3 Reasons to Not Avoid a Layover at London Gatwick
London Gatwick was a new layover location for me on a recent trip.
Since we live in Austin, one of the few direct flights to Europe is London. Usually, we end up going through Heathrow which can be a pain to traverse as one of the biggest airports in the world.
Gatwick was a nice change and offers some great perks, in my opinion, as a layover location.
1. Gatwick Connects
This flight connection program is genius.
I am one of those travelers who researchers flights possibilities for weeks before booking and try to find the best layover options and prices I can. Previously, I had been slightly afraid to book separate flights on different airlines, because if the first airline is super delayed, or cancels a flight you are pretty much “out of luck” on the 2nd airline because they didn’t offer the connection.
Gatwick Connects has partnered with different airlines to guarantee that connection for you. See – GENIUS!
On our last trip, we used Easy Jet to book on both Norwegian and Easy Jet, through Gatwick. Below are some of the perks of the program.
- Protected Connection – They will offer a replacement ticket if you miss your onward flight.
- Free Premium Security – Connects security line to help get you through security quicker.
- Gatwick Connects Baggage Service – Easy service to make sure your baggage makes it on the next flight.
2. Train to London
Another great thing about a layover through London Gatwick, instead of Heathrow, is that it’s quicker and easier to get into London.
The train station is connected to the South Terminal and will take you to London Bridge in just 30 minutes.
My husband and I had an overnight layover with barely enough time to head into London. I’m talking we checked into our hotel at 6:00 pm, hopped on a train to London had dinner (with a pint of beer of course) and strolled around, and we were back in our room at 11:00 pm! How’s that for a super quick but fun visit??
We would not have been able to have that experience without the ease of Gatwick.
Trains to London from Gatwick:
- Gatwick Express – The fastest way to get to London. These trains depart every 15 minutes from 5 am to 10:30 pm (5:00 – 22:30). Around £30 round trip.
- Thameslink – Typically a little cheaper than Gatwick express, especially during non-rush hour times. It can take just a little longer at 30-40 minutes. We chose this line for our trip into London, and it took us 30 mins to get there, and 40 minutes to get back to the airport. Around £25 round trip.
More Thameslink info here, and Gatwick Express info here!
3. Airport Hotels
Could it get any more convenient than a hotel you can check in to right IN the airport?
We stayed at BLOC hotel which is attached to the South Terminal. Check-in was super easy and quick, and there is a private elevator with key card entry to get up to the rooms.
Our room was an interior room with no window, as it was the cheapest option. I will be 100% honest – it was small. We’re talking 100 sq feet or 10 sq meters in size. BUT this stay was all about convenience and only for one night. If we had a 2-night stay, we would have opted for somewhere in the city.
BLOC Hotel details:
- Rooms – There are multiple options for room sizes and beds. If you want to go all out, there is a VIP Double Room that’s over 200 sq feet, 22 sq meters, that offers views of the runways. Our room was really clean with a modern finish out.
- Noise – I assure you this place was quiet. I was skeptical about being attached to a busy airport, close to ticketing and with planes taking off outside. We heard nothing. Well, nothing besides a small child crying in the hallway in the middle of the night. Guessing he was forced to get up really early for a flight, poor guy. There are doors between the elevator and the rooms, so you can’t even hear that!
- Rates – Surprisingly affordable. I believe we paid $125 USD for a Friday night. Of course, this varies, so make sure to check the dates you’ll be traveling!
Bonus - London Gatwick Lounge Reviews!
I am in love with spending my airport time in a lounge!
So much less anxiety, snacks, drinks, flight boards with updates – talk about convenience and comfort! I am a Priority Pass Member, so I have access to lounges in airports throughout the world.
We had two layovers through London Gatwick, so enough time to stop through two different lounges.
- Club Aspire Lounge – Located in the North Terminal, once you are through passport control you’ll see the sign for Lounges. It’s located one level down. We were there in the morning, and they had a pretty decent breakfast spread. Oatmeal, eggs, beans, bacon (if you’ve never had a full English breakfast – look it up!), yogurt, fruit, and pastries. They also had a self serve coffee machine that was decent. If we would have been up for an early morning drink, they also have a self-serve bar with wine, beer, and liquor.
- No1 Lounge, Gatwick – Located in the South Terminal (there’s also one in the North), this is a really nice lounge. So much so, that they were turning people away on our first attempt to visit. On our way back we paid £7 to reserve a spot the next morning, which guaranteed us entry. They have a menu you can order one item from, we both had avocado toast with a poached egg on top. Also on offer – oatmeal (porridge in the UK), pastries, yogurt, fresh fruit, variety of juices, and multiple self-serve coffee machines. There is a full bar with bartenders on staff. This lounge had clean restrooms as well. That’s a perk in my book!
Are you inspired to book a flight through London Gatwick Airport? Comment below and let me know if you plan to fly through there!
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