Gatwick Airport is one of the busiest airports in the UK, with millions of passengers passing through its doors each year.
Last year in March and April, passenger drop-off fees were implemented at both Gatwick Airport terminals.
This implies that anybody dropping off or picking up family or friends from the driveway will be charged a minimum of £5.
This is an initiative by Gatwick Airport to alleviate congestion on the airport’s forecourt and encourage the usage of public transportation.
Additionally, airport administrators assert that the fee will generate income and reduce carbon emissions.
To avoid the fee, drivers are now urged to utilize the short or long-stay car parks for passenger pick-up and drop-off, however, the short-stay car park also has a fee.
If you need to drop someone off at the airport, it’s important to know what to expect and how to do it smoothly and efficiently.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of dropping someone off at Gatwick Airport, including information on charges and tips for making the experience as stress-free as possible.
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How To Get To Gatwick Airport?
Gatwick Airport is located about 45 miles south of central London and is easily accessible by car, public transportation, and taxi.
If you’re driving to the airport, it’s important to plan your route in advance and allow enough time to find a parking spot and drop off your passenger.
The quickest way to get to Gatwick Airport by car is to take the M23 motorway and exit at Junction 9.
From there, follow the signs for the airport. If you’re coming from London, the journey should take about an hour, but be aware that traffic can be heavy at peak times, so it’s best to allow extra time.
There are several parking options at Gatwick Airport, including long-term and short-term options, as well as on-site and off-site options.
The on-site options include the North Terminal and South Terminal car parks, which offer both covered and uncovered parking.
Short-term parking is generally more expensive than long-term parking, but it’s also more convenient if you’re only dropping someone off and not parking your car overnight.
If you prefer not to drive, there are several public transportation options to get to Gatwick Airport.
The Gatwick Express is a non-stop train service that runs between London Victoria and Gatwick Airport, with journey times of around 30 minutes.
Other train services, such as Southern and Thameslink, also run to Gatwick Airport from various locations in London and the surrounding areas.
Finally, if you prefer the convenience of a taxi, you can book a private hire taxi or an Uber to take you to Gatwick Airport.
This is a good option if you have a lot of luggage or if you’re running late.
How To Drop Someone Off At Gatwick Airport And What Are The Charges?
Once you arrive at Gatwick Airport, you are only allowed to stop in the drop-off area for a maximum of two minutes.
This is to prevent traffic congestion and ensure the safety of other passengers and vehicles. If you need to wait longer, you can park in one of the short-term car parks and walk to the terminal.
The charges for dropping someone off at Gatwick Airport vary depending on the parking option you choose.
For short-term parking, prices start at £3 for 15 minutes and go up to £35 for 24 hours.
On-site parking options are generally more expensive than off-site options, but they offer the convenience of being close to the terminals.
What Are Some Of The Important Tips For A Stress-Free Drop-Off?
To ensure that your drop-off at Gatwick Airport goes smoothly and without any stress, it’s important to follow these tips:
- Plan your journey in advance: Make sure you know the quickest and easiest way to get to Gatwick Airport and allow enough time for traffic and parking.
- Arrive early: Give yourself plenty of time to park, unload your luggage, and say goodbye to your passenger.
- Use the drop-off area: The drop-off areas are designed for quick and convenient drop-offs, so make sure to use them.
- Follow the signs: The airport is well-signed, so make sure to follow the signs for the drop-off area and parking.
- Check for updates: Check for updates on the Gatwick Airport website or social media channels before you leave to make sure there are no disruptions or road closures.
How Can The Gatwick Drop-Off Charge Be Paid?
Passengers must be dropped off in the forecourt by midnight on the day following a visit.
Please note that payment is not permitted in the terminal drop-off zones. It can only be paid online through autopay.
Visit the airport terminal’s webpage to create a private account to enroll your PCO car with Gatwick and set up auto-payment if you work frequently at Gatwick.
Conclusion
Dropping someone off at Gatwick Airport can be a stressful experience, but with a little preparation, it can be done smoothly and efficiently.
Make sure to plan your journey in advance, arrive early, use the drop-off area, follow the signs, and check for updates before you leave.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your drop-off at Gatwick Airport is a stress-free experience for everyone involved.