London Gatwick (LGW) > Reviews > Come Fly with Me.

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Advantages:	Lots of Shops
Disadvantages:	I have to use the M5 and then the M23 to get there by car .

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Gatwick Airport is a busy place, but for me remains one of my favourite international airports. (Not that I have visited many!) The airport is well organised, but is split into two North Terminal and South Terminal. There is a shuttle link between the two Terminals. Gatwick Airport is part of the BAA Group, serving over 20 million customers a year.

The airport can be exciting for both the young and old alike. The excitement of travelling to new places can be truly motivating. Gatwick is the busiest single runway airport in the world. (Not bad for such a small island!). London Gatwick is the second busiest airport in the United Kingdom plus the sixth busiest international airport in the world! Most needs are met from the casual holidaymaker to the regular businessman.

**How to get there**

*By Road*

London Gatwick is 28 miles (45kms) south of London and is directly linked to the M23 motorway at junction 9 and to the A23 London - Brighton road.

Warning these roads have a lot of traffic so leave in plenty of time prior to check in!

*By Coach*

There are dedicated bases at the North and South Terminals for Speedlink coach services to operate from. All other coach services stop at London Gatwick's coach station on the ground floor of South terminal. Principal services also call at North terminal. Passengers arriving at the South terminal, but require the North Terminal should take the transit train. It is worth remembering that services from most parts of Britain connect at Victoria Coach Station with the Airbus A5 to London Gatwick. This helps to reduce confusion in the main!

For more information:

Bus and Coach Traveline: +44 (0) 870 574 7777
(0800 to 2200 daily)

*Trains*

Gatwick Express is a 30 minutes journey from to reach Victoria, to London Gatwick. The City of London is only 40 minutes away on Thameslink.

From the Southern area of Britain, Brighton, Chichester, East Croydon, Guildford, Reading and Southampton are all really easily accessible from London Gatwick.

Fast Track passengers can purchase their Gatwick Express tickets from a dedicated Fast Track counter at the entrance to the Gatwick Airport’s train station, which is open Monday to Friday 0700hrs to 1100hrs.

It is worth remembering that Connex (Rail Group) also runs an hourly service direct from Watford Junction and Tonbridge.

*Taxi*

The airports’ two official concessionaires, Airport Carz and Checker Cars provide chauffeur driven car hire services. These cars can be booked in advance for journeys to and from Gatwick Airport.

Airport Carz telephone number +44 (0) 1293 579224 has a booking office in the North Terminal arrivals area.

Checker Cars telephone number +44 (0) 1293 568800 has a booking office in the Northern Entrance building leading to the South Terminal.

There are even cars with swivel seats suitable for disabled travellers.

**Parking**

There are onsite short stay car parks, but for real peace of mind it is worth using the off site security car parks. These are about ten minutes away from the terminals, but a lot cheaper than onsite parking. Regular transfer coaches to the terminals from Long Stay Parking areas are frequent and free. There is usually a high standard of customer care too.

Each car park is well signed, with Easy-to-follow signs. If pre-payment has not been made, a clearly displayed price list is clearly displayed at car park entrances. There is even extra help for drivers with special needs. There is also good security with surveillance and regular patrols and the staff seem friendly and helpful. There is even A free jump start is available if your car breaks down!

There are two 24-hour petrol stations, one at the North Terminal and one at the South Terminal. They tend to be a little pricey but if you are stick for petrol, they can sort the problem.

**Special Needs Customers**

For details of the type of assistance available, please contact your airline or their handling agent.

Gatwick call centre: +44 (0) 870 0002468

Minicom: +44 (0) 1293 513179

Bear in mind that there are often long walking distances within airports and assistance may needed. There is an advice phone, which you check-in staff can direct you to. Do check the airline policy if a wheelchair is required to the aircraft door or whether a transfer to an airline wheelchair at check-in.

**Shopping**

The favoriate part of any trip it take.

Gatwick Airport offers a unique environment for shopping in comfort with a selection world famous designer brands along with the familiar high street stores of the United Kingdom. There are also numerous restaurants and bars, for the less adventurous, yet always guaranteeing value for money. I will not go into to much detail for fear of boredom!

Being part of the BAA Group, Gatwick Airport can offer a range of products and services to enhance any visit.

The BAA WorldCard: is a credit card that has been designed for the frequent traveller.
The BAA WorldPoints: is a loyalty programme, which rewards every time money is spent.
Real time flight information: is sent direct to mobile phones.

**Airport Upgrades**

BAA provide special AirportsPLUS upgrades which give the traveller a chance to create a tailor-made VIP package to suit their own personal travel needs.

*What is included*

1) First or standard class rail tickets between London and the airport.
2) Valet car parking between the terminal forecourt and the long stay car park.
3) Use of the Fast Track security channel.
4) Access to a VIP lounge with a wide variety of complimentary snacks and drinks.
5) Commission free foreign currency exchange.

AirportsPLUS packages start from just £20.

This is just a taster of what is available at London Gatwick. I personally prefer the South Terminal, but there are a lot more shops there. I have never had a problem with check-in or customs. Okay there are queues, but most of the time there is order. I have only had one delay and then it was only a three hour delay.I have always found the staff kind and helpful. All in all I have no complaint and am really longing for my next holiday to arrive!