Go via Gatwick (London Gatwick Airport (LGW))

Member Name: rosebud2001

Product:	London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
Date:	02/08/08 (107 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Easy to use, nice atmosphere, great shopping and dining

Disadvantages: Can be very busy

Gatwick Airport is London's "second" airport, but it is my airport of choice when flying to the capital and one I am happy to use if I need to transfer planes in London.

Gatwick has two terminals, the North Terminal, which is predominantly used by British Airways although other airlines have a presence there, and the main South Terminal. The terminals are linked via a small train, or people mover, which does the job in a couple of minutes.

I have always liked travelling through Gatwick, even though in recent years the crowds have got almost as bad as those evident at Heathrow. It is the major "holiday" airport for London and as a result you frequently encounter people heading off to sunnier climes who are happy and excited waiting for their vacation to start. I often find this atmosphere to be infectious!

Check in is clearly marked but can be very busy. These days I would always recommend checking in online before you go if at all possible - or use the self service check in machines some of the airlines use.

Security is always very busy so allow time to get through. It does move at a reasonable rate however and they are pretty good at opening up other security points if its particularly busy.

Once you are through security there are a plethora of shops, bars and restaurants - although it should be noted that there are a plethora of shops, bars and restaurants BEFORE you go through security at the South Terminal.

The one gripe I do have about Gatwick is similar to one I have about Heathrow - the distance between gates. Some gates can entail up to 20 minutes walk from the main departure lounge so be prepared for this, and allow time for it.

Overall I highly rate Gatwick Airport and hold it up as an example of what BAA can do to make an airport good. I just wish they would take a lesson from this and apply it to both Heathrow and Stansted.

Summary: The best of the London airports