Beat the crowds and relax with our guide to lounging at Gatwick Airport.
There’s an art to airport lounging – step out of the chaos and into comfort at Gatwick. From the noisy bustle of the departure hall, step into an oasis of calm and opulence. Yes, we’re talking about airport lounges – those exclusive retreats once reserved for first-class flyers that you can now enjoy. Picture yourself sinking into a comfy chair, drink in hand, far from the crowded gates. Even if you’re a first-timer to lounges, don’t worry. We’ve got the insider’s guide to help you join the jet set at Gatwick without breaking the bank.
Airport Lounges: All You Need to Know
Once the domain of VIPs, Gatwick’s lounges are now open to all travellers seeking tranquillity. Airport lounges were once only for celebrities and first-class passengers, but times have changed. Now, anyone can indulge in the high-life experience at down-to-earth prices. From complimentary food and drinks to unlimited Wi-Fi and panoramic runway views, lounges offer a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of jam-packed public waiting areas. Here’s what you need to know about making the most of them:
How do airport lounges work?
It’s simple. You book your spot (ideally in advance), and once you’ve passed through security, you head straight for the lounge instead of the crowded main terminal. At Gatwick, you can enter your chosen lounge up to three hours before your flight. Inside, sit back and relax – you can help yourself to snacks or even a hot meal, and enjoy a drink from the bar as you soak up the stress-free atmosphere. Some lounges even offer special perks; for example, the No.1 Lounge in Gatwick’s North Terminal has its own spa, so you could treat yourself to a pre-flight massage or beauty treatment before boarding.
How much does it cost to lounge in luxury?
Surprisingly, you won’t need a lottery winner’s bank balance for a taste of luxury. Access to Gatwick’s lounges starts at roughly £16 per person, which is about what you’d shell out for a sandwich and coffee (or two) in the public terminal. Yet in the lounge, those snacks, drinks and more are all included! Booking in advance is the smart move – not only do you secure your spot, you usually get the best price. (Most lounges charge a small supplement of around £2-£5 if you pay on the day, so save yourself a few quid by reserving online ahead of time.) In short, a little planning lets you enjoy VIP treatment without the VIP price tag.
Are airport lounges really worth it?
In our opinion – absolutely. A busy airport can be seriously stressful. In fact, one survey of 2,000 travellers found that nearly a third of people said navigating a crowded airport felt as stressful as moving house. The same research reported that the biggest improvements passengers crave are shorter queues, nicer food, better seating, free snacks, and first-class amenities. Guess what? An airport lounge ticks all those boxes. Less waiting, comfy seats, complimentary bites and drinks, and plush perks are standard fare behind those lounge doors. We’d say that settles the argument – airport lounges are well worth it if you want a calmer, happier start to your trip.
Gatwick Airport Lounges Revealed
So, what exactly do you get for your cash? Let’s take a look at our favourite Gatwick lounges in both the North and South Terminals, and see what each one has to offer. Here are the top picks:
No.1 Traveller Lounge – North Terminal
Spanning about 10,000 square feet, the No.1 Traveller Lounge in Gatwick’s North Terminal is a showstopper. Cool marble floors and stylish décor create an opulent space to unwind before your flight. This flagship “super-lounge” delivers all the VIP touches you’d expect from a first-class facility.
Facilities: Guests at the No.1 North Lounge can look forward to a host of luxury amenities, including:
- A self-service pantry table stocked with snacks, plus freshly prepared dishes made to order from the kitchen.
- A fully tended bar serving complimentary drinks (soft drinks, coffees, beer, wine, spirits – you name it!).
- Entertainment zones like a mini-cinema, TV lounges and a games room.
- A separate family room to keep kids happy.
- Daily newspapers and glossy magazines to browse.
- Free, unlimited Wi-Fi to catch up on emails or social media.
- Shower facilities to freshen up (“drencher” rainfall showers).
- Panoramic runway views to watch the planes take off.
- An on-site travel spa offering treatments and massages (for an extra fee).
- Premium upgrades like champagne, cocktails and an à la carte menu (available at additional cost, from ~£6).
Verdict: If you want to kick-start your holiday in the best way possible, securing a seat in the No.1 Lounge – North Terminal should be high on your list. The savings on food and drinks alone can justify the entry fee, not to mention the sheer relaxation it provides. And if you’re celebrating or just feel like splurging, the available spa treatments will add that special touch. Luxury personified!
Opening hours: 4:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily.
Price: From £25.00 per person.
Booking tip: Remember to book in advance to secure the best rate – on-the-day walk-ups could be charged up to £5 extra per person. Reserve your seat early to avoid any surcharges and ensure your spot is guaranteed.
My Lounge – North Terminal
Laid-back and family-friendly, My Lounge (North Terminal) offers a loft-inspired hideaway before your flight. Touted as the relaxed younger sibling of the No.1 Lounge, My Lounge in the North Terminal offers a chilled-out vibe without the formality of the bigger lounges. This loft-inspired space is perfect for kicking back with friends, family, or colleagues before you fly. After you sail through security, you can head into My Lounge up to three hours before departure. Inside, help yourself to free nibbles and bites from the kitchen counter – you can graze at your leisure on the snacks provided. Feeling thirsty? Pour your own pint of draft beer, mix a spirit and soda, or grab a glass of chilled wine from the self-serve bar. (Of course, tea, coffee, and soft drinks are available unlimited as well.)
Facilities: When you reserve a spot at My Lounge (North), here’s what awaits:
- Trendy loft-inspired design with a mix of individual and social seating areas.
- Grazing snacks and drinks are available all day at the kitchen counter – just help yourself.
- A family snug area with TV, plus a separate games zone featuring a PlayStation and table football – great for keeping kids (and kids-at-heart) entertained.
- Family-friendly atmosphere (noise and playfulness welcome!).
- Daily newspapers and a range of lifestyle magazines to read.
- iMac workstations for those who need to check emails or get some work done.
- Free, unlimited Wi-Fi and plenty of power outlets for charging your devices.
Verdict: My Lounge is the go-to choice for travellers with kids or anyone who prefers a laid-back atmosphere. It’s a fun, budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on comfort or perks. In our opinion, it’s the perfect way to get your trip off to a relaxed start – think of it as enjoying a casual VIP experience without the stiff price tag or dress code.
Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM daily.
Price: From £16.00 per person.
Booking tip: As with other lounges, pre-booking is wise – if you pay at the door, there’s usually a small supplement (around £2 per person) on top of the base price. Reserve your spot in advance to get the lowest price and ensure you’re not disappointed at the door.
No.1 Traveller Lounge – South Terminal
The No.1 Lounge in the South Terminal lets you escape the masses in award-winning style. The atmosphere is calm and civilised – a perfect sanctuary when the rest of the airport is heaving with crowds. Inside, you can indulge in complimentary treats from the self-service pantry or order a freshly prepared hot dish from the lounge’s Bistro kitchen. (Feel free to ask for the menu to see the day’s offerings.) All the drinks are on the house here too, so enjoy a beer, glass of wine, or a favourite spirit from the fully staffed bar – it’s all included. To top it off, settle into a comfy seat by the panoramic windows and watch the runway action as you unwind, completing your pre-flight detox in peace.
Facilities: Book a space in the No.1 South Lounge and you’ll have access to the following amenities:
- Complimentary goodies at the self-service pantry table (light snacks, pastries, etc.)
- A freshly prepared dish from the kitchen (typically one free hot meal per guest is included).
- Fully tended bar with gratis beer, wines, spirits, and soft drinks.
- Option to purchase premium extras like champagne or specialty cocktails (for an extra fee).
- An à la carte menu is available if you fancy something specific (additional charges apply).
- Free, unlimited Wi-Fi to keep you connected.
- Business facilities (quiet work areas, desks) if you need to get some work done.
- Daily international newspapers and glossy magazines to read at your leisure.
- Multiple TV screens so you can catch the news or sports.
- Big panoramic runway views – perfect for plane-spotting as you wait.
Verdict: Booking a place in the No.1 Lounge (South Terminal) is a smart move, especially if you value peace and quiet. Bypassing the queues and noise in the main terminal is already a win, but when you add on the free food, drinks and comfy facilities, the lounge can actually save you money compared to buying everything outside. We’d recommend this lounge highly for adults, couples, and business travellers who want to start their trip in a calm, upscale environment. (It might feel a tad too formal for energetic young children, though, so families with little ones might prefer the more relaxed My Lounge instead.)
Opening hours: 4:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily.
Price: From £25.00 per person.
Booking tip: As always, book ahead to get the best deal. If you turn up on the day without a reservation, you could be charged up to around £5 extra per person. It’s easy to pre-book online, so save yourself a few pounds and guarantee your spot by reserving in advance.
Tips to Add VIP Sparkle to Your Trip
Why stop at the lounge? With a few extra tricks up your sleeve, you can travel like a VIP from start to finish. Now that you’ve had a taste of luxury in the airport lounge, why stop there? There are plenty of other ways to inject some A-list style into your journey through Gatwick – without a celebrity budget. From scoring flight upgrades to whizzing through the airport stress-free, check out these additional tips to travel like the rich and famous (for a lot less money):
1. Try to Score a Flight Upgrade
For many flyers, getting bumped up to business or first class is the holy grail of air travel. And it’s not just a fairy tale – a MoneySavingExpert poll found about 16% of travellers had enjoyed a free flight upgrade in the past two years. While there’s no guaranteed formula, there are several tactics that can improve your odds of snagging a better seat:
- Join loyalty programs: Airlines like to reward their regular customers. Enrol in your airline’s frequent flyer scheme and collect those miles – loyalty breeds loyalty, and you’ll be nearer the top of the list when they have an upgrade to give.
- Dress to impress: It’s an old tip, but it still holds true. If there’s an empty first-class seat going, the airline might select someone who looks the part. You don’t need to wear a tuxedo or ball gown, but turning up neat and well-dressed (instead of in a stained t-shirt and flip-flops) can only help your chances.
- Mention special occasions: Traveling on honeymoon, or celebrating a big anniversary or birthday trip? Casually let the check-in staff know. A little honest charm can go a long way. (Just be sure to have some proof of the occasion in case they wonder – staff have heard every trick in the book!)
- Time your check-in: Upgrades tend to be given either well in advance or at the last minute. Check in online as soon as it opens – if the flight is overbooked in economy, the airline’s system might upgrade some passengers ahead of time. Alternatively, if you’re feeling lucky (and don’t mind a bit of risk), being among the last to check in at the airport can sometimes score you an upgrade if economy is full and they need to move someone up. (Caveat: if the flight is too full, late arrivals could get bumped to the next flight instead – so only try this if you have flexibility!)
- Volunteer to be “bumped”: If your travel schedule is flexible, let the gate staff know you’d be willing to take a later flight if they need volunteers. When flights are overbooked, airlines often entice volunteers with goodies – which might include an upgrade on the next flight and access to the lounge while you wait. It’s a win-win: you help them out of a tight spot, and you get to fly in style on the next plane.
- Fly solo: It’s much easier to re-seat one person than a group. Solo travellers stand a better chance of being upgraded because finding a single empty premium seat is more likely than two or three together. So if you’re travelling alone, know that your upgrade odds are automatically a bit higher.
- Stay polite and smile: This one’s completely free and oh-so-effective. Airlines don’t owe anyone an upgrade – it’s a discretionary gift. Treat the airline staff kindly, be pleasant and patient, and you’ll stand out (in a good way). Check-in agents and gate staff are far more inclined to reward a friendly flyer than someone demanding and snappy. A genuine smile and a nice word might just get you that golden ticket up front.
2. Use Meet and Greet Parking for a Smooth Start
Don’t let the luxury end before your trip even begins. One way to upgrade your airport experience (without much cost) is to book a meet-and-greet parking service. Instead of hunting for a parking space and trekking with luggage from a distant car park, you can drive right up to the terminal. A professional chauffeur will meet you there, take your car, and handle the parking for you in a secure lot. When you return from your trip, they’ll deliver your car back to the terminal for you to jump in and drive straight home. It’s the ultimate convenience – basically valet parking at a fraction of the cost you’d think. In fact, meet-and-greet parking at Gatwick is surprisingly affordable, and booking through APH or similar providers often doesn’t cost much more than the regular long-term car park. Considering the time and stress it saves (especially if you’re juggling heavy bags or kids), it’s a VIP perk you’ll be glad you tried.
3. Pick the Best Seats in Economy (for Extra Legroom)
Why let your comfort stop at the lounge? Even if you’re flying economy, with a bit of savvy you can snag seats that feel almost like an upgrade. Many standard economy cabins have a few seats with extra legroom or space, and they often cost little or nothing extra if you claim them early. Here’s how to get them: before your flight, look up your airline’s seat map (a site like SeatGuru is great for this) and find the prime spots. The two types of seats to target are:
- Emergency exit row seats: These usually offer heaps of extra legroom – sometimes even enough to fully stretch out. The catch is you must meet certain requirements (typically you need to be over 15 years old and physically capable of assisting in an emergency). If you qualify, snagging an exit row is like getting a business-class footprint for economy price.
- Bulkhead seats: A bulkhead is the partition between cabin sections. Seats directly behind a bulkhead have no standard seat in front of them, which often means more space for your legs. You won’t have someone reclining into you either! The potential downside is that these seats are often where airlines place bassinets, so you might be near a baby. But if you’re okay with that (pack some good headphones just in case), the trade-off in extra room can be well worth it.
To grab these seats, check in online the minute it opens (usually 24 hours before departure) or, if your airline allows seat selection at booking, choose your seats then. The best ones go quickly! A little preparation here can make your flight much more comfortable without spending a fortune.
4. Let Someone Else Handle Your Luggage
Have you ever seen an A-list movie star schlepping suitcases through the airport? Neither have we. The good news is, you don’t have to lug your bags around either – and it might even save you money. Consider using a luggage delivery service for your next trip. Services like Luggage Mule (to name one) will pick up your suitcases from your home and deliver them straight to your hotel or final destination, even if you’re travelling abroad. It sounds like a luxury, but once you factor in airline baggage fees (and the inconvenience of dragging heavy bags through the airport), it can be quite reasonable. In fact, Luggage Mule claims it can save about £100 on a 25kg suitcase compared to paying for that bag on a typical round-trip with a budget airline like Ryanair. Imagine breezing through Gatwick with just your carry-on, knowing your checked bags are taking their own VIP journey to meet you later. It’s stress-free travel at its finest – you’ll step off the plane with no waiting at baggage claim, and your holiday can start immediately.
Enjoy your next adventure from Gatwick, and take full advantage of these lounge perks and VIP tips to travel in style. With a bit of planning, you can add plenty of luxury to your trip without a celebrity price tag. Happy lounging – and if you stumble upon any new savvy travel tips, be sure to share them with us!