Gatwick Airport Christmas rush

[December 23, 2008]

Gatwick airport is in the midst of its annual Christmas rush with the busiest days still ahead.

According to the Gatwick airport authorities, next weekend, Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 December are promising to be the busiest days with about 106,000 people travelling to and from Gatwick Airport each day.

In the light of this heavy Christmas holiday traffic Gatwick airport authorities urge travellers to prepare for their journey.

Security team leader, Fiona Carleton said, “Security procedures at all airports are there for everyone’s safety, and arriving prepared will help avoid unnecessary delays. In the past few days we’ve seen an increase in passengers trying to carry more liquids in their hand luggage than is permitted and this creates delays for all passengers. “Restrictions apply to all liquids – including Christmas presents – and I strongly encourage passengers to come prepared so that our operational staff can provide the best possible service to all our passengers and ensure their holidays get off to a flying start.”

Top tips for Gatwick airport travellers include:

Allow plenty of time to get to the airport - aim to be at Gatwick airport at least two hours before the flight departs.

Passengers travelling from Gatwick are advised to check with individual airlines to find out what restrictions apply to hand and checked-in baggage. Any liquids in hand luggage must be in individual containers no greater than 100ml capacity and placed in a transparent re-sealable bag, no larger than 20cm x 20cm (8”x 8”) in size.

Pack as much as possible – including presents – into checked-in baggage.

Hand baggage - In many cases, passengers may take more than one item of hand baggage per person through security providing any bag has maximum dimensions of 56cm x 45cm x 25cm (22in x 17.7in x 10in).

There are some exceptions, for example easyJet, who continue to permit only one bag and passengers are advised to check with their airline for their own baggage policy.

Do not wrap presents you wish to carry in hand luggage.

Do not carry Christmas crackers in any luggage.

All sharp objects should be carried in your hold luggage not in hand luggage.

General travel advice from Gatwick Airport:

Make sure that you know your flight number terminal. Baggage should not be left unattended at any time and passengers should not check items in for anyone else.

Gatwick Express will be running a revised timetable throughout the Christmas and New Year period to allow for essential Network Rail engineering works. If you are travelling to Gatwick by rail over Christmas and the New Year call National Rail Enquiries on 0845 748 4950 or visit www.nationalrail.co.uk.

Written by: Helen Gillilan

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