Practical Matters

Gatwick drop-off charges and free drop-off

The terminal forecourts carry a drop-off charge. There is a free alternative in the long stay car parks, and a third option that is often the most sensible of all.

Picking someone up from Gatwick

Collections are harder than drop-offs, because you are waiting on a flight rather than a clock. The trick is not to wait at the terminal at all.

Disabled and Blue Badge parking at Gatwick

Accessible bays, Blue Badge concessions and the special assistance service — and why all three need arranging before you travel, not on the day.

Electric vehicle charging at Gatwick

Charging is available in the airport car parks, but leaving an EV for a fortnight raises questions a petrol car never does.

Car park security and your insurance

What "secure parking" actually means, what your own insurance does and does not cover, and the checks that take five minutes and save arguments.

Gatwick parking when your flight is delayed

Your parking booking and your flight are separate contracts. What to do when the flight moves and the car park does not.

Arriving early or late for your parking booking

Parking bookings are for set times, but plans slip. How much leeway car parks usually give, and what to do before you get there.

Finding your car when you land

The return leg is the part of airport parking that goes wrong, and almost all of it is preventable with five minutes of preparation before you fly.

Lost ticket or overstaying in Gatwick parking

What to do at the barrier when the ticket, the booking reference or the time has run out — and how to avoid all three.