Checking in
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Checking in
The check-in areas are on the second floor of each terminal. To find your check-in zone, look up your flight on the information screens near the entrance. Check-in zones are clearly signposted by illuminated yellow cubes.
How early to arrivePlease check your ticket or contact your airline for advice on checking in times. The following times provide a general guide.
- Long-haul flights: Check in three hours prior to scheduled departure.
- European flights: Check in two hours before scheduled departure.
- UK and Ireland flights: Check in one hour prior to scheduled departure.
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Alternatively, you may be able to use day-before, self-service or online check-in. This depends on the flight you're taking – use the following links for more information.
At check-inTo save time, have your tickets and passport ready, and ensure your hand baggage contains only valuables and items you will need during the journey.
Once your hold baggage is checked in, you can proceed to security control.
Security controlIt pays to clear security early and leave yourself time to relax before your flight, enjoy the shops, bars and cafés in the departure lounge, and get to your gate in plenty of time.
Please be aware that there are limits on hand baggage sizes and on the quantity of liquid items which can be carried through security control.
For most destinations, anything you buy after security control can be taken on to the aircraft – store staff will be able to advise you.
BoardingThere's plenty to do in the departure lounge, whether you want to visit the shops, cafés and bars or just relax ahead of your flight.
Information screens in the departure lounge show flights, boarding times and gate numbers. Boarding usually begins around 45 minutes before departure.
Please note that no flight calls are made at Gatwick, so it is important to watch the screens closely.