London Gatwick (LGW) Airport Guide
from www.anyairportcarhire.com
SUMMARY
As the second largest airport in London, Gatwick Airport is one of the world's busiest airports. It has two flight terminals- north and south. The airport is used by more than 32 million passengers every year and it is a hub for British Airways, and also a base for EasyJet, Aer Lingus, Virgin Atlantic and Flybe. Gatwick has more charter flights than Heathrow and is the only London airport to have no frills and charter flights as well as full-service flights in abundance. The busiest routes from Gatwick airport are to Europe with Malaga you wrote popular destination.
HISTORY
The name Gatwick is actually taken from a 13th century manor which was on the site where the airport now stands. It literally means ‘goat farm’. In 1890 the De Gatwick family sold the land to the Gatwick Race Course Company. In 1920 the land was used as an aerodrome and by 1933 the first commercial flights had started. From 1978 to 2008, many US flights used Gatwick because of restrictions on Heathrow. In 2008 Gatwick ranked as the world's 28th busiest airport in terms of passengers. Until 2009 Gatwick airport was owned by BAA. In October of that year Gatwick was sold to Global Infrastructure Partners, which also owns London City Airport. As of 2010, US Airways and Delta Air Lines and are the only American carriers to continue serving Gatwick.
DIRECTIONS
Gatwick Airport is located 28 and a half miles to the south of London and 3 miles away from Crawley. Allow just over an hour to drive from the centre of London. Either use the M23 motorway and look for Junction 9 or take the A23 Brighton to London road. In either case the airport will be signposted.
Use the following postcodes
for satellite navigation:
Gatwick North Terminal post code: RH6 0PJ
Gatwick South Terminal post code: RH6 0RN |
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FACILITIES
A train connects the North and South terminal. Platform inside posted or alternatively you can exit the airport and take a free bus. Allow 15 minutes for the transfer.
Gatwick airport offers airport lounges which are not just for executive travellers. If you are with your family you can also make use of children's play areas.
Gatwick airport caters to disabled travellers with wide access pathways, ramps, disabled toilets, telephones at a height accessible to wheelchair users and reserved seating for disabled people in check-in areas. Bear in mind that there are often large doesn't cover get to your gate and so you could call your airline ahead to ask for assistance.
SHOPPING
Gatwick airport has good shopping facilities. You can get cheap food from Marks & Spencer outlets and any toiletries from Boots the chemist. There are numerous newsagents which sell newspapers, games, confectionary and more. Not only does Gatwick offer you the chance to buying goods online and then collecting them at the airport, but there is also a home delivery service. For a charge of £5 you can have up to 30 kg of items sent to your home address. There is even a shopping consultant service; you will recognise them by their distinctive green uniforms.
DUTY FREE
Once you have passed through security you will find a lot of tax-free shops selling everything from aftershave to electronics. There are numerous high-end designer stores, in particular Hugo Boss. You can get affordable clothes from Nike and Fat Face.
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The limits for bringing duty free goods into the UK are as follows:
• 3200 cigarettes
• 400 cigarillos
• 200 cigars
• 3 kg of smoking tobacco
• 110 litres of beer
• 10 litres of spirits
• 90 litres of wine
• 20 litres of fortified wine e.g. port or sherry
CAR HIRE
With all leading suppliers located at the airport you wiil be spoilt for choice with
Gatwick Airport car hire.