Most of our family flights have been from Gatwick, at all sorts of departure times over the years. Our most recent trip to Ikos was a 6 AM flight, which meant being at the airport for 4 AM.
Travelling solo with twins, I wasn’t up for a bleary-eyed drive from home in the middle of the night, so we booked the Premier Inn the night before. I briefly considered the Bloc Hotel, but Premier Inn won for comfort and cost.
We parked at Maple Parking, Meet & Greet – just three minutes from the hotel, and the Premier Inn was right across the road from the terminal entrance. A couple of escalators (or lifts if you prefer) and we were there. Evening Arrival meant a calm morning. No motorway drama or panicking – just a calm breakfast and a short stroll to departures.
Hotel Options Near Gatwick
If you’ve got an early flight, overnighting nearby can be a game-changer.
- On-Airport Hotels:
- Sofitel (North Terminal) and Hilton (South Terminal) connect directly to check-in — no shuttles, no fuss.
- Budget-Friendly:
- Premier Inn and Bloc Hotel offer family rooms at lower rates, both within walking distance.
Evening Bag Drop = Stress-Free Morning
We checked in our bags the evening before, which meant no heavy lifting or bag chaos at 4 AM. Just ourselves and hand luggage to worry about and enjoy as much of the travel experience as possible. Dinner and drinks at the Premier Inn kept things simple. We could have explored nearby options, but staying close to the airport meant more time to unwind and get the kids settled.
Airport Morning Routine
Starbucks sits right at the terminal entrance which was perfect for a quick caffeine fix. We grabbed drinks and headed to Premium Security, which was literally opposite Starbucks.
Premium Security
Gatwick’s Premium Security is, for me, worth every penny.
- Cost: From £7 per person (book online or pay at the airport)
- Perks: Shorter queues, dedicated family lanes, less stress
- Why I Love It: The smooth start sets the tone for the whole trip.
After Security
Shops can get very busy. If you don’t need anything, I suggest heading straight to your gate area or finding a quieter corner. Seating was okay, but we did end up perched on sticky-drink tables (not exactly glamorous). Next time, we’re booking a lounge for a calmer space away from the crowds – especially helpful when juggling kids, bags, and documents.
Hand Luggage Tips for Families
If your children are old enough, let them carry a small backpack with their own essentials – it gives them a sense of responsibility and frees up your space. As the parent, one main bag is usually enough for the bulk of belongings. Pack smart: snacks, wipes, a change of clothes, and a simple travel game like Uno. Keep all passports and boarding passes together in one pouch so you can grab them in seconds without stressing.
- Kids’ Bags: If they’re old enough, give them a small backpack with their own bits.
- One Main Bag: You carry the bulk of essentials to keep track of everything.
- Essentials: Snacks, wipes, a change of clothes, and a travel card game like Uno.
- Documents: Keep passports and boarding passes together in one pouch for easy access.
What’s your best airport hack? I’d love to hear in the comments!
