In a method for sorting flat mail items, mail items are routed longitudinal direction according to determined destination addresses via a transport and point section into sorting terminals assigned to the destination addresses. Gaps between two mail items are adjusted by a controllable gap adjustment device in front of the transport and point. The average set gap between mail items leaving the separation device is selected to be smaller than the minimum gap between the mail items, which are to be sorted in the sorting terminals with the longest transport distances. The gaps between two mail items are adjusted by means of the controllable gap adjustment device as a function of the mail item with the shorter transport distance to the assigned sorting terminal in each instance. To create necessary space to displace the mail items in the flow of mail items, disruptive mail items are ejected.