Same day connections through 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.
If you have luggage to collect and need to clear immigration before checking in for another flight, we suggest that you check with that airline for their minimum connection time.
If you don't follow these guidelines, you are at serious risk of missing your onward connection. Please make sure you follow all the necessary steps before booking to prevent any last-minutes disappointments.
International flights connecting to the UK and Ireland
If you are arriving at London Gatwick from an international destination and are connecting onwards on a separate ticket, 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 through security to your connecting flight.
If your hold luggage is not "through checked", you must pass through Passport Control and then collect your luggage from Baggage Reclaim. Once you have collected your hold luggage, you can then check in to your next flight.
UK or Ireland flights connecting domestically and abroad
If you are arriving at London Gatwick from UK or Ireland destination and are connecting onwards on a separate ticket, you will not pass through passport control. If your hold bags are "through checked" or you’re travelling with hand luggage only, you can then go through security and your connecting flight.
If your hold luggage is not "through checked", you must collect your luggage from Baggage Reclaim. Once you have collected your hold luggage, you can then check in to your next flight.
Please note that in some cases, you may need a transit visa. Find out more and apply if necessary.
International to international flight connections
When you arrive at London Gatwick for a connecting flight, you must pass through UK border control. This is also known as a 'landside' transit.
Before you travel
You may need a visa to enter the UK when in transit to another country. Before you travel, make sure to check if you need a 'Visitor in transit' visa as you cannot do this once you have arrived. If you do need one, you must apply and be accepted for this before you travel.
You can apply for a visa on the UK Government website.
When you are in transit
If you are in transit to a country outside the UK and Ireland, you must:
- Remain at Gatwick until your departure
- Or travel from Gatwick to your port of departure in England
If you are arriving at London Gatwick and are connecting onwards on a separate ticket, 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 through security to your connecting flight.
If your hold luggage is not "through checked", you must pass through Passport Control and then collect your luggage from Baggage Reclaim. Once you have collected your hold luggage, you can then check in to your next flight.
Contact your onward airline to discuss your options. Your Service Centre – operated by Skybreak, which is located in South Terminal Check In Zone J or on level 2 in North Terminal may be able to help with alternative travel arrangements. They offer re-protection services for missed connections on behalf of the following airlines; TAP, Qatar Airways, Norwegian, Lufthansa, Swiss and Air Europa. For other airline carriers, they will be able to provide alternative travel arrangements.
Once you land at London Gatwick, collect your bags from Baggage Reclaim and proceed through customs.
Getting from one terminal to the other is easy at London Gatwick, simply take the free inter-terminal shuttle service. It runs every few minutes, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year; with a journey time of just two minutes. The shuttle station is located close to the train station in the South Terminal and can be found by following signs to the North Terminal. Vice verse, from the North Terminal simply follow the signs for South Terminal to find the shuttle entrance.