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The No. 1 Traveller lounges are expanding, with a recent opening in LGW North and shortly to add LHR T3:
http://www.no1traveller.com/airport-lounges.htm
They are far superior to the blue leather sofa dreadfulness which pervades the Servisair equivalents, and well worth a visit.
I tried the LGW North lounge recently, and was impressed.
Will Business Traveller start doing Lounge Reviews as well as hotel and flight reviews; I think it would be interesting for readers, and might be an interesting advertising feature.
Hi VintageKrug,
We have published several lounge reviews both in the magazine and online in the past - these can be seen here:
http://www.businesstraveller.com/tried-and-tested/lounges
We will also be reviewing the No.1 Traveller lounge at Gatwick North later this month, as part of our guide to the airport which will be published in the July / August print edition.
Finally we have a round-up of 50 airport lounges worldwide here (published in 2009):
I have been a big fan of the Gatwick South No 1 lounge for some time, prefering it on occasions to the Virgin Clubhouse.
Used No1 South on a couple of occasions but passing through on Tuesday was very busy with little seating - pity cos food good and excellent view of runway.
Had a 3 hour layover at LGW North the week before and was sorry I hadnt used the No 1 lounge North. Food in BA lounge was a disgrace - no hot food except soup over the lunch time period and pathetic selection of cold meat cheese etc.
No 1 North had hot food freshly prepared etc - wouldnt have minded paying as we were about to face the dreaded BA Club afternoon tea - disgraceful and un appetising !
I think the breakfast offering is particularly good at No 1 lounges with hot bacon rolls and eggs benedict cooked to order. The one at LGW South has the feel of a mini Virgin Clubhouse, very impressive compared to the Servisair offerings.
I am sure the Gatwick South lounge will outgrow its lounge capacity. Best if it offered to take over Serviceair's space.
do you have to prebook, or just walk in?
and are they PP members?
Gatwick Express and No.1 Traveller have just launched an offer (initially running till the end of August) for free lounge entry at Gatwick for travellers purchasing first class return tickets on the Gatwick Express:
http://www.businesstraveller.com/news/gatwick-express-offers-free-airport-lounge-entry
Here is the review of the new No.1 Traveller lounge at Gatwick's North Terminal, as promised:
http://www.businesstraveller.com/tried-and-tested/lounges/lounge-check-no.1-gatwick-a-north-terminal
This sounds really good especially as, if I read the review correctly, free access is available to Skyteam Elite Plus members - ie. KLM Platinum. I take it that this applies whether flying with Skyteam or not, otherwise it is of no value from Gatwick North.
Hi TominScotland - that's not entirely clear from the original press release about the Delta partnership with No.1 Traveller. I have emailed the PR team for clarification, and will let you know when I get a response.
Just to say we still haven't had a response regarding the above, but will chase again.
Also just to note that we will be visiting the new No.1 Traveller lounge at Heathrow T3 on August 11, and will post a review on this site shortly afterwards.
Hi TominScotland - success. We've just received the following response from No.1 Traveller:
"If a passenger presents the Skyteam Elite Plus card at any No.1 Traveller lounge, they can access the lounge at no cost regardless if they travel on a Delta flight.”
Thanks, BT. That is a good piece of news. I will report back when I have made use of the facility, using my Skyteam Platinum card.
Posters may be interested to know that we're giving away ten VIP entries to No.1 Traveller's new Heathrow lounge in this month's competition.
The prize includes a treatment in the Travel Spa or champagne on arrival, and full use of the lounge’s facilities. For more details visit:
http://www.businesstraveller.com/competitions
I agree that lounge reviews would be a good step forward. Based on the posts in another forum abuou lounge access it became very apparent that lounge appraisal can be very subjective, so I would like to see a structured set of criteria so reviews could be compared.
E.G.
Free Wireless with decent speed Yes/No
Decent pre flight dining/ Nice Snacks/ cold Nuts
Free Bar/Serve yourselfVouchers/North Wales on a Sunday
HD TV's/1 HD TV/ old TV/ Radio
Airy with views through windows/ possible to see out/ tomb
spacious/ roomy but busy/ standing room only
Efficient staff/Why Bother/No service
Just first thoughts but that way those who prefer good food and wine know where to look and those who prefer efficency and views know where to look. Of course if you want everything plus angelic children who are seen but never heard then you go to the Marketing Lounge.
Update on the Skyteam Platinum offer. I am currently in Gatwick North Terminal and booked on a BA flight to Glasgow. I went to the No 1 Lounge here and was refused access, despite the reply BT received from them - see above. I spoke to the receptionist, the supervisor AND the manager, all of whom refused me access.
Maybe BT could take this up on my behalf as it contradicts the information provided. I would be especially grateful if No 1 themeselves were able to contact me direct and assure me that they will address this matter.
Thanks
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