Don't want to miss my flight

[kcodd]

I know this will seem really ridiculous to those of you who fly regularly but my only experieince of flying was last year from Stansted when we missed our flight because we were waiting in the Departure Lounge for an announcement and no-one told us that we had to go to the departure gate. (I had explained that we had never flown before and were just told at check in to go to Departures, so we did)

Could anyone offer very simplified instructions as to EXACTLY what the procedure is when flying with TCD from Gatwick (south terminal), where we go and how to make sure we don't make the same mistake again.

As our date approaches I'm getting more and more worried about missing the plane for a second time.

 

[carolfoy]

Don't worry Kathleen, although there are NO announcements from Gatwick when you go through to departures there are heaps of tv screens around that will list departures and/or arrivals, as long as you know your flight number you can't go far wrong, the screens will have a list of about 30 flights that will read along the lines of:

vs201 orlando departing 11:00
az253 venice departing 12:30
etc etc
when they show your flight number as
tcd223 sanford departing 12:15 go to gate 5
or something like that, you just go to the gate number shown, they will go through announce,ments of 'boarding' , 'go to gate x' etc long before they flash up 'final boarding' or 'departing now'

hope that helps, just remember your flight number and you'll be ok

 

[VSL]

Don't worry - I'm kinda in the same boat as you. This year will be my BF's and mine (that is such bad grammar..) first time to fly without our parents.

Just keep an eye on the screens and you should be fine (as carolfoy said!).

 

[LindseyUK]

Hi Kathleen
Don't worry, I often think how confusing it must be for first-timers, I was lucky my first few times flying I was with a seasoned traveller who showed me the ropes.

Just to add to what Carol said, at Gatwick pay extra attention to the gate numbers. It's a lot bigger than Stanstead and the gates are not all in the same direction. For example, there will be signs saying something like "gates 1 - 20" one way, and "gates 21-40" another way. So make extra sure you have the right gate number (from the screens)- if you get to the wrong gate it can be a long walk back to the right one which is stressful if you're running a bit late!

When you get to the gate the flight number will be displayed so you know you're in the right place- just ask someone if you're still unsure.
I think the key is to make sure you allow plenty of time so you're not rushing around at the airport and you can take your time.

Most importantly have a fabulous time!
Hope this helps
Lindsey

 

[jen_uk]

Also at Gatwick if for some reason you didnt realise the flight was boarding they would put out several calls over the tannoy telling you to go to the gate immediately before it went.

 

[Rascal1003]

I find that the following is very useful and will help you to keep tabs on what is happening with your flight..........

Go to http://www.gatwickairport.com/ and click on Flight Information.

Look for the Flight Messenger link (looks like a picture of a mobile phone). Follow the link and sign up to the messenger service to receive updates on flight status.

I have used it a few times and it lets you know when the gate opens and boarding starts as well as a couple of messages before the flight to let you know if the flight is on time etc.
it hasn't let me down yet and worth a couple of text messages.

Otherwise, the obvious thing to do is to just find your flight on the departures board and keep an eye out for when the gate number appears next to the flight number. When it does, proceed to the gate and just wait for boarding......very difficult to go wrong when there are a lot of people about waiting to get on the same flight !

 

[Lisa1976]

My advice, just keep checking those screens. We have been 3 times before from Gatwick to Orlando and still I check the screens about every 10 minutes to see if our gate has been announced

I think I am kinda obssessed with missing my flight, would die if that happened, so I always watch them or I get a seat in front of a tv!!!

 

[Hilary]

I'm sure you'll be fine this time, and you've had lots of good advice already.

Last trip we had flights with Thomson and I was so impressed with the tickets and bits that were sent out. It was really informative and gave a step-by-step guide to what to do when you arrive at the airport - just the kind of information you would have found useful last year We've never had this before with Thomson, and it was good to see a company that acknowledges its customers as individuals who have varying levels of experience of travelling. It's always easy when you know how, isn't it?

Don't forget that everyone in the airport with you had a first flight sometime

 

[kcodd]

Thanks folks, I feel a bit better now (but won't feel totally fine until I'm sitting on the plane with DH and DSs beside me!

Guess the tip of the day is 'watch those screens!'

 

[Amyrlin]

You are not alone, I always worry, even thoyugh I have flown a lot. I always find somewhere to sit where I can see the board.

 

[wilma-bride]

You are not alone. Even though we have flown loads of times, DH and I nearly missed our flight last year as we only arrived an hour before the flight (having checked in the night before), were happily wandering round the shops and I happened to glance at a screen to see a final call for our flight. As it was, we were in plenty of time but I would have been soooo embarrassed if they'd had to announce our names and everyone on the plane was waiting for us

 

[dazeddaisy]

Also as soon as you see what gate you are leaving from, go find that gate. Even if you have 3 hours before your flight leaves, go find it, then you can go shop, or eat or whatever because you know where the gate is and how long it takes to get to the gate from where you are now.

Also try to check the flight details every 20mins give or take, just in case your gate changes. If it does ... go find that gate.