Gatwick expects December 29 to be the busiest day over the Christmas break with 769 flights.
This compares with the airport’s projection of 228 flights on Christmas Day.
The most popular long-haul destinations over the festive period are Dubai, Shanghai and Cancun and with top short-haul choices being Geneva, Barcelona and Milan.
Gatwick’s network covers 220 destinations from 55 airlines this winter with 28 flights a week to four points in Lapland.
Passengers can take up to two boxes of unopened crackers in hand luggage and festive food. Mince pies, Christmas puddings and frozen turkeys can all be taken in hand luggage, according to the airport.
Head of passenger operations Nick Williams said: “As we work towards our vision of becoming the airport for everyone, whatever your journey, we are all looking forward to welcoming passengers and helping them on their journey wherever they are heading to this Christmas.
“Christmas is a busy time at London Gatwick and everyone at the airport is working alongside our partners to deliver the best possible experience for passengers.”