Getting ready to travel
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Getting ready to travel
Whether it's a long-haul flight or a short hop, make sure you enjoy a pleasant, stress-free journey. It's all about being prepared.
Before you leave- Know your terminal: Gatwick has two terminals, North and South. Your airline should tell you which you need – if you're unsure, visit our Which terminal? page.
- Make a travel checklist: Use the Tips and advice pages in our travel planning section to ensure you don't forget anything. Our packing tips page contains help on what you can and can't take in your hand baggage.
- Find out about your destination: Our Destination guides are full of information about cities, countries and airports all over the world.
- Book ahead: If you're coming by car, book airport parking online for a great deal. Need to change money? You can save time if you order currency and pick it up at the airport (or even arrange home delivery).
- Fly comfortably: Travel pillows pack up small but make a big difference to your in-flight comfort. You'll find them – and many other travel essentials, including sleeping masks and flight socks – at airport stores including World Duty Free.
- Eat sensibly: To avoid painful indigestion at 30,000ft, don't eat heavy meals before or after flying. To combat dehydration, drink plenty of water or juice and avoid alcohol. For healthy eating options at the airport, browse our restaurants page.
- Don't worry: If you're afraid of flying or concerned about possible health issues, read our Travellers' health page.
- Find your way: If you've forgotten to pack travel guides or phrase books, you'll find a wide selection at the airport. To find book shops at Gatwick, browse our shopping pages.
- Stay plugged in: Travel adaptors can be difficult to find overseas. If you don't already have one, browse our Gatwick shopping pages for travel essentials stores.