Security checks - long lines?

[Jules224]

Does anyone know how long the lines are taking on average at gatwick, i ask because we flew from stansted to barcelona on the 22nd october and we could check in from 3.25pm we got there at 3pm and check in was open so we checked in early and they said i'd join the queue now if i were you which we did, our flight was taking off at 5.55pm and we got to our departure gate at 5.40pm, it took us all that time to go through and have hand luggage and security checks, i am all for extra security but 6 people missed our flight becuse they were still stuck in the queue's they had checked in and we were told the airline were looking for there luggage and if they found that first we would take off without them and we did!
We are going to Florida in January and doing twilight check in but i am just wondering how early we'll still need to get there to get through the security checks?

 

[Miffy2003]

It took ages when I went through in August but that was two days after the security alerts occurred so hopefully it has improved since then

Can anyone that's been recently help?

As you aren't going for a few more months Jules it may be worth waiting and asking nearer the time. Hopefully things will have improved

 

[carolfoy]

when we travelled end of sept the biggest queues were at the part just before you queued for security and the xray machines etc, there were loads of security staff going up and down the lines with huge bins asking for any liquids, gels pastes etc. The amount of people who ignored them then had to go through the rigmarole of taking their liquids out once they got to the front of thequeue was astonishing. Of course, the regulations have changed now but I don't know if its made a difference to the queues

 

[Jules224]

I was also amazed how many people still had liquids in there bags and i even heard one woman behind us say i'll put it in my pocket and hope they don't find it, it was only a lip balm but it stated clearly on the list they could not be taken in hand luggage.

 

[neilybealy]

it took us 45 mins to get through to the departure lounge in gatwick south when we went to spain in the end of september and that was at 4am