You will see from the Airline Directory section of this Guide that each airline has provided earliest and latest check-in times for your guidance. In some instances the times given are the same (we mention this lest you think we got it wrong!), and in other cases the minimum time stated seems remarkably adjacent to departure time.
However much the airlines try to move passengers quickly through the check-in process, the different experience levels and requirements of thousands of passengers will always cause delays and congestion. There is much that passengers could do to help each other and themselves, by attending to the simple, common sense bits and pieces before getting to the head of the line. Ever stood waiting behind the person whose ticket is buried deep in a jacket or purse? Or the person who sees the little dispenser of baggage labels with the pretty airline logo, and decides that each of his five pieces of luggage needs one? Of course you have. Are you ever that person? Of course you're not, but he'll always be on your flight with twenty others like him.
If you are not a frequent flyer and feel a bit daunted by the apparent complexity of Gatwick, check-in can be the worst part of the flight. It doesn't have to be. First, make sure you know which Terminal you will be using, and leave yourself plenty of time to get oriented. Make sure your baggage is secure, labelled with your name and address and within the weight limit. Finally, keep your ticket and passport easily to hand.
No flight announcements are made at Gatwick, so make sure you keep your eye on the screens for boarding information and other details of your flight.
Regular travellers should skip this piece of advice which is intended to help those who rarely travel by air. When you get into the Departures area of your Terminal you will perhaps be daunted by the array of illuminated signboards, crowds of people and public announcements. Even though you know you've got plenty of time to spare, the stress levels rise. It's worth standing to one side for a minute to get your bearings before deciding which check-in desk is the one you need. Some have clear signs on or behind them with the flight number and destination of the flight currently being dealt with. In other cases the correct desk will be indicated on a Departures TV screen. Beware of simply joining the nearest queue which may be for your airline but a different destination. If in any doubt, ask assistance from anyone in uniform and you'll get all the help you need.
Once at the check -in desk you will need your ticket and your passport. Make sure in advance that your bags are secure and labelled, and that they are within the weight limit set by the airline. The check-in clerk is legally required to ask you certain questions about your baggage, such as whether it contains anything electrical and whether the baggage all belongs to you.
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