Gatwick South Fast track worth it?

michele-p

Hi, are due to fly out of Gatwick South saturday morning, on a 6am flight. We have hand baggage only, and looking to make it as easy (quick) as possible, as it's an ungodly hour anyway!

I've used fast Track at Stansted before, but Gatwick is £5 each so just trying to work out if it's worth it this trip, not sure how busy it would be that time of day. I think last few times through gatwick have been pretty quiet for us, but can't really remember.

Anyone been there around 4.30 am on a Saturday recently?:eek:

Thanks

Mr_Wangers_Wang

Would paying £5 give you piece of mind?

I personally wouldn't bother because if you are late they will push you through anyway, but if you tend to worry about things like this, you might be better off just paying it and then having one less thing to worry about.

Westin

At that time in the morning I think you will clear the central search area in no more than 10-15 minutes. Maybe even quicker. I personally wouldn't bother with the premium service.

michele-p

Thanks both. Its not a worry thing, its more not wanting to queue, and knowing how grouchy i will be feeling at that time of day.

I was looking up deparrtures same time friday am, and so many are scheduled around then. Not sure if sat will be quieter as cant see it yet.

Staying at Travelodge central, and will get taxi to terminal reather than wait for the bus. Three of us makes the 10 er or so worth it for taxi.

Westin

Sadly it is often down to the passengers in front of you as to the speed of your progress through central search.

I go through normally every two weeks and it still amazes me how many people are so ill prepared as they enter the security area. They in turn hold up the queue. Just this Monday when I went through north terminal security the man in front of me had to unpack his hard shell case, removing most of his clothes, to fish out his laptop. All done on the belt area just before the X-ray machine. Grrr.

michele-p

Just thought I'd update this, in case anyone else is having the dilemma. We sailed through security for the flight, glad that we didn't pay for the fast track. It seemed so much quicker than recent flights at Stansted. I had checked in on my phone app, so needed to make sure we were all together to scan my phone 3 times to get through the auto gates.

martindow

Can you book this service at the last minute if you see queues snaking round the terminal? I assume probably not, as fewer people would book in advance

michele-p

I'm not sure about Gatwick but at Stansted you can buy fast track at the currency booth right next to the fast track entrance! I've done that before when the "normal" que was really long.

PompeyPete

Sailed through LGW South Terminal last Saturday @ 0830.
Used to use Central Travelodge, but North Terminal Premier Inn is better,and even for South Terminal it's more convenient

michele-p

Thanks Pete will bear in mind the premier Inn. But Travelodge is so cheap! We have 20 people staying there night before our ski trip in Feb, I got us 10 rooms at £27 each!