London Gatwick Airport
With over 45 million passengers each year, two terminals, and more than 200 destinations served worldwide, London Gatwick Airport is a major hub for travellers.
Ways to access the airport at London Gatwick
Located 30 minutes from London, the airport is easily accessible by train, as well as by car or taxi. While waiting for your flight, you can enjoy numerous services available to passengers. Food enthusiasts will appreciate discovering British local products and having a typical English breakfast at one of the many airport restaurants. The airport also offers a loyalty programme that provides numerous benefits such as discounts on secure parking or free and fast internet access.
What are your rights when travelling through London Gatwick Airport
During a flight, disruptions can affect the quality of your journey. This may include a delay, cancellation or overbooking. The European Union has implemented EC Regulation 261 to protect and compensate travellers whose arrival time has not been respected.
The fixed compensation amounts provided
If your flight is cancelled, delayed or overbooked, EC Regulation 261 allows you to claim compensation from the airline. The amount of this compensation is calculated based on the distance travelled and the duration of the journey.
Below are the compensation amounts you may be entitled to.
- For a flight of 1,500 km or less: you may be entitled to compensation of €125 for less than 2 hours delay or €250 for 2 hours delay or more.
- For an intra-European Union flight of more than 1,500 km: you may be entitled to €200 compensation for less than 2 hours delay or €400 for 3 hours delay or more.
- For a flight outside the European Union of 1,500 to 3,500 km: you may be entitled to €200 compensation for less than 2 hours delay or €400 for 3 hours delay or more.
- For a flight outside the European Union of more than 3,500 km: you may be entitled to €300 compensation for less than 2 hours delay or €600 for more than 4 hours delay.
Flights covered by European law
EC Regulation 261 was established by the European Union to protect and compensate travellers affected by a disruption (a delay, cancellation or overbooking). There are two scenarios where EC Regulation 261 automatically applies.
- Travellers whose arrival airport is located in the European Union can claim compensation in case of a delay or cancellation of a flight, regardless of the nationality of the airline or destination.
- Travellers from a non-European Union country, but whose final destination and airline are located in the European Union.
The case of strikes at London Gatwick Airport
EC Regulation 261 allows compensation for travellers whose flight has been disrupted by an airline staff strike. If your flight is delayed or cancelled due to a strike by the carrier, you can claim compensation.
Airport staff strikes are not covered by EC Regulation 261 and do not allow for compensation.
Flight delay at London Gatwick Airport: what are your rights?
If your flight is disrupted by a delay, you can make a compensation claim with the airline. EC Regulation 261 states that the delay must be more than 2 hours at an airport in the European Union to be eligible for compensation.
Please note, EC Regulation 261 allows compensation only if the airline is responsible for the delay due to specific conditions (a technical fault or operational issue). Extraordinary circumstances do not allow for compensation.
Cancelled flight at London Gatwick Airport: what to do?
If your flight is cancelled, EC Regulation 261 allows you to claim financial compensation. The legislation strictly regulates access to this compensation and states that the cancellation must occur less than 14 days before departure to be eligible for compensation.
If your flight is cancelled, the airline must offer you an alternative flight or provide a full refund of your ticket. If you board the alternative flight, your fixed compensation is calculated based on the flight distance and the estimated delay at arrival. The compensation amount can be up to €600 per passenger.
Overbooking at London Gatwick Airport: are you entitled to compensation?
Overbooking or overselling a flight means the airline has sold more tickets than there are seats available on the flight. If your flight is overbooked, EC Regulation 261 allows you to claim compensation.
Please note, to be eligible for compensation, you must not be one of the volunteers who agree not to board.
- The amount of compensation depends on the length of the journey. For a flight up to 1,500 km, you may be entitled to a maximum of €250.
- For a flight with a distance between 1,500 and 3,500 km, you may be entitled to compensation of up to €400.
- For a flight within the EU with a distance over 3,500 km, the maximum compensation is €400 and €600 for a journey between the European Union and a non-EU country.
What to do in case of a problem during a flight at London Gatwick Airport?
If you experience a cancellation, delay or overbooking of your flight, EC Regulation 261 allows you to claim compensation. To prepare your case, remember to keep the documents listed below.
- Booking documents: ticket reservation, e-ticket, purchase receipt of the flight ticket
- Boarding pass (email, SMS or paper)
- Receipts and tickets for purchases made while waiting at the airport
- Request a delay or cancellation certificate from the airline
Delayed assists you in case of flight disruption at London Gatwick Airport
A disruption can occur during a flight. This may include a delay, cancellation or overbooking. If you find yourself in one of these situations, the European Union's EC Regulation 261 allows you to claim compensation. Delayed assists you in your claim by handling all the administrative procedures to obtain your compensation. You don't have to worry about anything, we take care of everything. Once your claim is approved, you can prepare for your next flight from London.