How early should I arrive at Gatwick for a Valencia flight?

[Curiouscase]

Flying to Valencia from Gatwick next week. I’ve got hand luggage only and have already ‘checked in’. Recommendation is to get to get to LGW 3 hours before…can a more frequent flier than me tell me whether it’s really necessary to get there that far in advance?? Thank you…

I usually get there 2 hours in advance at Gatwick, and that’s with having to check in luggage and check in with special assistance as my son uses a wheelchair. We always have plenty of time, so 3 hours seems excessive.

The gate info is usually about an hour before the flight time, so you just need to factor in getting through security which can vary but never takes us more than about 15 mins.

No, three hours is not necessary. It’s a weekday in term time. You can go straight through security (might take as much as 30 mins but I doubt it) and then boarding usually starts 40 mins before scheduled departure time. Allow 2 hours.

Thank you both, that’s very reassuring!

I flew from gatwick 2 weeks ago, arrived 3 hours early but that was just to use the lounge and relax before a 13 hour flight

We got held up by a RTC last month and arrived <2 hours and were fine.

thank you all, you are very helpful!