Gatwick

sticher

Hi, I am off to Spain via Gatwick Airport in a few weeks. I have looked at airport parking and the Gatwick flyer (more expensive option I think).

What I need to know is - which would be the least hassle. I will be travelling with my 3 boys (almost 15, 11 and 9). My flights are 8.25am departure and 3.45 arrival back at Gatwick a week later.

Parking at the airport is cheaper (even including fuel), but means I would have to drive (about 1hr 20mins). Problem is I always get lost (even with sat nav) and am worried about how long the check/transfer from the car park will take.

Gatwick flyer seems easier on the face of it, BUT they drop you at the south terminal and we are flying from the North terminal - more time/messing about? and obviously they only run every 2hours I think it is (lots of hanging about with bored kids).

It is years since I have flown and the first time alone with my boys, so what would any of you experienced travellers out there recommend?

rlc22

It's very easy to get between the south and north terminals (even with a poor sense of direction ). There is a monorail service which departs from next to the train station at the South Terminal - it's signposted in the Terminal and members of staff should be able to help you out.

Personally, I would choose to drive as then I would feel a little bit more like I'm in control - only myself to blame if I run late etc. I find that Gatwick Airport is very easy to get to and well signposted on both the M25 and M23.

I would do whichever you think would be least stressful! Could you even do a dummy run on your own at some point in the car to help you? (I know that's not necessarily very MSE at the moment with the cost of petrol, but peace of mind is important too!)

RedBern

last time we went away we did meet and greet at the airport - it was brilliant.

I can't remember the name of the company but I got the info from here - it was no more expensive that just park and ride and very convenient. We got to the airport (having told the company our estimated time of arrival) and then just waited at the terminal. A driver came along and took the car from us, we certified the mileage, and off he went. We just walked into terminal with our bags. Then on the way home we cleared customs and collected our bags and rang the company and the car was waiting for us outside. This meant we were back on the road within 10 minutes of leaving the terminal instead of another 30 minutes going to park and ride.

Brian_Bullocks

RedBern wrote: »

I can't remember the name of the company but I got the info from here

Purple Parking?

moonrakerz

Ace - Good company !

https://vault2.secured-url.com/ace-parking-gatwick.co.uk/index.php

cathj

We used Tudor Rose last year. Meet you at the airport when you arrive and bring your car there for you for the same price as going straight to the car park. And they jump started the car for us when it didn't start after the 2 weeks

RedBern

not purple - Tudor Rose - recommended.

sticher

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I suppose I am worrying a bit as its just me and the boys.

I will take a look at Tudor Rose. I had already looked at Purple parking and they are very cheap.

Thanks again.