Heathrow or Gatwick?
Discussion
Which one do people prefer, and why? Family member is asking which one would be better to fly from as she's planning a trip to Italy next year, but has never flown before so wants it to be as straightforward and hassle free as possible. Forget travel to/from the airport/parking/etc, as she'll be travelling on public transport from London so no significant differences (ie. both have regular, fast, direct services).
I've flown from Heathrow a few times recently, but only once from Gatwick and that was about 10 years ago, so don't know what it's like these days. I was planning on going back to her and saying to simply go with whichever option has the best value and most convenient flights, but thought I'd get the opinions of PHers who are probably more knowledgeable than me first.
I've flown from Heathrow a few times recently, but only once from Gatwick and that was about 10 years ago, so don't know what it's like these days. I was planning on going back to her and saying to simply go with whichever option has the best value and most convenient flights, but thought I'd get the opinions of PHers who are probably more knowledgeable than me first.
I'm in Heathrow (T5) quite a lot and it's a decent airport if you're after some high end shopping. The issue I have is that the majority of flights I've been on from there get delayed. Not such a big issue if you're starting there but it's a connection hub for me so it can be a real pain. Sometimes it's only 20 minutes and not the end of the world but it's something I've never had an issue with when at other hubs like Schiphol which I try and use for most trips now.
I've not used Gatwick for years but I'd just use the one that's easiest/closest to get to.
I've not used Gatwick for years but I'd just use the one that's easiest/closest to get to.
They are both much the same if travelling from central London, just avoid the rip-off Heathrow Express.
I live near Heathrow, but prefer Gatwick for daytime flights because the train journey there is quicker than sitting in a cab outside Heathrow for hours.
Heathrow is the nicer airport if flying from T5 or one of the others that has been refurbished, but I always seem to run into longer passport queues there than I do at Gatwick.
I live near Heathrow, but prefer Gatwick for daytime flights because the train journey there is quicker than sitting in a cab outside Heathrow for hours.
Heathrow is the nicer airport if flying from T5 or one of the others that has been refurbished, but I always seem to run into longer passport queues there than I do at Gatwick.
Edited by kingston12 on Tuesday 19th September 15:00
rcspeirs said:
The low hassle option is neither of those, but London City. Flights to Rome and Milan from LCY.
My favourite too if they have flights to my planned destination.I only live a few miles from Heathrow, but have often been back home after a flight from LCY quicker than I have cleared passport control at Heathrow.
If you get a seat at the front of the plane, you can be on the DLR into London within 5 minutes of the plane doors being opened. Allow longer than that, obviously!
Watch out for fares, doesn't necessarily work the way you expect. I just booked the family to Faro next August and BA's flights from LHR were significantly cheaper than LGW (and Monarch for that matter). I can only assume they're trying to catch out people who assume Gatwick is cheaper and only search on that rather than "London".
Agree LCY is a much less strenuous experience but costs will be high unless they can go weekend to weekend.
LHR generally cops delays despite the capacity but LGW can bet fooked if the single runway is disrupted. I don't give a monkeys about shopping and TBH the way they snake you around the duty free is a pain but these days airports are pretty much shopping centres with runways attached. Passport control can be fine or horrendous in both IME.
Agree LCY is a much less strenuous experience but costs will be high unless they can go weekend to weekend.
LHR generally cops delays despite the capacity but LGW can bet fooked if the single runway is disrupted. I don't give a monkeys about shopping and TBH the way they snake you around the duty free is a pain but these days airports are pretty much shopping centres with runways attached. Passport control can be fine or horrendous in both IME.
She's not one for shopping (as she's tight with money 
) which also rules out LCY.For speed and relaxation I choose Gatwick every time. Only fly from Heathrow if the fare is much cheaper or there isn't a Gatwick flight or not one at a good time. Heathrow is better for shopping and eating but the amount of distance you walk within the terminals is much higher and the place is just generally busier. On airport parking is cheaper at Gatwick so that wins it for me
SantaBarbara said:
I prefer John Lennon airport personally
John Lennon and birmingham are my favourites. Manchester is one of the worst.
London city too crowded these days.
Gatwick great, especially with queue skipper passes. Heathrow is swish but even the thought of travelling there gives me a migraine
Neptune188 said:
T5 isn't too bad. Only thing to watch is if your flight is at one of the remote gates - C in particular - it's a reasonably long walk to get there.
To be honest none of them are particularly pleasant experiences. I wouldn't pick my flight based on the terminal of departure...
You know there is also an underground train from main building to B and C satellites, right?!To be honest none of them are particularly pleasant experiences. I wouldn't pick my flight based on the terminal of departure...
I've always found check in in Gatwick far more hassle - unless staying over the night before with the bag drop off v Heathrow.
Gatwick is full of package holiday customers compared to T5
Gatwick the locations we have gone to end up being huge distances and the gate call/allocation of gate means it's a fair rush to get there.
T5 is a winch
Tight yet lives in London
Gatwick is full of package holiday customers compared to T5
Gatwick the locations we have gone to end up being huge distances and the gate call/allocation of gate means it's a fair rush to get there.
T5 is a winch
Tight yet lives in London
MG Mark said:
None of the above - go from Stansted.
45 mins by train from Liverpool Street station, easy and quick walk from the station. Terminal easy to get around.
Never Luton it's horrific disgusting toilets each and every time. People sleeping in pre check in all over he place such a long time to get bags checked in (they don't open early) that your then rushing through security & last one we had 3 kids who needed the toilet in the departure lounge massive toilet queues meaning a sprint to get to the plane. 45 mins by train from Liverpool Street station, easy and quick walk from the station. Terminal easy to get around.
Car park is so far away from the main building.
Bag trolleys are £1.50/2 non refundable.
Did I say it's s
t? It is. Gassing Station | Holidays & Travel | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff