Overview

Gatwick Airport is a large, busy London airport with flights all over the world. I had another very postive and accessible experience.

Transport & Parking

I arrived by train from London St Pancras. My train had been cancelled but I only had a short wait until the next one. The train goes into the South terminal.

Access

From arrival at Gatwick South terminal I took the step free shuttle to the North terminal. At the Easy Jet check in the Special Assitance section was closed. However, I asked a member of staff and she let me through the barrier. I was helped with checking in and then made my way upstairs to the Special Assistance area. I use a wheelchair in the airport. I had a short wait before being taken fast tracked through security. There is a seperate Special Assiatance area which is spacious and comfortable. I decided I wanted to get some food and drink before departure and found that as the SA lounge is at one end of the departure area it was quite a walk to get a hot drink. Plus most of the food outlets are upstairs, via stairs or lift. So I ended struggling with a bag and my crutch going down in the lift. When I got back to the SA lounge I went over to the desk and raised this. They explained that there was vending machines dispensing food and drink in the SA lounge and if their staff are not too busy help can be provided to assist you with getting food.

Toilets

Adjecent to the Special Assistant lounges there are spacious accessible toilets, with grab rails and low level, long bar to press for assistance, see photo . The accessible toilet by the SA lounge just after airport security is huge, see photos, but sadly has not been turned into a Changing Places toilet. I mentioned this to staff and they said that there is a Changing Places toilet but it is in Arrivals. They don't have one in Departures. Therefore if someone needs to use the Changing Places toilet they have to be escorted by staff through to the Arrivals area.

Staff

Staff were extremely helpful and friendly. Service was supportive and helpful. Staff were very cheerful.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

Thank you Gatwick. However, please consider installing a Changing Places toilet in the Departure Lounge as the accessible toilet there is certainly spacious enough, as it will give indepedence back to disabled people who need this facility as they will not require a staff escort to access a toilet which meets there needs.

Photos