We're flying into London in a few months (from Atlanta) and will stay in town. We wonder which is the better airport to fly into and from--Gatwick or Heathrow? I've searched this topic on this board, and the info I found didn't seem very recent, so I'd appreciate any up-to-date info.

For instance, a few months back there was much talk on the radio of lost luggage in the new terminal at Heathrow--has that problem been resolved? In terms of overall convenience--how long it takes to get through customs, availability of ground transport into town--is one airport much preferable over the other?

The difference in our air ticket price is negligible, so that's not a factor. I'd just like to learn which airport you prefer.

Thanks!

Unless you're flying with BA the new terminal is a non-issue.

Heathrow is 15 minutes away from London by train. Much cheaper if you hire a private car transportaion.

Gatwick is 30 minutes away.

Immigration/customs at either is hard to predict. It all depends on your arrival time and how many flights came in just before you.

For the return, Gatwick is less of a hassle for check in and shorter walks to the gates.

Six of one/half dozen of the other - they each have benefits and disadvantages. Just go w/ the one that gets you the best airfare.

Then once you have your airport and know where you are staying -- we can tell you the best way to get there.

Thanks for the replies!

Immigration at either can be somewhat better if you are a so-called "premium" traveler (i.e., First or Coach) and can use the special lane for those passengers.

I've done that as well as the regular lines and not sure it really saved that much time.

The others are correct when they say it depends on the amount of incoming traffic.

My experiences at heathrow have often been tempered with what I thought were LONG walks (without mechanical aids) from gates to the "main" terminal.

The long walks issue interests me. I have recently flown into Gatwick from Europe on 3 occassions, and each time I felt that I had to walk forever from arrival gate to baggage retrieval/passport control.

I think I walked for somewhere between 15 and 20 minutes, up several flights of stairs, across the huge bridge etc. I am not obviously exagerating for effect - but it did feel like a good mile or so - even with the aid of mechanical walkways.

Flight schedule can also be a larger factor than airport.

DL's ATL-LGW departs 5:25p and 6:45p and get in to London in the morning. The ATL-LHR flight departs 10:30p and arrives noon.

If you want maximum time in London for a short trip, then you probably want to fly the earlier flights, which gives you 4-5 more daylight hours.

But the late flight also has its advantage. You can finish work in Atlanta and go to airport leisurely; and the later flight gives you better rest.

Thanks for the responses!

We've decided to fly into Gatwick (for the early arrival), and to fly out of Heathrow (for the later departure).

On arrival, we're thinking of taking a train into town--the Gatwick Express to Victoria. Has anyone taken this train--okay with luggage? (We don't yet have a hotel selected.)

Gatwick Express - 30 minutes, non-stop = ~17BPs per

Southern Train - 35 minutes, couple of quick stops = ~9BPs

Both end up in Victoria station.

Take the Southern and save some cash.

No - w/ a morning arrival, don't take the Southern train. It would save money. But probably a false economy because they are crowded commuter trains not set up for easy luggage schlepping. W/ an afternoon arrival - Southern makes all sorts of sense since you'd be going against the commute.

W/ an A.M. arrival - just fork over the extra £ for the Express. The cars are set up w/ large luggage racks are easy on/easy off, and will not be over crowded.

I never had a problem finding a seat and place for my luggage with Southern, early or late arrival. YMMV.

i've ended up standing 3 times. Not a huge issue since I only ever use small carry on-sized bags. But if someone has checked luggage . . . . .

You makes your bets and takes your chances. Standing for 35 minutes after an overnight flight is not fun.

Thanks for the info! I appreciate reading about the experience of others!

to be fair - I have not had to stand a couple of other times. But I generally would use the Express for a morning LGW arrival, and other trains at other times of day or on weekends.

On the flip side, there has been more than once I (and DH) had to stand the whole way on Gatwick Express on both directions.

Did you move to a different car? I have never found the GEX so crowded there were no seats but I suppose it would be possible - especially on a Monday morning. My experience more often has been lots of empty seats.

No- the whole train was packed. I have this happend twice when traveling to the airport on Sunday mornings. The GEX likes to cancel some trains on Sunday mornings (due to track maintainence). The once or twice that happened to us leaving Gatwick was weekday mornings.

One issue with Gatwick is that some of the airlines are deserting it in favor of Heathrow. I've only come/gone through Gatwick and love it - my relatives arrive via the train to meet me - I've come/gone by train and by car, far prefer the train. Express or Southern - if you can avoid commute rush times then there is no real difference aside from fare.

Lots of info! Thanks, everyone!