and right in the middle of the airport,even handier than the Premier Inn, and far more peaceful. We loved it. Just Google to find out more.

I say leave yourself more time than that. No point in missing your flight or getting worked up about missing it.

The Yotel looks interesting!

We are going away in a few weeks and our flight is 7.30am so we have booked the Premier Inn which is just across the road from the terminal and was only £49 double room.