Flying out from Gatwick 17th March - tips & help please!?

louby_lou

Hi guys,

I travel out of Gatwick on holiday on Friday 17th March at 9.15 am. This is the first holiday I've ever been on so was wondering if anyone knew of good (and cheap) methods of travel from Portsmouth to Gatwick? Also I am looking for a hotel close to Gatwick for the night before of the 16th March - (is it correct that I have to be there 3 hours in advance to check in? I've never been before ) if so would it be a good idea for me to get a taxi or try to get a hotel that offers the transfer service?

I have a case which has wheels and is quite heavy - i plan to take quite a lot of clothes so would it be a better idea for me to get a light carryall rather than already be 5kg down on my main luggage? Also I opted not to have the meal on the plane as it was very expensive and I am a fussy vegetarian. Is it possible to take food onto the plane in your hand luggage as long as you dont take any off and into the next country? I was hoping to take some snacks. Also would it be better not to buy them at the airport - is it expensive there?

And tips or hints for air travel and airports would be GREATLY appreciated!

Thanks! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx :j

pin

Hi there

Where are you going away and with which airline? This will make a difference in terms of making suggestions about the airport and what you need for the plane (ie because of time travelling on the plane and check in stuff).

From what you suggest you are on a no frills or charter airline. That would presume you are probably flying out of Gatwick South (but I may be wrong).

I'm not a great fan of Gatwick South, as it is always PACKED. However it has several eateries within the airport.

In terms of taking food onboard, no problems!! Take a packed lunch type meal or take snacks, whatever pleases you.

Check in time will depend on where you are going. If its Europe, then you are OK with arriving 2 hours in advance (I would even say the 2 hour rule is fine for other international flights).

Gatwick is a great smaller airport, so security is no way as nearly as bad as Heathrow, so you don't have to arrive hours in advance. Can you check in in advance with the airline you are travelling with?

In terms of packing. Pack half of what you plan to pack, you will never use all the clothes you pack!! Save some room for stuff you will buy from where you are visiting!

louby_lou

I am flying to Barbados from Gatwick south - good news about the packed lunch! (via airtours and carried by Excel airways) xxx

pin

For such a long flight I think they may provide food for you anyway. I guess its up to you whether you want to eat it!!

The flight is about 8 hours. I don't think Excel have seat back TVs. Take a good book with you on the plane (and some music if you have them). Wear loose / comfortable clothes on the plane. Make sure your footwear is easy to take off. I always remove my shoes when I'm sitting down on the plane. If you want to sleep, ear plugs and eye mask is useful. Move around the plane to keep blood circulation going. Don't eat too much food and booze. Drink lots of water. Moisturise your hands.

I think with Excel, earlier you arrive, better chance of getting a decent seat. I'm partial to asile seats, but some prefer window seats (it is a personal prefernece though).

Oh, slightly OT, but I'll be flying back into Gatwick South at about 7am on 17th March after my trip to Tobago!!

richardw

Weigh your luggage with the bathroom scales before you leave home and check the weight with the allowances on your ticket.

You can get a network railcard which may give you discount on the train if you are travelling off peak or at weekends. http://www.railcard.co.uk/network/network.htm

Lady_E

Have just checked https://www.travelodge.co.uk and there is a room available 16/3 for one night for £26. It is 2 miles from the airport and there is a National Express service to the airport for £3. Barbados is a fab place to go , check out "Little Scotland", lovely .With regard to your luggage , DO NOT OVERPACK,what a waste of time and you use all your energy lugging it everywhere. Take lots of seperates that can be used with other pieces to make another outfit. Make sure you have loads of room to bring back some Rum and spices. On the flight make sure you get lots of walking, and avoid the alcohol as that will make you dehydrated. Check out https://www.flightguru for best place to sit and bring your own snacks , airport notoriously expensive unless you shop at Boots !! Have a fantastic time , Lord E and I are very jealous indeed .

pin

Oh forgot to add, if you are going to Barbados, ditch the clothes!! All you will need will be light loose clothes during the day and pretty much the same in the evening!!

flea72

excel, awful airline for long haul

yes you are better off taking your own food, what they provide on the plane is no more than a packed lunch anyway. on 10hr flight I got one hot meal about 5hrs into the flight, of chicken in sauce with mashed potatoe and a small cheesecake , then for next 'meal' (1hr before landing) we got a slice of fruit cake, and a shortbread finger.

as for snacks, expensive, but standard plane prices. £1 for a small tube of pringles, carton of oj £1, tea/coffe £2.50 a cup. they also seem to time delays to around most peoples meal times, so that you get on the plane starving, first thing they do is bring around the snacks trolley (nice little earner)

checkin time doesnt make much differene with excel, they tend to have their seatplan already arranged before you arrive. we were about 10th in the queue at checkout, and we werent able to change out seats, so getting there early doesnt make much difference.

also excel flights are notorious for being delayed, then they expect you to board at 5mins notice. youre waiting in the departure lounge, then suddenly they announce over the tannoy that you have to be at a gate 15mins walk away immediately, as the plane is about to leave. You then get bused out to a plane in the middle of nowhere (usually at the opposite terminal from where you checkin), and then when you get on the plane, they make you wait 1hr, because they have just lost their slot (again)

ive flown with excel twice now, the first time i thought ok, delays happen, but the 2nd time, was the final straw

Excel are a shorthaul company, who think they can use the same tiny planes to do long haul to the carribean, be prepared for lots of cabin fever induced angry people by the time you reach your destination

Flea

louby_lou

thanks Lady E have just booked the Gatwick Travelodge for 1 night for a bargain £26 for a double room. Excellent value and the transport to the airport for £3 is a steal. Thanks loads for the tips guys I am very excited to go on my first airplane trip even if Excel dont sound brilliant - its amazing to me! xxx

Ali_UK

I would advise:
Take a big bottle of water on the plane with you (the stuff out their drinking water taps usually tastes vile and I've heard stories about the tanks not being clean!) airlines charge £1 something for little 500ml bottles - rip off!

I would also say don't overdo the hand luggage if you are on your own, it only takes a bit of duty free to bulk your bag up and it's a nuisance to lug around!

I'd definitely go for the eye mask and ear plugs.

Oh, and the Travelodge is great we stayed there a few weeks back and I'd definitely stay there again, for £26 it was a total bargain!

and finally.....HAVE A GREAT HOLIDAY!!

cheekymole

make sure you pack some cream in your hand luggage on the way home otherwaise your tan seriously dries out with the air conditioning and you'll be flaking by the time you get home.
Some wet wipes things are great for hand luggage too. Remember not to pack anything sharp in your hand luggage too. Headache tablets are anther thing that I would put in my bag (just in case)