Connection times in Gatwick

I'm looking at taking a Continental flight from Houston to Gatwick, then flying back to Belfast on flybe. Is three hours enough time to allow in Gatwick? The other options would be more like 8-10 hours.

3 hours should be more than enough time, even if you have to change terminals as it isn't that large an airport. 

Good, thanks. I was just a bit concerned about getting through immigration, picking up my bag, and then checking in again in that time. I'll try not to worry.

I've done Houston to Gatwick to Belfast several times and 3 hours should be more than enough time. I once had a 4 hour layover there and that was enough time to get thoroughly bored. Are you sure your luggage won't be checked all the way through to Belfast? I want to say one of my flights was booked through Continental and I transferred to Flybe at Gatwick and didn't have to re-check my bags.

Elynor,

Before you book though, check what the on-time rating for your incoming flight is. If it's constantly late, you might want to opt for the hideous layover.

I've done Houston to Gatwick to Belfast several times and 3 hours should be more than enough time. I once had a 4 hour layover there and that was enough time to get thoroughly bored. Are you sure your luggage won't be checked all the way through to Belfast? I want to say one of my flights was booked through Continental and I transferred to Flybe at Gatwick and didn't have to re-check my bags.

That's what I'm trying to figure out how to do! I can't seem to do it through Continental's website, but I guess I'll give them a call. I'm really glad to hear from someone who's actually done it.

Finding flights is one of the most maddening processes in the universe.

The longest I have ever queued in Gatwick immigration has been about 55 minutes, and that was behind a hideously huge mass of people. They really seem to shift people through (or not!) efficiently.

I'd say three hours for departing the plane, going through immigration, picking up your luggage and finding your next gate is sufficient for Gatwick.

If the Flybe and the continental flight are booked together, you more than likely don't need to re-check your bags- but if they are booked separately, you probably do (as someone who has to flyMaybe a fair amount)