Carmen
Travel editor at Reisedrop · 2026-10-02
If you are choosing between Gatwick and Heathrow for a holiday, the cheapest airport is not always the one with the lowest fare on screen. For UK travellers, total cost usually comes down to three things: airline mix, route choice and how much it costs and takes to reach the airport. Gatwick often looks cheaper on classic short-haul beach routes, while Heathrow can win on full-service fares, hand luggage rules and better timings. The right answer depends on where you are going, how late you are booking and whether you value flexibility as much as the headline price.
Gatwick vs Heathrow at a glance
For many leisure trips, Gatwick has the budget-holiday feel. It is strong for Spain, Portugal, Greece, France and Italy, with plenty of low-cost and leisure airline competition. That can push base fares down, especially outside peak school-holiday periods. Heathrow is different. It has a larger full-service network, more business traffic and strong links with major flag carriers. That often means higher starting fares on short-haul routes, but sometimes better value once cabin bags, seat choice, airport access and schedule quality are factored in. If you want the lowest possible lead price, Gatwick often leads. If you want fewer trade-offs, Heathrow can compete.
Which airport is usually cheaper for flights?
On simple return fares for Mediterranean holidays, Gatwick often comes out lower because more low-cost capacity is aimed at leisure demand. Late booking can also be unusually strong in the UK market, and Gatwick sometimes benefits when airlines still need to fill seats close to departure. Heathrow is less likely to throw up rock-bottom fares on core beach routes, but it can be competitive on routes served by several full-service airlines or when baggage is already included. Always compare the full basket, not just the first price you see, because one extra bag can erase an apparent saving.
Routes and frequency: where Heathrow can make sense
Heathrow has an advantage if your holiday destination is served more often, at better times or year-round. More frequency can lower your total trip cost even when the fare is not the cheapest, because you may avoid an extra hotel night, expensive train timing or awkward airport transfers at the other end. It also helps if you are travelling as a family and want backup options in case of disruption. Gatwick still covers many core holiday markets very well, but Heathrow can be stronger for city breaks, island connections via major hubs and trips where schedule reliability matters as much as price.
The hidden costs: getting to LGW or LHR
For London travellers, airport access can decide the winner. Heathrow is usually easier from West London and often simpler by Underground or rail-linked routes, while Gatwick can work better from South London and parts of the South East. If you need a taxi very early or very late, the difference can be large enough to outweigh a cheaper fare. Think beyond London too. If you are coming from places such as Bristol, Birmingham or even further north, a direct departure from MAN, BHX, BRS, EDI or NCL may beat both London airports once train costs, overnight stays and time are included.
Bags, seats and protection: what holiday travellers should check
Holiday costs rise fast through extras. Gatwick itineraries often look sharp on price until cabin bag rules, hold luggage, seat selection and transfer times are added. Heathrow fares may include more by default, depending on the airline, which can matter for families or longer beach stays. For UK travellers, protection language also matters. Because flights, hotels and cruises are booked separately on Reisedrop, this is not a package holiday. Check ATOL or airline terms where relevant, and for wider booking standards look to ABTA guidance. The cheapest airport is the one that still works once all essentials are included.
So, Gatwick or Heathrow: which should you pick?
Choose Gatwick if you are price-led, flying short-haul and flexible on airline and flight time. It is often the better hunting ground for low fares to Spain, Portugal, Greece, France and Italy. Choose Heathrow if you want a smoother schedule, more included in the ticket or easier access from your side of London. For travellers outside the capital, compare both against your nearest regional airport before assuming London is cheaper. In a Gatwick vs Heathrow search, the best result is rarely the lowest base fare alone. It is the trip with the lowest realistic total cost.
Compare flights from LGW and LHR and set one Reisedrop price alert to catch a fare drop.
Fancy exactly this? Zazou, our travel assistant, puts flights, hotels and a route together in seconds - and tells you honestly when it gets cheaper.
Plan this trip with Zazou