Flying from Gatwick Airport? Here’s What You Need to Know
London Gatwick Airport (LGW) is the UK’s second-busiest airport and one of the most popular departure points for both leisure and business travellers. Serving 40+ million passengers a year, Gatwick offers an extensive range of destinations, dozens of airlines and strong rail and road connections.
But like any major airport, it has both advantages and drawbacks — from great flight choice and accessibility to occasional delays and concerns around unofficial parking providers.
If you’re planning your trip, here’s a clear, honest guide to the pros and cons of Gatwick Airport, plus how to choose safe, trusted airport parking at Gatwick.

Gatwick airport pros and cons

Destinations & Airlines at Gatwick

One of Gatwick’s biggest strengths is the variety of routes available.

The airport serves over 200 destinations worldwide, including:

  • European city breaks
  • Mediterranean holiday hotspots
  • North America and Caribbean long-haul routes
  • Business destinations across Europe

More than 50 airlines operate from Gatwick, including:

  • British Airways
  • easyJet (Gatwick’s largest carrier)
  • TUI
  • Wizz Air
  • Norwegian
  • Vueling
  • Emirates and other long-haul operators

✅ Pros

  • Huge choice of destinations
  • Competitive fares thanks to low-cost airlines
  • Direct flights to many popular holiday locations

❌ Cons

  • Fewer premium long-haul routes than Heathrow

Terminal Facilities (North & South Terminals)

Gatwick has two terminals — North and South — connected by a free shuttle train. Both offer:

  • Restaurants, cafés and bars
  • Duty-free shopping and high-street brands
  • Airport lounges
  • Fast-track security options
  • Family facilities
  • Business services and workspaces

✅ Pros

  • Good range of food and retail
  • Modern security screening improvements
  • Easy transfers between terminals

❌ Cons

  • Can feel crowded during peak holiday periods
  • Security and bag drop queues at busy times

Punctuality & Reliability

Like many busy UK airports, Gatwick has experienced flight delays during peak seasons, often linked to air-traffic control pressures and high passenger volumes.

While punctuality has improved in recent years, delays can still occur more frequently than at some regional airports.

✅ Pros

  • Ongoing operational improvements
  • Large airline choice means alternative flights often available

❌ Cons

  • Delays during summer and school holidays

Ease of Access to Gatwick

Getting to Gatwick is straightforward compared to many London airports.

By train

  • Dedicated Gatwick Airport station
  • Around 30 minutes to central London
  • Frequent services day and night

By road

  • Direct access from M23 and M25
  • Convenient for London, Surrey, Sussex, Kent and the South Coast

✅ Pros

  • Excellent public transport links
  • Simple motorway access
  • Ideal for drivers across the South East

❌ Cons

  • Traffic congestion at peak times
  • Drop-off charges at terminal forecourts

Operating Hours

Gatwick operates almost 24 hours a day, with early morning departures and late-night arrivals. This flexibility makes it especially popular for:

  • Early holiday flights
  • Weekend breaks
  • Business travel schedules

Airport Parking at Gatwick – Watch Out for Cowboy Operators

Parking is one area where travellers need to be particularly careful.

Due to Gatwick’s size and popularity, the surrounding area has seen the growth of unofficial or “cowboy” meet and greet parking companies. These operators sometimes:

  • Use misleading names that sound airport-approved
  • Park cars in unsecured locations
  • Rack up parking fines
  • Provide poor customer service
  • Risk vehicle damage or misuse

Unfortunately, these issues have led to many negative traveller experiences.

How to stay safe

When booking Gatwick airport parking or meet and greet services, always:

  • Check reviews
  • Confirm insurance and security
  • Avoid deals that seem too cheap
  • Choose established, accredited providers

Choose Safe, WHICH? Recommended Gatwick Meet & Greet Parking

So instead of taking a risk with unknown parking firms, you can travel knowing your vehicle is protected by a trusted, award-recognised provider.

Book your Gatwick meet and greet parking with confidence today.