Surrey planes

Airport advice overview

There is no major airport within Surrey. Gatwick Airport is the nearest to the south of the county.

Special Assistance is available to passengers who may need help to travel, such as older people, those with a physical disability, including wheelchair users, and those who experience difficulty with social interaction and communication, such as people with autism or dementia.

Key tips

• If you require special assistance while at the airport you should inform your airline, tour operator or travel agent at least 48 hours before you fly. 
• Pre-arrange assistance for outbound and return journeys so the necessary arrangements can be made to give you the assistance you require.
• If you arrive at the airport and have not booked assistance in advance, all reasonable efforts will be made to assist you
• Check medication rules before you fly to see what can and cannot be carried in hand baggage and what to do if you are travelling with medication or equipment. The UK Civil Aviation Authority provide further information.

Nearest airports 

Gatwick Airport

https://www.gatwickairport.com/

The postcode for the North Terminal is RH6 0PJ.

The postcode for the South Terminal is RH6 0NP.

Gatwick Information Desk contact number: 0344 892 0322.

You can find information about travelling with reduced mobility and arranging assistance, on the Gatwick Airport website. Special assistance | Gatwick Airport

Special assistance

If you require special assistance while at the airport you should inform your airline, tour operator or travel agent preferably at the time of booking and at least 48 hours before you fly. If you arrive at the airport and have not booked assistance in advance, all reasonable efforts will be made to assist you.

Assistance with parking

If you are a Blue Badge holder being dropped off at Gatwick Airport by friends or by taxi, you are exempt from drop-off charges. Register your number plate in advance, from three months before you fly to the day before you travel. You must do this each time you fly.

The vehicle owner can also register their number plate on behalf of the Blue Badge holder being dropped off, as long as they can provide evidence of a Blue Badge. 

For more information, visit the Gatwick Airport website. 

Or call NCP customer services: 0345 050 7080 (Option 4). 

Navigating Gatwick Airport

You will need to check-in and go through security as normal. If you need assistance, visit the special assistance reception area located at the side of the Drop-Off Zone or to a special assistance desk located at the side of the entrance to security in both terminals.

Assistance at Security

There are dedicated assistance lanes through security. Staff are specially trained to take extra care of passengers who have additional needs.

For assistance, visit the special assistance reception desk in the terminals and a member of the team will take you through.

Boarding your flight

Passengers using special assistance will board a flight first. However, this can depend on the airline you are travelling with.

If you cannot manage the steps to the aircraft, ambulift vehicles can be provided to help you board. 

If you need some more assistance to board the aircraft, an Eagle Hoist can also be arranged. This service needs to be booked 24 hours in advance by emailing: lgweaglehoist@wilsonjames.co.uk with your name, contact information, flight details, height and weight. Once your booking is confirmed, you will receive email notification.

Once on board, special assistance staff can utilise aisle chairs to assist you to your seat, if you should require this.

Travelling with mobility equipment

For those passengers taking a mobility aid – such as a scooter or wheelchair – onto the aircraft, your airline must be advised in advance preferably at the time of booking. 

You should provide details to your airline, tour operator or travel agent which outline the dimension, weight, make and model of the mobility aid. You will be able to travel with your mobility aid from arrival at the airport up until the point of boarding the aircraft. 

The ground handling team will ensure your mobility aid is made safe for carriage on the plane and you or a person in your travelling party may be required to liaise with the team to ensure the mobility aid is immobilised.

You will be reunited with your mobility aid at the aircraft side after disembarking. In the unlikely event there is any damage to your mobility equipment, the Special Assistance team will make every effort to provide you with a temporary replacement.

Assistance dogs

You may take your assistance dog into the terminal with you. It is important to remember that guide dogs can only travel if they are registered with the Pet Travel Scheme and if allowed by your airline and holiday destination. 

For further information on travelling with an assistance dog, please visit the dedicated webpage on the GOV.UK website.