Airports are busy, airlines are advising arriving at the airport early, and some lounges have yet to reopen. Here is our round-up of the current situation with lounges at Gatwick South. We will keep this updated as more lounges reopen.
If you are looking for information about the lounges at the North Terminal….
Gatwick Lounges North Terminal
One bit of advice – if lounge access is important to you, don’t leave it to luck on the day, or rely on your membership of a programme. If the lounges are busy, then they will not accept your Priority pass card, for instance.
South Terminal
The Regus Express Business Lounge – Landside
(This lounge is temporarily closed).
Where is it? Landside in the South Terminal Arrivals area. Take the lift next to Costa Coffee down to the ground floor. This lounge is before you go through security, so make sure you leave the lounge with plenty of time to get through security and to your Gate.
Who can use it? The lounge is for travellers with premium tickets and membership cards as well as Regus memberships. No children are allowed.
What’s it like? If you are flying you might like to be through security before you get down to some work – but if you’ve landed and need to work or you know your flight is delayed or even cancelled this lounge would be a useful choice – if it was open. Fully-equipped lounge with business facilities, wifi, as well as tea and coffee and snacks. There are 11 private meeting rooms (book in advance) for up to 12 people, and shower facilities. These are available for an extra charge.
Are kids allowed? No.
Dress code? Smart casual so no fancy dress, replica sports kits, revealing clothing or offensive slogans.
Price? Currently temporarily closed.
What shops are nearby? It’s landside so the usual shops before you go through security. Boots, Marks & Spencers and WHSmiths. For food and drinks there’s a Costa, Cafe Nero, Giraffe, Joe’s Coffee House.
Covid measures? Regular cleaning and hand sanitiser.
Opening times: Usually 7am-6pm Monday to Friday. But currently temporarily closed.
No1 Lounge
Where is it? On the upper floor of the main shopping area airside – so after you’ve been through security follow the signs for No1 Lounges. Go down the corridor between Dixons and JD Sports for entrance.
Who can use it? Paid access for all checked-in passengers. Premium passengers flying with Aer Lingus, Air Malta, Tunisair, Air Baltic, Air Europa, Croatia Airlines, TAP Portugal and Turkish Airlines access showing boarding pass. It also accepts cardholders from Wexas, IOU, Lounge Club, Priority Pass, Dragonpass, Lounge Key and Diners Club.
What’s it like? You can read a Business Traveller review here. The lounges have complimentary food and drink (one hot dish per person and Champagne), wifi, charging points, private meeting room (to be booked in advance) and runway views. There’s a fully tended bar and a TV and lounge area as well as a library area for over 12’s only.
Are kids allowed? Yes. But there are some places they are not allowed – under 12 year olds must stay out of the library area.
Are groups allowed? Yes if you behave. Up to eight people can be booked at once but if there are more than that you have to go through the guest relations team on 0203 283 8449.
How long can I stay? Up to three hours before your flight departure time. You can buy extra time on the day or in advance if you like. You can leave and return to the lounge during your visit but you must take your luggage with you.
Dress code? Yes. Smart casual which means no tracksuits (you can change into your comfortable flight wear on the way out), no replica sports kits, caps, slogans which might cause offence, clothing which exposes bellies and thighs or bare shoulders for men. No fancy dress either or onesies.
Price? £34 per adult when I looked for a place in July. Online booking means you get deals and discounts and in the recent travel chaos only pre-booked travellers had a chance of gaining entry to lounges. So best to reserve in advance here no1lounges.com/reservations. Reservations for the lounges in Gatwick also include access to the priority security lanes.
What shops are nearby? Dixons and JD Sports are right outside and then you have the main shopping area with these shops.
Covid measures? Contactless reception, hand sanitiser throughout the lounge and increased cleaning schedules.
Opening times: 5am-8pm.
Clubrooms Lounge
(This lounge is temporarily closed but taking bookings from July 1, 2022).
Where is it? It’s after security so follow the signs for Lounges and it’s between Dixons and JD Sports – you’ll see the No1 Lounge reception and Clubrooms is the top tier of No1 Lounges.
Who can use it? Paid access for any checked-in passengers over the age of 12 years old from any airline, and any ticket class. Some premium tickets will get you in free so check with your airline. Priority Pass, Lounge Key and Dragonpass cardholders can use the lounge but will pay an additional fee of £10.
What’s it like? For detailed info click here. This is the premium version of the No1 Lounges so you’ll get at-seat waiter service, with seasonal menus serviced local produce. There’s a fully stocked bar serving complimentary alcohol and soft drinks – and if you book online there’s a Champagne package for an extra £10.
Are kids allowed? Yes if they are over 12 years old.
Are groups allowed? Yes if you behave. You can book online up to a maximum of eight people per group. For nine or more in a group, you should get in touch for availability.
How long can I stay? Up to three hours before your flight departure time. You can buy extra hours on the day. You can leave and return as often as you like during your booking but you must take your luggage with you.
Dress code? Yes. Smart casual which means no tracksuits or flip flops, caps or replica sports kids, no offensive slogans or revealing clothes – including showing off your shoulders if you are a man or belly or upper thighs if you are a woman. And no fancy dress.
Price? From £38 online.
What shops are nearby? Plenty in the main shopping area outside have a read here.
Covid measures? Frequent cleaning and hand sanitiser.
Opening times: The Clubroom Lounges at North and South Terminals Gatwick Airport were temporarily closed at the time of writing but were taking bookings from July 1, 2022.
My Lounge
(This lounge is temporarily closed)
Where is it? Once through security follow the signs for Airport Lounges and My Lounge. You’ll find it on the upper level of the departure area.
Who can use it? Anyone can pay to get in. Some premium tickets will get you in free so check with your airline. Priority Pass and DragonPass, Lounge Key cardholders get in free.
What’s it like? Airside with an outdoor terrace so you can be part of the action. The lounge offers free wifi, snacks and drinks including a self service bar and cocktail station.
Are kids allowed? Children under 12 years old must be supervised.
Are groups allowed? Yes but not more than 8 people can be booked online so you’ll need to phone for availability if you are in a larger group. Groups must be well behaved and not disturb other passengers in the lounge.
How long can I stay? You can arrive three hours before your departure time.
Dress code? Smart casual like the other lounges in the No1 Lounge brand – no replica football kits, tracksuits, caps, camouflage, onesies or clothes which are revealing around the belly and shoulders (for men).
Price? Adults from £24. Children under two years old get in free.
What shops are nearby? Plenty of shops and places to eat in the main departures area click here for the list.
Covid measures? Frequent cleaning and hand sanitiser.
Opening times: 4am-4pm except on Mon,Tuesday and Wednesday when it closes at 3pm.
Club Aspire South Terminal – Airside
(This lounge is temporarily closed but scheduled to reopen July 1, 2022)
Where is it? After Security take the escalators or stairs located in the middle of the terminal to Level 1 and turn right. Follow signs for Lounges and the lounge is located between WHSmith and Sunglasses Boutique.
Who can use it? Anyone can pay to get in. Diners Club and Priority Pass members get in with their cards. Some premium tickets will get you in free so check with your airline.
What’s it like? Runway views, complimentary snacks and drinks (Champagne and prosecco are subject to payment), wifi and showers.
Are kids allowed? Children under two years are admitted free with an adult but all children must be accompanied by an adult.
Are groups allowed? You can book up to five people online. The lounge reserves the right to ask unauthorised groups, and groups that arrive separately on multiple bookings, to spread out in the lounge or leave the lounge altogether.
How long can I stay? Three hours.
Dress code? Smart casual dress at all times (no sportswear, offensive slogans, caps, tracksuits, revealing clothing, onesies allowed).
Price? From £17.99
What shops are nearby? WHSmith and Sunglasses Boutique.
Covid measures? Regular cleaning and hand sanitiser available.
Opening times: 5am-9pm
British Airways Lounges South Terminal
Where are they? After security don’t go down the escalators, instead take a left down a corridor where you will come out by Club Aspire and My Lounge. Cross the mezzanine level and the BA lounges (First and Club) are by the No1 Lounge and Clubrooms.
Who can use the lounges? British Airways Gold, Oneworld Sapphire and Emerald tiers. Iberia passengers, and Oneworld equivalent passengers. British Airways first and business class passengers. For full details of who can use each lounge and if you can bring guests best to check here.
What’s it like? The lounges have runway views, a mezzanine level, food and drink including Champagne, plenty of different seating options including booths, a business centre and a kids room with table football. There are showers too.
Are kids allowed? Yes with adults.
How long can I stay? Until your flight is ready to depart.
Dress code? Smart casual – no football kits, tracksuits, baseball caps, revealing clothing, fancy dress or onesies.
Price? N/A
What shops are nearby? Everything at the South Terminal airside – click here.
Covid measures? Regular cleaning and hand sanitiser throughout the lounges. Also contactless food ordering with a QR code.
Opening times: 5am-8pm Monday-Friday. Until 9pm on Sunday and 9.30pm Saturday.
Felicity Cousins
