For peace of mind, we advise you to plan your travel carefully and always book help in advance.
We extend a warm welcome to all our passengers at Gatwick. We understand that airports can be large, noisy and confusing places, so if you need extra assistance while you're here, we have a dedicated team to help.
Before you set off on holiday, there are a number of things to think about, especially if you find walking long distances difficult and think you may need extra help at the airport, as well as on your flight.
Please visit our dedicated COVID-19 information page for advice on changes at the airport and what you need to bring with you.
If you have your own electric wheelchair or mobility scooter please make sure your airline knows in advance that you'll be travelling with your own equipment. Once you're through security, please go immediately to the assistance desk located in the departure lounge. Depending on which gate your flight departs from, it may be necessary for our assistance team to escort you to the aircraft via an alternative route.
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Under European legislation, your airline is responsible for providing assistance when you are on board the aircraft and we will help you while you are at the airport.
If you need help at the airport, you should always book assistance in advance with your airline or your travel agent. This is so that we can have the right help and equipment ready for you.
Please follow these simple steps:
- At the time of booking your flight or at least 48 hours in advance of travelling, please contact your airline directly or via your travel agent to book assistance.
- You should also tell your airline if you intend to take your own mobility aid such as wheelchair or scooter.
If you are unable to book assistance in advance, then please make your way to one of the many help points around the airport, forecourts or car parks or go straight to the special assistance desks located in both North and South Terminal check-in areas.
To help you decide whether you need special assistance at Gatwick, we've drawn up a full list of all the distances you may need to walk at the airport. Use our walking distance charts - South Terminal here and North Terminal here - to find out how far it is from the car park, drop-off zones and train station to check-in or from the departure lounge to the gate rooms.
Everyone travelling from Gatwick needs to go through security. We advise you to check before you fly to make sure that you understand the rules for what you can and can't carry in your hand baggage and what to do if you are travelling with medication or equipment.
Any medical items that you may need during your flight can be carried in your hand baggage but please pack the rest in your checked-in baggage.
If you need to use injectable medication before your flight then please go to one of our special assistance desks where a member of staff will be happy to find you a quiet room within the terminal.
You can find advice on travelling with medicines in our security section. For advice on travelling with your own mobility equipment, go to our FAQs and other special facilities and services in this section.
We recommend that you always discuss any special medical equipment requirements with your airline in advance of your flight.
Our service provider
Under European legislation, your airline is responsible for providing assistance when you are on board the aircraft and we will help you while you are at the airport.
At Gatwick our service partner Wilson James deals with all requests for assistance. Their specialised team of staff will be on hand to meet you and to help you through the airport. Special assistance is available for all age groups, including young travellers.
Here's our service level agreement for what you should expect from us as a passenger with reduced mobility or a disability while you are at the airport.
You can find out more about other facilities and services available at Gatwick in this section. We also give some advice if you or one of your party has a hidden disability.