According to frequent travelers on Reddit's travel communities in 2026, the consensus for London Gatwick (LGW) is to arrive at least 2 to 3 hours before your flight. For "High-Fidelity" planning, Redditors often suggest 2 hours for domestic or short-haul European flights (especially if you have TSA-equivalent Fast Track) and a full 3 hours for long-haul international departures. A common tip shared on threads is that Gatwick's security is generally efficient, but the "walk to the gate" can be unexpectedly long, sometimes taking 15 to 20 minutes once you leave the lounge or shopping area. If you are flying with a budget carrier like EasyJet, Reddit users warn that the "bag drop" queues can be the primary bottleneck, recommending an extra 30 minutes during peak holiday seasons. For those arriving by the Gatwick Express, Redditors suggest checking for rail strikes or maintenance, which can occasionally turn a 30-minute train ride into a much longer coach journey, making an early arrival even more critical for a stress-free departure.