Press Release

BAA Gatwick is preparing for a busy August bank holiday and anticipates just over half a million  passengers will be travelling through the airport over the weekend, Friday to Monday inclusive. A normal programme of flights is expected to operate.
Top destinations from Gatwick this weekend include;  Malaga, Palma, Dalaman, Alicante, Faro, Corfu, Tenerife, Mahon and Orlando. The busy day is expected to be Saturday with around 130,000 passengers travelling through Gatwick.

Gatwick strongly advises passengers travelling from the airport to:

• Arrive no earlier than 3 hours before departure - arriving earlier will not speed up passengers’ journeys and could add to delays
• Carry only ONE small piece of hand baggage per passenger on board aircraft
• Remember all other small items must be packed into hand baggage ready for x-ray
• Remember all cosmetics, liquids and gels must be packed in your suitcase for check-in

 Hand baggage must not contain:

• Any liquids, gels, cosmetics (including lipsticks, chapsticks etc.),  creams or toiletries - these must be checked in as hold baggage
• Cigarette lighters are NOT permitted in hold baggage or in security search - these may be
purchased airside

Hand baggage can include:

• Electronic equipment including mobile phones, digital cameras and MP3 players
• Prescription medicines in liquid form e.g. diabetic kit
• Baby milk and liquid baby food (the contents of each bottle or jar must be tasted by the accompanying passenger)
• Laptops and other large electrical items such as hairdryers however, these must be removed from the bag for x-ray

Helpful advice for passengers

Passengers should check with their airline before setting off for the airport and to expect to spend some extra time at check-in and passing through security.

Dedicated passenger information services have been set up and include; Free telephone number on 0800 8830581, Text “gatwick” to 64222 or email – gatwick@baa.com.  All these services will give travellers automated responses with information on preparing for their journey, what to pack, hand baggage restrictions and shopping at the airport.  
Dimensions of the hand baggage must not exceed:  45cm (17½") length, 35cm (13½") width and 16cm (6½") depth (including wheels, handles, side pockets etc) - this is approximately the size of a laptop bag or small rucksack.

Passengers will be required to remove footwear to be x-ray screened and may be subject to a hand search by the security team.    Pushchairs and walking aids are permitted and must be x-ray screened. All wheelchairs will be subject to search.
Once through security all shops and catering outlets are open to all passengers.   Passengers, except those travelling to the USA, may purchase all items in the departure lounge and these are permitted to be taken onto your flight.

Passengers travelling to the USA

In addition to the above extra restrictions are in place for passengers travelling to the USA.   These passengers will be searched a second time at the gate.   No toiletries or cosmetics purchased in the departure lounge will be allowed into the aircraft cabin and all drinks or liquid items must be consumed before boarding.   Please contact your airline for full information on restrictions relating specifically to USA flights. 

If you are in any doubt as to the rules, please ask a member of airport staff for clarification prior to joining the security queue.   Additional staff will be on hand to help travellers and to give advice.
 
BAA Gatwick would like to thank all passengers for their patience and co-operation during this busy time.

This statement is also available via BAA Gatwick’s press-line: 01293-505225.