BA Gatwick North – which lounge?
Back to Forum- This topic has 14 replies, 8 voices, and was last updated 29 Apr 2016
at 13:09 by openfly.
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AgamemnonParticipantI’m due to fly out of Gatwick on BA in two weeks and a couple of times this summer and know that the usual lounge is shut until the end of the year.
Am I right in thinking that there’s the choice of the No.1 lounge or another or is it just No.1? If so, then does anyone have any recommendations about which one to favour if I have a choice? And what are the chances of getting food there very early in the morning – the flight is 06.50? Am I better off grabbing a bowl of porridge in Pret instead?
Any advice gratefully received. Thanks in advance.
19 Apr 2016
at 09:10
CheeryguyParticipantIf you’re BA Gold then you can use the newly opened Club Rooms by No.1.
It’s on the ground floor opposite the Aspire Lounge. Very comfortable, table service and Champagne is complimentary is that’s a deal breaker for you. If you’re not a BA GCH then I would recommend The Aspire Lounge, you’ll need a priority pass for entry though.19 Apr 2016
at 09:40
AlanOrton1ParticipantI’ve used the No.1 lounge a number of times, though not since the BA lounge closed. There should be a buffet breakfast spread on offer: fruit salad, pastries, breads etc. I believe they have a handful of hot items that you can order one of, like a bacon roll, porridge etc. There is proper coffee machine, as well as juices etc. I think you’d be better off in the lounge than Pret, personally.
19 Apr 2016
at 09:47
AgamemnonParticipantMany thanks.
Yes, I’ve got a GC, so maybe I’ll check out the Club Rooms as well. Call me a stick in the mud, but at 6am, the free Champagne certainly isn’t a deal breaker.
I assume it’s the usual lounge rules as well? Two of the later flights will be with my wife and 3yr old in tow and previously I’ve managed to talk them into letting them both in when the lounge hasn’t been busy (and before the criticism floods in, I always ensure he’s well behaved), but I would imagine with a third-party lounge I suspect I probably know the answer already.
19 Apr 2016
at 14:28
AlanOrton1ParticipantI think your best chance will be if the lounge is quiet, and then if the lounge dragon is amenable.
I travelled on Iberia Express last summer with the family, No 1 lounge (in South terminal) was busy and they’d only allow me + 1 guest. I couldn’t use my Priority Pass card either due to how busy the lounge was..
On a just completed trip the 4 of us (kids are 8 & 6) were granted entry to LHR T3, CLT & ORD OW lounges, just by asking nicely. However, was fully prepared to be turned away as it was purely at their discretion to allow us all in.19 Apr 2016
at 17:18
AgamemnonParticipantExactly. Even when the check-in desk staff have been rudely dismissive in the past when I’ve asked (I couldn’t remember where the lounge was and thought that my then 2.5yr old son would be ok), I’ve always been to the lounge and asked direct.
My theory is the same as yours AlanOrton1, go and politely ask alone (with wife and son left in the terminal) and be prepared for a ‘no’ reply and certainly don’t assume it’ll be ok. In the past I’ve found that a little courtesy and politeness goes a long way if the lounge isn’t packed.
While I know that few want lounges packed with children (and having them myself, I have to say that if they behave, I don’t have a problem with them being there whatsoever), I do find it frustrating that I give BA enough business throughout the year to have a GC, yet the one or two times a year when on a family holiday I can’t bring the CO and son into the lounge – or at least not officially.
At a time when GC benefits are eroding, I wouldn’t mind a chance, say twice a year, to bring two guests into the lounge instead of the usual one. It would be a real benefit that I would personally value and the cost to BA would be minimal (they’re not about to be downing the JD at the free bar), given that it would be so limited.
I realise that packed lounges are a regular bugbear of all EC holders, but all of the above could be dependent on how busy the lounge is and subject to the lounge dragon’s final decision, so that it doesn’t resemble the local creche. For those of us GC holders with families, I believe it would be much appreciated.
19 Apr 2016
at 18:57
FDOS_UKParticipantThere is also ‘My Lounge’ (part of #1, but on the LHS before entering), a sort of funky semi formal place that I’ve used a few times and enjoyed; it is also has a self service (if a little restricted in choice) bar.
Your BA status will cover this instead of #1.
PS: be very careful about asking for extra guests or you will have some of the BA shareholders on this board huffing and puffing at your attempts to inflict penury on their dotage by robbing their profits 😉
19 Apr 2016
at 22:30
afranceParticipantI had an 0650 ew LGW North with BA on Monday – I was flying business so had lounge access (but also BA Silver and PP member). At that time in the morning Gold members might get the club suites but actually #1 had plenty of space when I arrived but it was getting more full later. Good selection of cold food available and some limited hot food – I had a poached egg on spinach. So I think you will be ok. BA set up a desk outside the lounges where you “check in” and there is a separate desk for F or Gold.
28 Apr 2016
at 13:52
openflyParticipantGold and First can use the “Club Lounge” two floors down that 1-Lounge has provided in the light of protests regarding the facilities in the 1-Lounge. Food served by staff, as are drinks. Champagne in both lounges is still £8 a glass because, to quote the lounge staff, “BA refuse to pay us for champagne” !!
To make things difficult, you need a voucher from the Welcome Desk for each of the lounges. You have to queue for the voucher, then queue at another desk a few feet away to hand it in!
That’s Gatwick for you…..29 Apr 2016
at 13:09 -
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