British Airways made a return to London Gatwick Airport in 2023, reopening the gateway to a range of sought-after destinations across Europe, America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. This expansion means more opportunities for point collectors to book flights with Avios.
What’s more, BA passengers can now enjoy exclusive access to two dedicated lounges in the airport’s South Terminal. These spaces will set the stage for a premium travel experience on British Airways reward flights right from the get-go; the appeal covers sipping on a pre-flight cocktail as well as catching up on work in a quiet corner.
British Airways Club Lounge South Terminal
The British Airways Club Lounge is a modern and stylish space that impresses with its range of amenities and seating options spread across two levels, including a quieter mezzanine area.
As you walk in, you'll find a range of seating options to suit different preferences and group sizes – from cosy booths to more open dining areas. The lounge provides space for 477 guests and is decked out with a mix of designer furniture and amenities. The design features floor-to-ceiling windows, filling the space with natural light and a bright, welcoming atmosphere. For families, a small kids' playroom ensures that younger travellers are entertained.
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One of the highlights of the Club Lounge is its food and drink offerings. The breakfast menu is similar to what one might find in the Galleries Club at Heathrow, with a selection of pastries, bread, fruit, yoghurt, and cereal, along with hot food options like bacon or egg and cheese rolls. Throughout the rest of the day, guests can enjoy a mix of hot and cold dishes, including salads, meats, and a variety of main courses. A self-serve bar provides Castelnau Champagne, a selection of wines, spirits including Bombay Sapphire gin and Grey Goose vodka, as well as coffee and tea.
The lounge also includes a business area equipped with PCs, printers, and charging stations. Showers are also available for those looking to freshen up before their flight.
Overall, the British Airways Club Lounge at Gatwick's South Terminal is a vast improvement over previous offerings, with ample space, a wide range of amenities, and a diverse food and drink selection that rivals that of Heathrow. The lounge is accessible to passengers travelling in Club World or holding Oneworld Sapphire status, plus one guest.
British Airways First Lounge South Terminal
The British Airways First Class Lounge provides a luxurious environment with elegant furnishings and plenty of seating options — a comfortable and quiet space away from the airport's hustle. The views across the airport add to the lounge's exclusive atmosphere, including runway vistas where guests can watch aircraft take off and land.
A small working area with desks, plug sockets, and a printer caters to business travellers. Meanwhile, complimentary Wi-Fi and access to PressReader, with over 100 national and international publications, keep guests connected and entertained.
When it comes to dining, the lounge steps up with a higher quality food menu and premium drinks compared to the Club Lounge. Guests can enjoy English Sparkling Hattingley Valley Blanc de Noirs, Lanson Extra Age Rose, and Palmers & Co Brut Reserve champagne among other high-end selections. Spirits include Johnny Walker labels, various gins, and Ciroc vodka.
For those preferring non-alcoholic options, Union-branded coffee and a selection of Twinings teas are available. The QR-ordering system for ‘proper’ food ensures a personalised dining experience, with items like barbacoa beef tortilla, ham hock salad, and an afternoon tea selection with finger sandwiches and scones.
Eligible for access are passengers flying in First, Gold Members of the British Airways Club on British Airways or Oneworld partner flights, and Emerald members of any Oneworld airline frequent flyer programmes. Gold Members and Emerald members can invite one guest, provided they're also travelling with British Airways or a Oneworld partner.
Note: While lounge access at Gatwick for British Airways passengers is often determined by the class of service, ticket type, or frequent flyer status, having enough Avios points can also help you get access. Before you book flights with Avios, you might want to check how many Avios you'll have left over for a lounge access reward. Use the Avios Calculator to estimate your points and plan your lounge visits accordingly.
Other Lounges at Gatwick Airport
Aside from the exclusive British Airways lounges, Gatwick Airport offers a variety of other lounge options across its North and South Terminals as well.
North Terminal Lounges
Emirates Lounge
This expansive lounge provides a luxurious escape for Emirates' premium passengers, featuring a range of dining options, shower facilities, and dedicated workstations. The lounge seats 255 passengers within a 1,590m² area. Access is available for First and Business Class passengers, as well as Emirates and Qantas elite members.
No1 Lounge
Acquired by Collinson/Swissport in 2021, the No1 Lounge at the North Terminal features comfortable seating, an island bar, hot and cold food menus, and various amenities for families and business travellers alike. The lounge accommodates guests in a 930m² space. Access can be purchased for £36 for 3 hours or granted free (depending on capacity) through Priority Pass and DragonPass.
Clubrooms
Providing a more exclusive experience, the Clubrooms feature a premium setting with stylish seating, table service dining, and a range of drinks. Children under 12 are not permitted, and access is free for Qatar Airways and Westjet premium passengers. Paid entry is available for £45 for 3 hours, with Priority Pass and DragonPass holders subject to a charge of £15.
The Gateway by Easyjet & No1 Lounges
A collaboration between Easyjet and No1 Lounges, this space offers an informal, coffee-shop-like ambiance with self-service food and drinks, a games room, and free WiFi. It's accessible to Easyjet Flexi Fare passengers, as well as Priority Pass and DragonPass holders. Paid entry is available from £29 for 3 hours.
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Flight Lounge
A newcomer in summer 2023, the Flight Lounge provides complimentary food and drink, a soft play area, and a bar. It occupies a 370m² space and is tailored mainly for family groups. DragonPass members have free access, and paid entry is also available from £37 for adults for a maximum of 3 hours and £18 for kids between 2 and 11. Free access is available to DragonPass members.
Plaza Premium Lounge
Originally the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse, this lounge is now a spacious area under Plaza Premium's banner, welcoming guests with its light, airy atmosphere and sweeping airport views. Available to Priority Pass, DragonPass members, and American Express Platinum cardholders, it offers a marble bar, a la carte dining, and a children's play area. The lounge has a capacity for 190 guests and spans 1,350m².
South Terminal Lounges
No1 Lounge
This lounge offers panoramic runway views, elegant seating, a bistro, and a library. The lounge has seating for 185 people in a 525m² area. Access can be purchased from £36 for a 3-hour stay or accessed through Priority Pass and DragonPass, with certain airlines' premium passengers also welcome.
Clubrooms
Similar to its North Terminal counterpart, the South Terminal Clubrooms cater to a premium experience with partitioned seating areas, a table service menu, and a selection of drinks. Access requires an additional fee for Priority Pass and DragonPass holders, with paid entry also available from £45, which includes the use of the Premium Security lane.
Club Aspire Lounge
Managed by Collinson/Swissport Group, this compact lounge opened in 2019 and has a capacity of 130 seats. The space features a buffet dining area, workstations, and runway views. Access is paid or complimentary for Priority Pass holders, and paid access starts from £32.
My Lounge
Known for its informal, loft-style ambiance, My Lounge includes a kitchen counter, a self-service bar, and an outdoor terrace. Priority Pass and DragonPass members can access the lounge, with paid entry also an option from £30.
Final Word
If you're plotting your next getaway or business trip from Gatwick, consider using the Avios Calculator to determine how your collected Avios could be utilised for a lounge visit or towards booking British Airways reward flights. With such a multitude of choices, your departure from Gatwick can be as memorable as the trip itself.
Start your trip stress-free by booking Official London Gatwick Parking, just moments from the terminal. Enjoy safe, flexible, and convenient parking options—reserve your spot today for ultimate peace of mind! Book here.
