Southampton Vs Gatwick?

[NDA]

I'm tempted to fly to Mallorca from Southampton this year rather than Gatwick for the family hols - we're equidistant between the two.

Anyone use Southampton? Tips and tricks?!

Thanks....

[trashbat]

I fly from Southampton because I live there, but only ever domestic. It's not very big and not very busy, so I like it. Direct, fast trains on the London line if that's of use, and quite a lot of parking these days. Then again the only complaint I have about Gatwick is that you can wind up with a ridiculously long walk (like 5 minutes) from arrival flights if you end up at certain gates.

[DocJock]

Southampton is great, as stated above.

Good links, plenty of parking and short waiting times either journey.

[Kinky]

DocJock said:

Southampton is great, as stated above.

Good links, plenty of parking and short waiting times either journey.

What he says.

Although I'm about 20 miles from Heathrow, I can get to Southampton quicker; and prefer it over any other

[NDA]

Thanks for that......

I should have checked before posting....... There are no flights from Southampton to Mallorca on Saturdays!

Bournemouth looks the next option.

I'm trying to avoid the total scrum of Gatwick and we're flying during the Olympic Games period too, so I'm hoping to fly from a destination other than London.

[Puggit]

I love Southampton. I live exactly equidistant between SOU and LHR, but I can be AT THE GATE at SOU in 45 mins after shutting the front door,

[Jackleman]

Southampton is great, really quick to get in and out of.

[NDA]

Southampton does sound ideal. Unfortunately they don't have any flights to Mallorca on Saturdays. So I'm looking at Bournemouth.

I'm assuming Gatwick is going to be packed during the Olympics.

[Cupramax]

I use the Bournemouth - Mallorca flights regularly for work plus the odd holiday. You have the choice of Ryanair and Thomson if they haven't changed the schedules this year. Ryanair are usually way cheaper unless your doing a package. Sensible flight times as well.

[NDA]

Cupramax said:

I use the Bournemouth - Mallorca flights regularly for work plus the odd holiday. You have the choice of Ryanair and Thomson if they haven't changed the schedules this year. Ryanair are usually way cheaper unless your doing a package. Sensible flight times as well.

That's useful to know......

Any handy hints for using Bournemouth?

My choice is:

easyJet Gatwick (during the Olympics) an hours drive £1800 in tickets.

Thomson Bournemouth an hour and half drive £1500 in tickets.

I'm thinking Bournemouth for just an easier experience, easier parking, queuing etc. But I've never been there....

Would you agree?

Many thanks.

[Cupramax]

Its certainly easier to fly out of, I only live 5 miles away so its a god send for me as my work have an office in Mallorca. The only thing to really watch out for is if you're being dropped off you cant do that for free, the drop off area is the car park and hence you have to pay to drop off & pick up.

Apart from that the departure lounge is like someones conservatory and about as disorganised . If you get 3 or 4 flights at similar times its bedlam but still worth it for the convenience factor.

Edited by Cupramax on Saturday 31st March 17:41

[davepoth]

Bournemouth is a nice little airport. The car parks are all next to the terminal and quite reasonably priced, when I went there was only one guy on security (they don't need any more than that) and he was really rather personable, the beer was reasonably priced, and I didn't want to stab anyone like I normally do when I fly from Gatwick. A very pleasant experience all in all.

[NDA]

Cupramax said:

Its certainly easier to fly out of, I only live 5 miles away so its a godsend for me as my work have an office in Mallorca. The only thing to really watch out for is if you're being dropped off you cant do that for free, the drop off area is the car park and hence you have to pay to drop off & pick up.

Apart from that the departure lounge is like someones conservatory and about as disorganised. If you get 3 or 4 flights at similar times its bedlam but still worth it for the convenience factor.

We'll be using long-term parking.... presumably this is easy and cheaper than Gatwick?

If it's busy, is it worth hanging back until the the gate's open? Or are there massive and slow queues through X ray and baggage?

Sorry to ask such tedious questions, I'm right on the point of choosing between Gatwick and Bournemouth, so your view is really helpful.

Thanks.......

[Cupramax]

NDA said:

We'll be using long-term parking.... presumably this is easy and cheaper than Gatwick?

If it's busy, is it worth hanging back until the the gate's open? Or are there massive and slow queues through X ray and baggage?

Sorry to ask such tedious questions, I'm right on the point of choosing between Gatwick and Bournemouth, so your view is really helpful.

Thanks.......

I've not used the long term parking so cant comment, but there appears to be plenty whenever I've been dropped off and its right next to the terminal.

Baggage and Xray can be a bit tedious but have been improved since they've extended the terminal, there now 2 baggage check lanes whereas there used to be one so now no better or worse than any other airport. As for the scrum queueing its up to you really. You'll end up on the plane either way.

[NDA]

Bournemouth it is.

Thanks for the pointers....

[Cupramax]

No probs, lets put it like this, holiday wise if I cant fly out of Bournemouth I dont bother...

[bzh1p9]

NDA - fear not , flying from Hurn is a relaxing way to start & end any flight buisness or pleasure .
Don't expect the Ritz , and allow 4.25 mins for duty free shopping , but that is part of the experience ! .

[NDA]

Tickets bought!

Thanks for the replies....l

[HereBeMonsters]

Bournemouth not as easy on public transport though. Love Southampton for that reason. If only Heathrow had public transport links like SOU!