Gatwick Express service went the wrong way after previous service cancelled

[northwichcat]

If it's hard to estimate, and the journey is critical, you leave more slack.

Although, the reason I was saying it was hard to estimate is because previous journey times have been inconsistent and the time when the roads should have been quietest it took longest and that wasn't due to any special event or accident. You don't have that knowledge if you've only made the journey once before.

 

[AndrewE]

Although, the reason I was saying it was hard to estimate is because previous [road] journey times have been inconsistent and the time when the roads should have been quietest it took longest and that wasn't due to any special event or accident. You don't have that knowledge if you've only made the journey once before.

...or only once or twice a year! Ditto experienced UK rail users going by train to an airport - which they also may only do once or twice a year. I/we probably make 30 or 40 trips a year by train, but only go to an airport once or twice a year, and a variety of circumstances then make us use a succession of airports, so we don't get many opportunities for learning! Going back 6 or 7 years from the next trip: Luton, Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester (4, but we got sick of the place, even though it's our local), Stanstead, Liverpool ...

 

[JamesT]

My usual airport trip is Oxford to Birmingham, which is possibly somewhat simpler. But I normally would look for the train that arrives last before the minimum check-in time, then take the one before as they're hourly.
Leaving more time than that feels excessive to me as you're just hanging around the airport.

 

[theironroad]

My usual airport trip is Oxford to Birmingham, which is possibly somewhat simpler. But I normally would look for the train that arrives last before the minimum check-in time, then take the one before as they're hourly.
Leaving more time than that feels excessive to me as you're just hanging around the airport.

Suppose it depends if you have to drop bags for checked luggage, otherwise check in online before hand and go straight to security but agree about minimising uncessary time in airports, especially when they are overpriced to buy meals etc.