Flying through Gatwick , current delays@

[ErnesttheBavarian]

Just seen loads of hysterical headlines about passport queues letting 4 hours. BB I was prepared to dismiss daily fail hyperbole, but it's in the times and evening standard etc too.

So had anyone to from Gatwick to "Europe" today or fairly recently, how long do I need to leave? I normally arrive at the airport an hour before....

It's the airports at the other end that are a problem. The photos in the papers are mostly of Palma Mallorca, I fly to this airport frequently and to be honest this has been a problem on & off for the past 2 years

So Gatwick to "Europe" should be business as usual?

Yes
You may face longer queues at passport control when entering the Schengen Area

Why "Europe" in inverted commas?

Is there a way to tell for sure? Couldn't see anything on Gatwick site?

Inverted commas. Nowt really. Just the stupid hysterical newspaper reports. As if England is not in Europe (geographically not politically) and the horror of strict passport controls.

Personally at this time of year I would give it more than an hour at Gatwick just because it is so busy.

Queues in Gatwick won't be any longer than they usually are in the summer holidays.
Border officers in Schengen member states have been instructed to make extra checks at external Schengen borders.

I've just seen that you normally arrive at the airport an hour before. That gives you 20 minutes to drop off your bag, which is nowhere near enough time. For a European flight, you should be arriving at the airport at least 2 hours in advance.

I don't have to do off a bag, always travel with just hand luggage. Ok, so arrive at Gatwick at 4 for 6pm flight, even with current hysteria, should be ok?

Yes
There aren't any exit checks at UK airports, so the only queues should be at security.

When we flew recently, it was extra busy but we boarded at the normal time. However we missed the 10 minute take off window and were delayed on the Tarmac for 2+ hours. They did take good care of us though. You don't need to get there extra early, bag drop and security were very efficient and painless.

I've queue at Gatwick for a couple of hours for passports before they never have enough staff on and kids can go through the electronic gates

Can't go through the electronic that should have said

It's passport control not security. That said Gatwick security has tightened so they do recommend 2 hours now. Plus the flight time is the time the plane should take off the plane should be boarded and ready 20 mins before that and it takes 20 mins to get to a gate

Passport control has always been bad at Gatwick it's the number of flights coming in

Passport control wasn't too bad when we went through recently - although the new passport checking machines did phase us a bit.

I use Gatwick every week, although domestically. I would say the security queues are busier than normal but not dreadfully so. I usually get through in under 15 minutes from joining the queue to picking up my case. I'd say it might take more like 20-25 minutes at the moment. They are pretty efficient there in general.

They also have family assistance lanes. Sometimes they get hugely backed up so have a look before heading that way - the usual lines may be quicker.