At London Gatwick Airport (LGW), check-in times vary by airline and flight type, but the general rule is to arrive 3 hours before an international or long-haul flight and 2 hours before a domestic or European flight. For major carriers like British Airways, Emirates, and Qatar Airways, check-in desks typically open 3 to 4 hours before departure. Budget carriers like easyJet have very strict deadlines; their bag drop usually closes exactly 40 minutes before the flight. A great "pro tip" for Gatwick is to use "Twilight Bag Drop" if you are staying at an airport hotel; airlines like easyJet, British Airways, and TUI allow you to check your bags the evening before (usually between 4:00 PM and 9:00 PM) for flights departing early the next morning. This allows you to bypass the check-in lines on the day of your flight and go straight to security. Always check your specific airline's app or website, as some terminals (North vs. South) may have different peak-hour wait times that could require an even earlier arrival.