Expert: Alun Hill MCIJ - 6/21/2008

Question
We are planning a cruise from Dover and back to Dover.  Our ship docks in Dover on Thursday at 6AM.  We would like to take a British Airways flight from Gatwick to Tampa, FL.  The flight leaves at 12:20 PM.  We are told by our travel agent that there is not enough time to get to the airport in order to take this flight (BA2167) because of possible traffic tie-ups.  What is your opinion?  Thank you.

Answer
Hi - interesting question, thank you!

So long as your ship docks on time, and you have a taxi booked to take you to Gatwick Airport, there's no problem at all.

The journey is only 80 miles and should take about 90 minutes.

However, I think you may be considering renting a car for the journey and I regularly advise people not to do this for this journey (it takes a lot of time to organise (getting to the car rental offices) driving a manual shift, driving on the left, petrol /gas at $12 gallon - plus all the hassle!).

The real difficulty is in deciding whether the ship will arrive on time - and I think that's where the risk is.

You'd have to be pretty much on time (you'd need to check in at Gatwick for 10.20, so you'd need to arrive at the Airport for 10am, so you'd need to leave Dover by 8.30am. Phew!). Allowing for time to disembark and find your (pre-booked) taxi, I think its risky - especially as I assume your BA tickets would be for that flight-  i.e. there's a hefty charge if you miss it.

If you are able to take a later flight at no extra cost, I'll be happy to recommend suitable taxi companies, but otherwise .... I'd have to agree with your Travel Agent, albeit for different reasons to his!

It is important to me that you let me now if I can help further in any way, please!

Happy to help!

Alun Hill MCIJ

Editor http://IsLondonExpensive.com