Press Release

With the festive season just around the corner, Gatwick is gearing up to welcome more than one million passengers who are expected to travel through the airport between Friday 19 December and Thursday 1January (inclusive).

Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 December are set to be the busiest days with around 106,000 people expected to fly in and out of Gatwick on each of them. During this busy travel period it’s very important that customers prepare well for their journey.

Security team leader, Fiona Carleton said, “Security procedures at all airports are there for everyone’s safety, and arriving prepared will help avoid unnecessary delays. In the past few days we’ve seen an increase in
passengers trying to carry more liquids in their hand luggage than is permitted and this creates delays for all passengers.

“Restrictions apply to all liquids – including Christmas presents – and I strongly encourage passengers to come prepared so that our operational staff can provide the best possible service to all our passengers and ensure their holidays get off to a flying start.”

We want everyone using Gatwick this Christmas to have a stress free and enjoyable journey through the airport so it’s important that our passengers follow some simple tips before leaving home to help them on their way.

These include:

• Allow plenty of time for your journey to the airport and arrive at least two hours before the flight departs.

• Passengers should check with their airlines what restrictions apply to both hand and checked-in baggage.

• Any liquids in hand luggage must be in individual containers no greater than 100ml capacity and placed in a transparent re-sealable bag, no larger than 20cm x 20cm (8”x 8”) in size.

• Pack as much as possible – including presents – into checked-in baggage.
Hand baggage - In many cases, passengers may take more than one item of hand baggage per person through security providing any bag has maximum dimensions of 56cm x 45cm x 25cm (22in x 17.7in x 10in). However, some airlines, for example easyJet, continue to permit only one bag and passengers are advised to check with their airline for their own baggage policy, as this may vary.

• Do not wrap presents you wish to carry in hand luggage as they may need to be inspected at security

• .Do not carry Christmas crackers as they’re not permitted in either hand or checked-in luggage.

• Pack all sharp objects, such as knives, scissors and corkscrews, in your hold luggage as they must not be carried in hand luggage.

Full details of the current security restrictions are provided in a comprehensive guide for passengers at

www.gatwickairport.com/flyingstart

General travel advice

Passengers should ensure they know their flight number and the terminal from which they are flying. Passengers should cut down on the number of electronic items carried in hand baggage. Baggage should not be left unattended at any time and passengers should not check items in for anyone else.

Travel information

 Passengers are advised that Gatwick Express will be running a revised timetable throughout the Christmas and New Year period to allow for essential Network Rail engineering works. Passengers intending to travel to Gatwick by rail during the holiday season are advised to call National Rail Enquiries on 0845 748 4950 or visit www.nationalrail.co.uk.

Media enquiries:

Caroline Alderson, London Gatwick Airport Tel + 44 (0)1293 505000 For further information see www.gatwickairport.com

Notes to Editors

The top ten destinations this Christmas are:

1. Dublin

2. Geneva

3. Orlando

4. Tenerife

5. Malaga

6. Madrid

7. Edinburgh

8. Barbados

9. Amsterdam

10. Dubai