Flight connections
Are you arriving and departing from London Gatwick on the same day? Find out more about connecting through London Gatwick
If you are connecting on to another flight through London Gatwick there are different rules you need to follow depending where you’re arriving from and departing to, whether your hold bags are checked through to your final destination and if you have your boarding card.
Minimum connection times
If you are connecting onto another flight at London Gatwick and you already hold a boarding pass for your onward flight, we recommend that you allow a minimum connection time of 60 minutes for same terminal transfers and 90 minutes if your flights arrive and depart from different terminals. Your airline may have different minimum connection time requirements, so please always check with them before you book your onward connection.
If you have to collect your bags and clear immigration before checking-in for another flight we suggest you check with that airline for their minimum connection time.
International flights connecting to the UK and Ireland
If you’re arriving at London Gatwick from an international flight and are connecting to a destination within the UK or Ireland, you will need to go through immigration. If your hold bags are through checked or you’re travelling with hand luggage only, you can then go straight to security.
If your hold bags aren’t through checked, you must collect them first. Follow signs to Baggage Reclaim – you will need to pass through Passport Control on your way, then go to check-in for your next flight.
If you need to change terminals, you can take our free shuttle 24 hours a day.
International to international flight connections
When you arrive at London Gatwick for a connecting flight, you must pass through UK border control. Also known as a 'landside' transit.
Before you travel
You may need a visa to enter the UK in transit to another country. Check if you need a 'Visitor in transit' visa and apply before you travel.
Apply for a visa on the UK Government website
Read detailed guidance for transit passengers on the UK Government website.
When you transit
If you are in transit to a country outside the UK & Ireland you must:
- remain at London Gatwick until your departure
- or travel from London Gatwick to your port of departure in England
If your transit is not on the same day, you must follow the testing and quarantine rules for England.
UK and Ireland flights connecting to international
If you’re arriving at London Gatwick from the UK or Ireland and are connecting to an international destination, you will need to go through immigration. If your hold bags are through checked or you’re travelling with hand luggage only, you can then go straight to security.
If your hold bags aren’t through checked, you must collect them first. Follow signs to Baggage Reclaim – you will need to pass through Passport Control on your way, then go to check-in for your next flight.
If you need to change terminals, you can take our free shuttle 24 hours a day.
Note that in some cases, you may need a transit visa. Please click here to find out more and apply if necessary.
