VIP your trip from Gatwick Airport!

Gatwick VIP Travel: How to Upgrade Your Airport Experience

Going on holiday should be exciting and stress-free. Yet the hustle and bustle of a busy airport can leave travellers feeling more frazzled than fabulous. The good news? You don’t need to be a millionaire to upgrade your journey through Gatwick Airport and add a touch of VIP sparkle to your trip. In fact, with a few smart choices, you can travel like a celebrity without the celebrity price tag. This step-by-step guide will show you how to upgrade your Gatwick airport experience – from the moment you arrive at the terminal to the second you board your flight, using affordable extras like Fast Track security, lounges, premium parking, luggage delivery and savvy seat selection.

Travellers celebrating the start of a stress-free holiday, you too can feel like a VIP on your next Gatwick trip!

Step 1: Upgrade Your Parking with Gatwick Meet & Greet

APH’s friendly Meet & Greet team at Gatwick, ready to park your car right at the terminal. Arrive at the airport like a VIP by driving straight to the terminal and handing off your keys to a professional chauffeur. Meet & Greet parking at Gatwick (also known as valet parking) lets you skip the long parking lots and shuttle buses entirely. Instead, an APH Meet & Greet driver will meet you at the terminal, park your car in a secure facility, and have it waiting for you upon return, no hassle, no hiking to a distant car park. This premium parking service is ideal if you’re short on time, travelling with kids, or carrying heavy luggage. It can even save you up to 45 minutes each way by avoiding the parking shuttle, meaning your holiday starts that much sooner.

Why choose Gatwick Meet & Greet parking? Here are some key benefits:

• Ultimate convenience: Drive straight to the North or South Terminal forecourt and drop your car off just steps from the entrance. No need to hunt for a parking space or wait for transfer buses in the rain.
• Time saver: Skipping the remote car parks can cut your journey by up to 45 minutes compared to park-and-ride options. You’ll stroll directly into the terminal while someone else parks for you.
• Great for families and lots of luggage: With no shuttles or long walks, meet & greet is perfect when you have kids, prams, or heavy bags in tow. A fully insured driver handles the parking so you can head off stress-free.
• Affordable luxury: Meet & Greet doesn’t carry a celebrity price tag, it’s often only a little more than standard parking, and well worth it for the convenience. By booking with a trusted provider like APH, you’ll get great rates and a guaranteed space, all while your car is kept in a secure, approved facility.

Start your trip in style by booking Gatwick Meet & Greet parking in advance. You’ll feel like a VIP from the moment you arrive, and your holiday can truly begin the second you step out of your car!

Step 2:  Start Your Holiday Early with a Gatwick Hotel Stay

If you’ve got a morning flight or just want to ease into your trip without the stress of early travel, consider booking a hotel near Gatwick Airport the night before you fly. Staying overnight means you’ll arrive refreshed, avoid rush-hour traffic, and start your holiday in a calm and relaxing way. Many Gatwick hotels offer combined parking packages, so you can park your car for the duration of your trip and sleep just minutes from the terminal. Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or with family, it’s a great way to make your airport experience smoother and more enjoyable. Check out our full list of Gatwick Airport hotel and parking packages for handpicked deals that combine comfort, convenience, and value.

Step 3: Breeze Through Security with Gatwick Fast Track

Nobody likes waiting in long security lines, especially when you’re eager to get your holiday started. Gatwick Fast Track Security (also called Premium Security) allows you to skip the standard queue and use a dedicated fast-track lane for a small fee. The best part is that it’s very affordable, prices start from just about £5.00 per person when booked online in advance. For roughly the cost of a coffee, you can whizz through security in minutes and avoid the crowds.

Using Fast Track at Gatwick is simple: you can pre-book a Fast Track security pass for your travel date (either through Gatwick’s official website), or in some cases pay at the airport on the day. Once you have the pass, you’ll head to the clearly marked Fast Track entrance at security. A dedicated lane means you’ll typically get through the checks much faster than the regular line, giving you more time to relax airside.

Insider tip: Some airlines include a free fast-track security pass with certain tickets or loyalty status. For example, easyJet offers complimentary Fast Track to passengers who book Flexi fares or are part of their perk programs. It’s worth checking with your airline before you pay separately, you might already be entitled to skip the queue as part of your booking. Otherwise, pre-booking Fast Track is a great investment for a smoother start to your journey. At just a few pounds, it can significantly reduce stress during busy travel periods. After all, the less time you spend in security lines, the more time you have to enjoy the departure lounge (or better yet, an airport lounge, see Step 5!).

Step 4: Choose the Best Airplane Seats (Seat Selection with SeatGuru)

Long flight ahead? Don’t settle for a cramped spot when a little research can score you a seat with extra space and comfort. Upgrading your seat selection is a simple but game-changing way to improve your travel experience, and you don’t necessarily have to pay for business class to do it. Many airlines allow you to pick preferable seats for a small fee (or even for free, depending on your fare or status). To make sure you get the best seat on the plane, use a tool like SeatGuru.

SeatGuru is a free website (and app) that provides detailed airplane seat maps, complete with reviews and tips. Simply enter your airline and flight number, and you’ll see a color-coded map of your exact aircraft layout. It highlights which economy seats have extra legroom or recline limits, where the galleys and lavatories are, and other pros/cons. Using this info, you can identify those coveted exit-row or bulkhead seats that offer more legroom, these often come with a small upgrade fee, but they’re worth it if you want to stretch out and relax on a long flight. Even within standard economy, SeatGuru can help you avoid the worst seats (like ones with limited recline or missing windows).

Once you’ve done your homework, reserve your preferred seats through your airline’s manage booking portal. By upgrading your seat (or just selecting a smarter seat), you’ll feel more VIP with extra space, better views, or a quieter spot on the plane. A little legroom upgrade can go a long way to making your journey more comfortable, you’ll thank yourself when you’re happily reclining in bliss while others squeeze into their seats!

Step 5: Travel Light – Use Luggage Delivery Services (Luggage Mule)

Ever dreamt of gliding through the airport with no heavy bags to drag around? With a door-to-door luggage delivery service like Luggage Mule, you can do exactly that. This ingenious service allows you to ship your luggage ahead to your destination, so you travel through Gatwick Airport unencumbered by suitcases. Imagine skipping the bag drop line, wandering the terminal hands-free, and stepping off the plane knowing your bags are already waiting at your hotel!

Illustration of how a luggage delivery service works: your bags get picked up from home and delivered to your destination, so you can breeze through the airport bag-free. How does Luggage Mule work? It’s simple: you book the service online, and they will pick up your suitcase(s) from your home (or office) a couple of days before your flight. Your luggage is then shipped to your destination country and delivered right to your hotel or address, usually by the time you arrive. This means no hauling heavy cases to the airport, no waiting at baggage carousels, and no risk of the airline losing your bag, you just head straight to passport control and start your holiday early.

It might sound like a luxury, but it can be quite cost-effective too. Luggage Mule claims that sending a 25kg suitcase can save around £100 compared to Ryanair’s baggage fees for a return trip. (Prices vary by destination and bag size, of course, but you may find it comparable to what airlines charge for checked bags.) Plus, you’re essentially buying yourself peace of mind and convenience. For many travellers, not having to struggle with big bags on the train or pay for an airport trolley is priceless.

If you love the idea of travelling light, consider getting a quote from Luggage Mule or a similar luggage courier service. It’s a VIP touch that lets you start your vacation the moment you leave home, with your bags magically showing up at your destination. After trying it, you might never want to lug a suitcase to the airport again!

Step 6: Relax in Style at Gatwick Airport Lounges

After breezing through security and duty-free, why not escape the crowds altogether? An airport lounge is the perfect place to kick back and truly feel like a VIP before your flight. Gatwick Airport has a range of excellent pay-to-use lounges in both the North and South terminals, and you don’t have to be flying first class to use them. Lounge Passes are available to any traveller, typically starting from around £25 per person for a 3-hour stay. For a very reasonable fee, you gain access to a calm, comfortable space away from the busy public departure hall.

A quiet corner of a Gatwick airport lounge, where travellers can unwind with runway views and complimentary refreshments. In a lounge, you’ll be treated to complimentary amenities that can easily make the entry fee “worth it”:

• Food and Drinks: Enjoy free snacks, light buffet meals, and a selection of beverages (yes, often including wine, beer or cocktails) at no extra charge. Instead of paying airport prices for a sandwich, you can grab a bite in the lounge and toast the start of your holiday with a drink.
• Comfortable Seating: Relax in plush chairs or sofas in a quiet environment. Lounges limit entry to prevent overcrowding, so you’re guaranteed a seat and some breathing room, a far cry from fighting for a seat at the gate.
• Free Wi-Fi & Entertainment: Stay connected with complimentary Wi-Fi, and enjoy things like TVs, magazines and newspapers. Some lounges even have unique perks – for example, the No1 Lounge in Gatwick’s North Terminal has a small cinema room for movie-watching!
• Peace and Quiet: Perhaps the biggest perk is the tranquillity. In the lounge, you won’t hear constant gate announcements or children crying, it’s an oasis of calm where you can read, catch up on emails, or simply unwind before your flight.

At Gatwick, popular lounges include the No1 Traveller Lounge, My Lounge, and Club Aspire, among others. Each has its own vibe, for instance, No1 Lounge is known for a more premium buffet and that mini-cinema, while My Lounge has a laid-back, social atmosphere. Entry fees vary slightly, but many start at ~£25-£35. You can pre-book a lounge pass online (which is recommended during peak travel seasons to guarantee a spot). APH offers an easy way to book Gatwick lounge passes in advance, securing your spot ensures you’ll have that sanctuary waiting for you.

Once you’re in the lounge, you can truly relax like a VIP. Help yourself to refreshments, sink into a comfy chair with a view of the runway, and enjoy the feeling of escaping the airport chaos. By the time you board your flight, you’ll be refreshed and in full holiday mode.

FAQ: Upgrading Your Gatwick Airport Experience

Disclaimer: All prices and information are correct at the time of publication (2025). Always double-check with Gatwick Airport and service providers (APH, airlines, lounge operators, etc.) for the most up-to-date details before you travel, as services and fees may change over time. Safe travels and enjoy your upgraded airport experience!