LGW this morning [21 May]
#31
Join Date: Aug 2013
Programs: BAEC Gold, IHG Spire Elite
Posts: 1,713
The Gatwick website still suggests that it is not available, however there was a recent post from someone elsewhere who said they were able to check-in luggage the evening before a BA departure. As ever it would be good to have more data points, it's ones of those questions which seems to be asked 10 times more than the number of times that information comes back about it.
I walked up to the only check in desk open at about 20:00 on Maundy Thursday and checked in without a problem. Visa check done and boarding pass issued. I was flying HBO though (as always!), I have no idea if this would have been possible if checking in bags.
#33
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2021
Posts: 297
Going back to 21st May, there are people in the resort who were flying WT and despite the massively long queue actually made it through check in and security in exactly the same time as premium / fast track.
I don’t want to sound too difficult but I do sometimes struggle with premium prices for exactly the same service. I kind of expect to get through quicker is gold / club
I don’t want to sound too difficult but I do sometimes struggle with premium prices for exactly the same service. I kind of expect to get through quicker is gold / club
#34
Moderator, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges, and Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Feb 2010
Programs: BA Lifetime Gold; Flying Blue Life Platinum; LH Sen.; Hilton Diamond; Kemal Kebabs Prized Customer
Posts: 63,705
Gatwick is interesting in this respect. They seem capable of shifting large queues very quickly, but shuffling arriving passengers on to perhaps 12 different entry channels. If one or two look like they will go slow (e.g. large families with young children) they shuffle work to a channel which may have a long line, but is actually moving quite quickly. The problem with fast track at LGW (Premium Gatwick) is that there can be just one or two channels, and therefore if you get a slow down, you are kind of stuck. I well recall being stood behind someone who felt it was a good idea to travel wearing what must have been a five or even six figure's (sterling) worth of gold and other jewelery in Premium Gatwick, all of which had to come off and given special handling. This wasn't a teenager going to Megaluf. Consequently on busy days, when the supervisors are on top of the game, main security Gatwick can be incredibly slick and Premium Gatwick no faster.
Similar effect, but less pronounced at LHR T3, if there is a queue at their Fast Track and normal security is busy but moving, you may well be best to go normal security.
I don't see the point in being precious about this, all I'm interested in doing is getting through ASAP and a quick check will tell you which route is best. One may feel that's wrong, but that focuses on means rather than ends.
Similar effect, but less pronounced at LHR T3, if there is a queue at their Fast Track and normal security is busy but moving, you may well be best to go normal security.
I don't see the point in being precious about this, all I'm interested in doing is getting through ASAP and a quick check will tell you which route is best. One may feel that's wrong, but that focuses on means rather than ends.
#35
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: London
Programs: BA EC Gold
Posts: 214
Update: ended up being a total breeze. No queue at the IB desk. No queue at Gatwick Premium Security. Some nice booze in GF lounge. As per C-W-S, Gatwick seem to be able to clear away backlog impressively well.
#36
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: UK. West Sussex
Programs: BAEC. Gold
Posts: 786
Sat 28th May LGW
Youngest son is on flight to Manchester this morning
Check in queue was crazy according to him, almost to the south terminal door, lucky he had boarding pass and hand luggage only
Through security in 5 mins at 7.15 am
That's standard security as he doesn't have fast track or anything yet..... , he only joined Exec club 2 days ago 😂
Check in queue was crazy according to him, almost to the south terminal door, lucky he had boarding pass and hand luggage only
Through security in 5 mins at 7.15 am
That's standard security as he doesn't have fast track or anything yet..... , he only joined Exec club 2 days ago 😂
#38
Join Date: Dec 2020
Posts: 33
"We’re expecting some congestion at Gatwick airport. It will be very busy and we want to do everything we can to help you avoid spending your time queuing.We’ve set up an overnight bag drop service. If your flight departs any time before 1pm, you can bring your bags to the airport the night before travel and check them in ahead of your journey. Simply bring your bags to the British Airways Gatwick check-in zone in the South Terminal between 6pm and 9pm the day before. We’ll take them off your hands then you can go straight to security on the day of your flight."
#39
Join Date: Apr 2012
Programs: BA Executive Club
Posts: 1,030
At Gatwick there is a Club World and Club Europe check in area. There is also a Premium Economy check in area and the the World and Euro Traveller desks. There is also the bag drop zone. There are no BA flights from Gatwick offering First Class. However, the first class lounge is open.
#42
Join Date: Oct 2017
Programs: Honors Diamond
Posts: 1,633
Gatwick is interesting in this respect. They seem capable of shifting large queues very quickly, but shuffling arriving passengers on to perhaps 12 different entry channels. If one or two look like they will go slow (e.g. large families with young children) they shuffle work to a channel which may have a long line, but is actually moving quite quickly. The problem with fast track at LGW (Premium Gatwick) is that there can be just one or two channels, and therefore if you get a slow down, you are kind of stuck. I well recall being stood behind someone who felt it was a good idea to travel wearing what must have been a five or even six figure's (sterling) worth of gold and other jewelery in Premium Gatwick, all of which had to come off and given special handling. This wasn't a teenager going to Megaluf. Consequently on busy days, when the supervisors are on top of the game, main security Gatwick can be incredibly slick and Premium Gatwick no faster.
Similar effect, but less pronounced at LHR T3, if there is a queue at their Fast Track and normal security is busy but moving, you may well be best to go normal security.
I don't see the point in being precious about this, all I'm interested in doing is getting through ASAP and a quick check will tell you which route is best. One may feel that's wrong, but that focuses on means rather than ends.
Similar effect, but less pronounced at LHR T3, if there is a queue at their Fast Track and normal security is busy but moving, you may well be best to go normal security.
I don't see the point in being precious about this, all I'm interested in doing is getting through ASAP and a quick check will tell you which route is best. One may feel that's wrong, but that focuses on means rather than ends.
At Gatwick there is a Club World and Club Europe check in area. There is also a Premium Economy check in area and the the World and Euro Traveller desks. There is also the bag drop zone. There are no BA flights from Gatwick offering First Class. However, the first class lounge is open.
I also received the we are very busy email this morning, for the flight I mentioned in early July.
#44
Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: BAEC
Posts: 460
Well of course it only really works if you’re in the vicinity the night before anyway. Some people do live close or stay over the night before an early flight. I’m sure it can be worthwhile.
#45
Join Date: Apr 2012
Programs: BA Executive Club
Posts: 1,030
For me the travel to the airport and time at the airport is all part of the holiday experience that I enjoy. I am rarely upset by delays and just make the best of things.
I am glad that I am not a too frequent a flyer who has become so jaded by the air travel experience.
Guess being a peasant can have its benefits lol! 😄🙃😏