Frequently asked questions:

You can weigh and store luggage at Excess Baggage Company, located before security in both North and South Terminals. Their manned facilities offer secure left luggage, bag wrapping, luggage scales, and more.

You can take all your carry-on luggage through security at London Gatwick, but the number and size of bags you're allowed will depend on your airline. Usually airlines allow one large cabin bag and one smaller underseat bag, with additional allowances if you're travelling with children.

Always check directly with your airline before you travel to confirm their specific hand baggage policy. For security screening, each of your bags must not exceed 56cm x 45cm x 25cm to fit through the scanner and must follow rules on liquids and prohibited items. For more, visit our guide to Security at London Gatwick.

If you are connecting to another flight at London Gatwick and already hold a boarding pass for your next flight, we advise that you allow a connection time of at least 60 minutes if your next flight is in the same terminal. If your flights arrive and depart from different terminals, please allow at least 90 minutes. Please note that your airline may have different minimum connection time requirements and make sure you always check these before booking your connecting flight. 

Find out more on our Flight connections page.

Please email earlyreturns.lgw@ncp.co.uk, quoting your car registration and booking reference to inform us of your new return time so we can have your car ready for you on your return.

Everything found at the airport is handed to our lost property office, operated by Excess Baggage Company. It can take 24 to 48 hours for a found item to be registered, but we keep all items for up to three months. The lost property office is in South Terminal and is open from 10am-4pm every day. Take the lifts located at the back of check in zones D & E down to level 0. The Lost Property Office is located across the road directly in front of you.

If you have lost items within the airport itself, let the lost property office know by completing a form. If you have lost your baggage, or items while on an aircraft or airline bus, contact your airline directly.
All found documents are returned to the British Passport Office or your embassy. Any enquires about lost or stolen British passports can be made to the Passport Office: 0300 222 0000. For all other documents contact your embassy.

London Gatwick's official taxi and private hire provider is Airport Cars Gatwick (Gatwick Cars Ltd). Their drivers are fully licensed and trained to offer a high standard of customer service.

You'll find their booking kiosks in both the North and South Terminals, just follow the signs after you arrive. Taxis can also be pre-booked online using the Airport Cars Gatwick booking form or by calling +44 (0)1293 550000.

London Gatwick is served by four train operators: Gatwick Express, Southern, Thameslink and Great Western Railway. You can buy tickets for any rail service at the station or the rail ticket desk in the onward travel area in South Terminal.

For more details, visit our page on Train travel to and from London Gatwick.

You have the right to request CCTV footage of yourself under the Data Protection Act. To make a request please contact dpo@gatwickairport.com or write to us at 5th Floor, Destinations Place, Gatwick Airport, Gatwick, West Sussex RH6 0NP, United Kingdom for the attention of the Data Protection Officer.

Yes, if you're a Blue Badge holder, you can use the Premium Short Stay car park at the standard Short Stay rate for up to four hours. When you arrive, press the ‘Assistance’ button at the entry barrier. On exit, press the intercom again so our team can apply the Short Stay rate before you pay. Please note, if you stay longer than four hours, the full Premium Parking rate will be charged for the entire duration.

While we don’t offer further parking discounts, all Official London Gatwick Parking car parks have clearly marked Blue Badge bays close to terminal access points. These spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

To find out more about accessible parking options, including drop-off exemptions and maps, visit our Blue Badge parking page.

You don’t have to take out piercings at security, but taking off metal jewellery, belts, shoes, and other metal items can help you pass through the scanners more smoothly and reduce the chance of needing additional checks.

We recommend placing any high-value items you remove, like watches or jewellery, inside your hand baggage to keep them secure. If you’re ever unsure, just ask one of our Security Officers. For more tips, visit our Security page.

You can use either an Oyster card or a contactless payment card to travel between London Gatwick and central London. However, please note that London Travelcards are not valid.

For more details, visit our page on Train travel to and from London Gatwick.

Yes, you can request a private search if you have a valid reason, whether it’s for yourself or your hand baggage. This might be due to a medical condition, cultural sensitivity, or simply a preference not to be searched in a public area.

Just let a member of the security team know, and we’ll arrange it for you. All private searches are witnessed by an additional Security Officer, and you’re welcome to have a travelling companion present if you wish. For more details, visit our Security page.

Yes, you’ll find free charging points conveniently located across both terminals, both before and after security. In the South Terminal before security, there are power outlets near Caffè Nero opposite the escalator. After security, there are plenty of charging points in the seating in the departure lounge. In the North Terminal before security, you’ll find plug sockets near the easyJet check-in on level 1, and after passing through, there are charging points in the seating in the departure lounge.

Many of our restaurants and bars also offer USB and power points at tables or counters, ensuring you can charge while you relax or refuel.

Please check our Wi-Fi and charging page for more details.

You can access the car park up to two hours before the time listed on your order confirmation. However, our car park prices apply to 24-hour periods, which means that if your earlier arrival time to the car park runs into a new 24-hour period, you will have to pay for an extra day charged at our standard roll-up prices.

Motorcyclists can park in any of the dedicated motorbike bays in the Short Stay car parks. Do not leave motorbikes in any of the car parking spaces.

Please note that anchor points are not available and for security reasons, bikes will be removed if not parked in the designated areas.

If you have booked Assisted Travel and are unable to travel through the airport without a carer or companion, we will ensure that they can accompany you throughout the entire journey, provided they are also travelling with you. If you are travelling in a larger group, then it would be best to nominate one person to stay with you. Companions may be asked to vacate our mobility equipment should it be required for other Assisted Travel passengers.

Assisted Travel is for anyone who may need extra help when travelling through London Gatwick. This includes people with mobility challenges, sensory impairments, or hidden disabilities like Alzheimer's or ADHD.

If you think support would help, please book in advance through your airline. You can learn more about who it's for and how it works on our Assisted Travel page.

Assisted Travel is available in the baggage reclaim area at London Gatwick. A staff member can help you collect your luggage from the belt, but you'll need to identify your bags and confirm they're yours.

Find out more about Assisted Travel at London Gatwick.

There are water fountains available after security in both terminals and all the restaurants and bars will fill bottles for free.

In the North Terminal there are two fountains on the right-hand side of the entrance to the World Duty Free store, after security. There are also water fountains near the toilets on the lower level by the Assisted Travel area and on the upper level by the toilets nearest the escalator.

In the South Terminal there is a water fountain on the upper level by toilets nearest the Assisted Travel area. There is another on the lower lever at the entrance to the toilets. There are also water fountains in the immigration halls outside the toilets before going through passport control.

You’ll find clearly signposted Assisted Travel reception points and dedicated seating in both terminals, before and after security.

In the North Terminal before security, there's a reception desk by the entrance to the family and Assisted Travel security lane. After security, you’ll find seating at the reception near Boots and the toilets in the departure lounge. In the South Terminal, the pre-security Assisted Travel area is located opposite the lifts at the end of check-in zone J on the upper floor. After security, you’ll find reserved seating in the departure lounge on the upper level, opposite The Flying Horse.

To learn more or to pre-book assistance, visit our Assisted Travel page.

The Assisted Travel receptions open at 04:00. If you arrive before that time, the desks will not be manned, and you will have to wait until the service is open.

The Hidden Disability (Sunflower) Lanyard is a discreet way to let staff know you have a hidden disability and may need extra help, time or understanding. Staff are trained to recognise the lanyard, but it doesn't reveal any personal details, so if you have specific needs, just let a team member know.

You can pick up a lanyard for free at any of our Assisted Travel Receptions, even if you haven't booked Assisted Travel. You're welcome to keep it and use it again in the future.

Learn more about the lanyard and other available support on our Assisted Travel page.

Assistance dogs are the only dogs allowed into the terminal buildings except for animals travelling on flights. Please let your airline know at least 48 hours in advance if you're flying with an assistance dog, so the right help can be arranged. When you arrive at the airport please go to our Assisted Travel reception desk where staff will be happy to help you. If your assistance dog needs a "Service Animal Spend Area" then please speak to a member of our Assisted Travel team.

Any dogs travelling out of the UK must be fully vaccinated and micro-chipped and need to be registered with the European Pets Travel Scheme (PETS) and importation rules of other countries outside the EU.

Learn more about Assisted Travel at London Gatwick.

If you've booked Assisted Travel at London Gatwick, there are dedicated drop-off bays for Blue Badge holders on both terminal forecourts. Nearby, our Assisted Travel reception opens daily from 04:00, where trained staff are ready to support you through the airport.

We offer tailored help whether you're using your own mobility aid or one we provide. Assistance includes help through security, wayfinding, boarding, and accessible facilities.

For the best experience, book assistance at least 48 hours before you travel. Find out more about our Assisted Travel services for passengers with reduced mobility.

We welcome your feedback on Assisted Travel, whether it's a compliment, a concern, or a request. You can share your experience using our online Feedback form.

For quick answers, you may also find what you need in our FAQs or on our Assisted Travel page.

To book Assisted Travel, please contact your airline or travel agent in advance. Under European law, your airline is responsible for providing assistance on board the aircraft, while we provide support while you're at the airport.

To make sure we have the right help and equipment ready, always book Assisted Travel in advance through your airline or travel agent, especially if you need a wheelchair. If you haven't booked ahead, you can still request help at one of the Assisted Travel desks or help points available in both terminals.

Find out more about Assisted Travel at London Gatwick.

Yes, London Gatwick reports on its Assisted Travel performance every six months. You can view our service level agreement, which sets out what passengers with reduced mobility or disabilities can expect, on our Assisted Travel page.

Our accessibility performance reports, including PRM (Passengers with Reduced Mobility) data, are also available in our Performance Reports.

Yes, London Gatwick works closely with organisations like the National Autistic Society, RNIB, Mencap, and the Alzheimer's Society to improve accessibility, especially for those with hidden disabilities.

We also have a Passenger Advisory Group, including a subgroup focused on assisted travel, to help review and improve our services.

To support planning, we've partnered with AccessAble to provide detailed accessibility guides for our terminals and transport links.

Learn more about Assisted Travel at London Gatwick.

Yes, we offer a range of services to support passengers with special needs. If you've pre-booked Assisted Travel through your airline, you'll find everything you need to know about what to expect on our Assisted Travel page.

If you haven't booked in advance, you can still go to one of our Assisted Travel desks when you arrive. We'll do our best to help, though passengers who've booked ahead will be prioritised.

Yes. London Gatwick offers services for autistic passengers and anyone with a hidden disability. Please go to the Assisted Travel desks located in the check-in areas where our trained staff will be able to help you and provide you with a free Hidden Disability (Sunflower) lanyard. Simply wear it during your journey and our staff will understand that you might need a little extra support or patience.

The North Terminal features the UK's first airport sensory room, designed as a calm, soothing space ideal for autistic passengers or those with sensory sensitivities. It's free to use, just request access via the Assisted Travel desk after security in the North Terminal.

If you have a pacemaker or any medical device that could be affected by metal detectors, please let our Security Officers know before you reach the screening area. You should also carry a medical card that confirms you have a sensitive device.

If you have a hip or joint replacement, or another type of metal implant, it's likely to trigger the metal detector. If that happens, you’ll be asked to undergo a manual search by a Security Officer. You don’t need to bring proof of the implant, but giving our team a heads-up can help the process go more smoothly.

For more information, see our Security page.

Children aged two and over need their own tickets to use both Fast Track Security and Fast Track Passport Control at London Gatwick. Children under two can go through for free with a paying adult.

To check prices and to book in advance, please visit our pages on Fast Track Security and Fast Track Passport Control.

You can fly to hundreds of destinations from London Gatwick including Singapore, Dubai, and Doha. To see a list for all the destinations you can fly to please check Our destinations our website.

Regulation EU 261/2004 protects the rights of passengers in the event of a flight delay, cancellation or denied boarding. Regulation 889/2002 ensures that air passengers can claim compensation from the airline in the event of loss, damage, destruction or delay of baggage. To check your passenger rights about delays and cancellations, please go to the CAA website where you'll find all you need to know.

You cannot take blades or sharps through security in your hand luggage. However knives and scissors with a sharp or pointed blade less than 6cm or scissors with blunt ends are permitted. Regarding razors, only razors or razor cartridges where the blade is fully and permanently enclosed and are allowed in hand baggage. Razor blades are forbidden in hand baggage. For full details please read the Security guidance on our website.

Yes, please contact your airline at least 48 hours before you fly if you need Assisted Travel due to a disability or mobility difficulty.

Learn more about Assisted Travel at London Gatwick.

If you prefer to travel independently, that's completely your choice. We offer a Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard for passengers who may need extra support or understanding without requesting full assistance. Wearing the lanyard helps our trained staff identify that you may appreciate a little more time, patience or help during your journey. You can find out more about this and other support we offer on our Assisted Travel page.

Find out more about the Assisted Travel at London Gatwick.

The Sensory room is a calming and relaxing environment, designed for passengers with disabilities like autism, dementia or cognitive impairment, who will benefit from a safe place when in unfamiliar surroundings. The sensory room is wheelchair accessible and free to use for passengers departing from the North Terminal. Book via our Assisted Travel page.

All of our car parks are fully compliant with the Equality Act 2010. However, if you need an extra helping hand, Assisted Travel phones can be found within our Short Stay car parks, as well as close to the Long Stay shuttle bus stop at the terminal. More information can be found on our Assisted Travel page.

Blue Badge holders being dropped off in a designated drop-off zone must pre register to avoid having to pay drop-off charges. This includes Blue Badge holders arriving by taxi.

The easiest way to exercise your rights is to email our Data Protection Officer at dpo@gatwickairport.com or write to:

Data Protection Officer
5th Floor, Destinations Place
Gatwick Airport
Gatwick, West Sussex
RH6 0NP
United Kingdom

You can also read our full Privacy policy.

To check which terminal your airline operates from, please check your boarding pass or one of the many flight information displays in the terminals. You can also find out on our Which terminal page.

Gatwick Airport train station is located at the South Terminal. If your flight arrives at or departs from the North Terminal, you can easily take our free inter-terminal shuttle, which runs frequently and connects both terminals in just a few minutes.

You can check for the latest local disruption on our Driving to the airport and Train information pages.

We welcome people of all faiths to join us in our chapel and prayer rooms. Our chapel and prayer rooms, located in both North and South Terminal, are open 24 hours a day to people of all faiths for private prayer and meditation.

You can bring toiletries and cosmetics through security as long as they follow the liquid rules. Any liquid, gel, paste, cream or spray must be in a container of 2l or less and cannot be in metal or double walled containers. Solid toiletries such as bar soap, shampoo bars, solid deodorants, and non-liquid cosmetics like lipsticks, brushes, combs and toothbrushes are not considered liquids and can be packed freely in your hand luggage.

For full guidance on what’s allowed, read our Security guidance.

You can bring solid foods through security, including cakes, sandwiches, fruit, vegetables, solid cheese, and chewing gum. However, anything with a high liquid content like soups, sauces, soft cheese, pastes (including crème eggs), and stews are subject to liquid rules. These items must be in containers of 2l or less and cannot be in metal or double walled containers. Frozen liquids still count as liquid. Read more about our Security screening.

You can bring liquids in your hand luggage through security at London Gatwick, but they must be in containers of 2l or less and cannot be in metal or double walled containers. This applies to food items, cosmetics and toiletries, anything that can be poured, spread, or squeezed, including frozen liquids. If the container itself is larger than 2l, it won’t be allowed through security, even if it’s only partially filled. There are some exemptions for those travelling with children and passengers with medical conditions.

You're welcome to take an empty water bottle through and refill it at one of our free water fountains or restaurants after security. For full details on what’s allowed, visit our Security page.

Located in South Terminal zone J and North Terminal zone D, Your Service Centre, in partnership with SkyFix, offers a range of services to help you at the airport. These include missed flight assistance, flight bookings, hotels, onward travel, airport lounge reservations, attractions in London or general airport questions.

If it is a medical emergency call 999 or 01293 501222 for an ambulance. Alternatively you can ask a member of staff for assistance. If a passenger has a travel related problem or needs help, Gatwick TravelCare is a charity offering assistance to anyone at the airport. Gatwick TravelCare is a team of duty managers and volunteers who assist any passenger whether it is someone who is a victim of crime, scam, modern day slavery, forced marriage, mental health issues or is having problems outside the scope of normal services provided by the airport. They can be found in the South Terminal from 9:00-14:00 every day or you can call on 01293 504283.

If there is a medical emergency please call 999 immediately or 01293 501222 for an ambulance and first aid only. Alternatively you can ask a member of staff for assistance. Please note there is a Boots pharmacy before and after security in both terminals if you require any medication or first aid products.

If you're parking at the airport before your flight, it's best to arrive with extra time to spare. As a guide, aim to check in at least two hours before a domestic or short-haul flight, and four hours before a long-haul flight, unless your airline advises otherwise.

If you’re using a Long Stay car park, remember to allow time for the shuttle transfer to the terminal. It takes around 20 minutes from the North Terminal Long Stay and about 10 minutes from the South Terminal. You can find more details on our Long Stay parking page.

We recommend arriving at least two hours before your flight to allow plenty of time to check in and clear security.

Check-in typically opens four hours before departure for long-haul and European flights, and two hours before for UK and Ireland flights.

For more details, visit our Check-in guide.

You can drop-off passengers in the designated areas on the terminal forecourts, a minimum charge of £10 applies to use these zones. Alternatively, drop off or park for free in our Long Stay car park for up to 2 hours and catch the free shuttle to the terminal. Find out more information on our Drop-off page.

A minimum £10 charge applies to use the designated drop-off zones. The charge will be £10 for 10 minutes, and £1 for each additional minute up to 20 minutes. The maximum charge will be £30 and the maximum length of stay 30 minutes.

Payment must be made by midnight the day after your visit. Alternatively, park for free in our Long Stay car park for up to 2 hours and catch the free shuttle to the terminal.

Read our Drop-off page for more information.

You can buy baby milk and food at Boots after security in both the North and South Terminals.

To make things easier, you can also pre-order baby milk through Boots' Click & Collect service and pick it up once you're through security.