For travelers choosing British Airways for their journey to or from London Gatwick, it’s important to note that all operations are based out of the South Terminal. To ensure a smooth and stress-free departure, there are specific timelines you need to adhere to:
- Check-in for your flight must be completed 60 minutes prior to long-haul flights taking off and 45 minutes before short-haul flights are scheduled to leave.
- It’s essential to clear security at least 35 minutes before your plane is set to depart to allow enough time for the security procedures.
- Finally, ensure you’re at the boarding gate no later than 20 minutes before your flight’s departure. For more details on boarding procedures, please refer to the ‘Boarding’ section provided below.
By following these guidelines, you’ll be well-prepared for a seamless boarding process, allowing you to relax and look forward to your flight with British Airways.
Online Check-In The most efficient method to begin your journey is by checking in online, starting 24 hours prior to your flight’s departure.
You can easily manage your booking online, print your boarding pass, or alternatively, utilize the British Airways app to complete the check-in process and secure your boarding pass on your mobile device.
Airport Check-In On your day of departure, airport check-in is necessary under certain conditions:
- For group travel involving more than nine passengers, please opt for a check-in kiosk or visit a check-in counter.
- Should your child be flying solo or on a different reservation, a check-in counter visit is mandatory.
- To ascertain your check-in zone, consult the airport’s information displays.
Special check-in desks are designated for passengers:
- Flying in First, Club World, or Club Europe classes
- Holding Executive Club Gold, Silver, or Bronze membership
- Members of oneworld® Emerald, Sapphire, or Ruby levels
Bag Drop For those with luggage to check, proceed to a Bag Drop desk available at specified times on your departure day.
An Overnight Bag Drop service caters to early flights (before 13:00), allowing luggage check-in from 18:00 to 21:00 the previous day.
Checking in luggage for fellow travelers is permitted, provided they are included in your booking and you present their passports and all necessary travel documents.
Once luggage is checked in, retrieval is not an option, so ensure all essentials are with you.
Travelers with only hand luggage, who’ve completed the check-in process, should head directly to security and then to their departure gate. Exceeding hand luggage limits may incur a check-in requirement and potential charges.
Bag Drop Times
- Club World, Club Europe, Executive Club Gold, Silver, and Bronze Members: Available from 04:00 on departure day (check-in starts at 03:00).
- World Traveller Plus, World Traveller, Euro Traveller: Open from 2 hours before flight time, not before 04:00 (check-in starts at 03:00).
Airportr Service For a seamless journey, opt for Airportr to have your bags collected from your home, securely transported, and checked in, enabling you to head directly to security upon airport arrival. This service is available for departures from select airports including Heathrow, Gatwick, Geneva, Zurich, and Vienna.
Security Ensure to pass through Security at least 35 minutes before your flight’s scheduled departure.
Premium Security operates daily within specified hours and caters to:
- Passengers in First, Club World, and Club Europe
- Executive Club Gold and Silver Members (plus one guest)
- oneworld Emerald and Sapphire Members (plus one guest)
Boarding Post-security, keep an eye on the information screens and note the time to reach your gate.
The British Airways app provides gate notifications directly to your mobile.
Be at your boarding gate no later than 20 minutes before departure. While efforts to contact you will be made if necessary, the flight cannot be delayed for late arrivals.
Your boarding pass displays a group number indicating your boarding priority. Be prepared to board when your group is announced.
For those eligible for pre-boarding or priority boarding, arriving at the gate early is advisable.
Pre-boarding is granted to:
- Families with small children
- Individuals needing disability or mobility assistance
Priority boarding benefits:
- Passengers in First, Club World, Club Europe, or World Traveller Plus
- Executive Club Gold, Silver, and Bronze Members
- oneworld Emerald, Sapphire, and Ruby Members
If you miss your priority group’s call, the priority lane allows you to board at your convenience.
Which airlines use Gatwick North Terminal?
Exploring London Gatwick Airport’s Dual Terminals
London Gatwick Airport stands out as a major travel hub, second only to Heathrow in terms of passenger volume in London and renowned for its status as Europe’s busiest single-runway airport. Nestled south of London, en route to the coast, Gatwick is divided into two distinct terminals: the North and South Terminals. Each terminal caters to different airlines, making it crucial for travelers to know their departure points.
North Terminal: A Gateway to the World
The North Terminal at Gatwick is synonymous with long-distance travel. It’s the launching pad for flights reaching the far corners of the globe, serviced by airlines such as Air China, Emirates, and Qatar Airways, among others. This terminal is not just about long-haul flights; it also plays host to a variety of carriers. From the charter services of Freebird Airlines to the international flights of Air Mauritius, Air Transat, China Eastern Airlines, Ethiopian, JetBlue, Saudia, and WestJet, the North Terminal is a bustling center of global connectivity. European connections are well-represented too, with airlines like Lufthansa and Icelandair, while North Africa’s link to Gatwick comes through Royal Air Maroc’s operations from this terminal.
South Terminal: The Heart of Gatwick’s Operations
The South Terminal sees a higher footfall, serving as the base for a broader array of airlines. This terminal is the operational ground for British Airways, Ryanair, and Wizz Air, among others, marking it as a critical hub for both international and domestic flights. The diversity of carriers and the sheer volume of passengers make the South Terminal a lively gateway for travelers flying in and out of London.
Navigating Gatwick Airport
Understanding which terminal to use is essential for a smooth Gatwick experience. With its strategic division between long-haul and more extensive airline operations, Gatwick’s North and South Terminals cater to the varied needs of its passengers. Whether you’re embarking on a global adventure or catching a short flight across Europe, knowing your terminal is the first step to a seamless journey from one of London’s premier airports.
Editor