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Gatwick has lounge options across both its North and South Terminals — but availability, access method, pricing and opening times all differ by terminal, provider and booking route. The single most important first step is confirming which terminal your flight departs from, since a lounge in the wrong terminal isn't accessible once you've passed through security.
This guide covers the airport-wide lounge picture — what's available, how access works, what lounges cost, and how to choose between the options. Lounge prices and opening times change, so always verify current information directly with the lounge or booking provider before confirming a reservation.
Confirm your departure terminal first. North Terminal lounges include the No1 Lounge and Aspire Lounge. South Terminal lounges include the No1 Lounge, Aspire Lounge and the British Airways Galleries Club. Lounges in one terminal aren't accessible from the other once you're airside.
Direct booking prices typically range from around £30 to £60 per adult, though this varies by lounge, date and booking route — always verify the current price with the lounge or pass provider rather than relying on a figure you've seen elsewhere. Most lounges include food, non-alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi and seating; showers and alcoholic drinks vary by lounge.
Access is never automatically included with your flight ticket — most lounges require a direct booking, an eligible lounge pass, a qualifying card, or (for the BA Galleries Club) eligible airline status. Advance booking is available for most lounges and generally recommended.
Prices and opening times are indicative — verify current details with the lounge or booking provider before booking.
| Lounge | Terminal | General Location | Access | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No1 Lounge | North Terminal | Airside, after security | Direct booking, lounge pass | Food, drinks, Wi-Fi, showers |
| Aspire Lounge | North Terminal | Airside, after security | Direct booking, lounge pass | Food, drinks, Wi-Fi |
| No1 Lounge | South Terminal | Airside, after security | Direct booking, lounge pass | Food, drinks, Wi-Fi, showers |
| Aspire Lounge | South Terminal | Airside, after security | Direct booking, lounge pass | Food, drinks, Wi-Fi |
| British Airways Galleries Club | South Terminal | Airside, near gates | BA Gold/Silver, eligible cabin | BA passengers; eligibility-based access |
Lounge inventory and access conditions are subject to change. Verify current availability, access rules and pricing with the relevant lounge provider before booking.
What lounges are available at Gatwick Airport?
The No1 Lounge and Aspire Lounge in both North and South Terminals, plus the British Airways Galleries Club in the South Terminal. Availability changes — verify current inventory before booking.
Can anyone use a Gatwick Airport lounge?
The No1 Lounge and Aspire Lounge are open to any passenger through direct booking or an eligible pass, subject to capacity. The BA Galleries Club is restricted to eligible BA passengers.
How much do Gatwick lounges cost?
Typically around £30–£60 per adult for direct bookings, varying by lounge, date and booking route. Always check the current price before booking.
Do I need to book a Gatwick lounge in advance?
Advance booking is available and generally recommended for most lounges. Some permit walk-in access subject to capacity, but this can't be relied upon, especially during busy periods.
Can I use a lounge in the other Gatwick terminal?
No. Lounges are only accessible to passengers departing from the same terminal — switching terminals after security isn't practical.
Are Gatwick lounges worth it?
Depends on your wait time, priorities and the current price. Passengers with a long pre-departure wait or a need for workspace tend to get the most value.
Two terminals, with genuinely different lounge inventories.
The North Terminal serves airlines including easyJet and several charter and leisure carriers. Lounges — the No1 Lounge and the Aspire Lounge — are located airside, after security, so you must complete check-in, bag drop and security first. Access is through direct advance booking or an eligible lounge pass. Facilities typically include food and drinks, seating, Wi-Fi and charging points.
The South Terminal serves airlines including British Airways, TUI and other carriers. Lounge options include the No1 Lounge, the Aspire Lounge, and the British Airways Galleries Club. The Galleries Club is available to eligible BA passengers — typically those in a premium cabin or holding qualifying British Airways Executive Club status. The No1 Lounge and Aspire Lounge are accessible through direct booking or an eligible lounge pass.
Who can get in, whether you need to book, and how long you can stay.
Can anyone use a Gatwick lounge? Access depends on the specific lounge and access method. Some lounges are open to any passenger who books and pays directly; others require an eligible lounge pass, a qualifying credit or charge card, membership of a specific programme, or travel in an eligible cabin class. Don't assume lounge access is automatically included with your ticket — most Gatwick lounges require either a separate direct booking or an eligible access credential.
Do you need to book? Advance booking is available for most lounges and generally recommended — it confirms your place, may allow access at a set price ahead of the day, and avoids uncertainty about availability. Some lounges permit walk-in access subject to capacity, but this can't be relied upon, particularly during busy periods — if a lounge requires advance booking, walk-in access won't be available.
How long can you stay? Permitted stay varies between lounges. Many Gatwick lounges permit a stay of up to three hours from arrival, though conditions differ by provider and access route. Some bookings include a defined time allowance — check the permitted stay for your specific lounge and booking before confirming, particularly if your wait before departure is long.
What drives the cost, and what's typically included.
Lounge prices vary between providers, terminals and booking routes, and can also vary by date, time of day, and whether you book in advance or on the day. How much does a Gatwick lounge cost? Typically approximately £30 to £60 per adult for direct bookings, though this range is indicative and subject to change — some lounges price higher during peak periods. Children's access may be available at a reduced rate or included with adult bookings at certain lounges, subject to the lounge's own terms. Because prices differ between providers, the most accurate pricing is always available through the lounge's own booking channel or the relevant pass programme — don't rely on prices seen in third-party articles that may be out of date.
What's included in the price? Inclusions vary by lounge and access route. Common inclusions across Gatwick lounges: food and non-alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi, seating, and charging facilities. Some lounges include alcoholic drinks; others charge extra for premium drinks. Shower facilities may be included or chargeable at some lounges. Confirm specific inclusions with the relevant provider before booking.
Alternatives to a direct booking, and how promotions typically work.
Lounge passes. A lounge pass provides access to participating lounges through a pre-purchased single-entry pass rather than a direct booking. Common products include DragonPass, LoungeKey and Priority Pass, among others, often issued through bank or credit card partnerships, or available for separate purchase. Not all Gatwick lounges accept all passes — acceptance, conditions and any surcharges vary by lounge and pass type. Check whether your pass is accepted at the specific lounge you intend to use, and confirm any additional charges or booking requirements.
Offers and promotions. Promotional pricing is periodically available through direct lounge booking channels, third-party platforms and pass programmes. Promotions may be time-limited, subject to availability, and may not apply to all lounges or dates — where available, promotional pricing is displayed at the time of booking, but terms should be confirmed before booking, since offers can be withdrawn or change without notice.
Discount codes and vouchers. Occasionally available through booking platforms, card benefit programmes, or promotional campaigns. Check any active code for validity and terms before use — an out-of-date code isn't useful, so this page doesn't list specific codes since they change frequently.
Why the exact opening time matters more than a general rule.
| Lounge | Terminal | General Opening | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| No1 Lounge | North Terminal | Check current schedule | Verify before booking for early flights |
| Aspire Lounge | North Terminal | Check current schedule | Verify before booking for early flights |
| No1 Lounge | South Terminal | Check current schedule | Verify before booking for early flights |
| Aspire Lounge | South Terminal | Check current schedule | Verify before booking for early flights |
| BA Galleries Club | South Terminal | Subject to BA schedules | Eligibility-based access |
Opening times are subject to change. Always verify current hours with the lounge provider before booking, particularly for very early morning departures.
General principle: lounges at Gatwick typically open before the first major departure wave of the day, but the precise opening time matters for passengers on early flights. A lounge that opens at 04:30 may suit a 06:00 departure; a lounge that opens at 05:30 may not. Confirm the opening time for your specific lounge and ensure it aligns with your planned airport arrival.
What's commonly available — not every facility appears in every lounge.
Terms that describe marketing labels, not a standard access tier.
"VIP lounge", "executive lounge", "business lounge" and "premium lounge" are used loosely across the industry — these terms aren't standardised, and different providers use them differently. The term itself doesn't guarantee a specific access level, facility set, or pricing structure. At Gatwick, lounge products are named by their providers rather than following a universal classification. The British Airways Galleries Club is effectively a premium airline lounge with eligibility-based access; the No1 Lounge and Aspire Lounge are commercially available to any passenger meeting the booking or pass requirements, regardless of travel class.
When evaluating a lounge described as "VIP", "executive" or "business" at Gatwick, the relevant questions remain the same: what are the access conditions, what facilities are included, what's the current price, and does the offering match your journey requirements?
"Departure lounge" can mean two genuinely different things.
The general airport departure area at Gatwick is the publicly accessible airside zone beyond security, where all passengers wait before their flights — shops, food and drink outlets, seating, and departure information. Access is included with every departing passenger's ticket and requires no separate purchase.
A private or paid airport lounge is a separate facility within the airside area, operated by a commercial provider. Access isn't automatically included with a flight ticket and typically requires a separate booking, an eligible pass, or a qualifying airline or card benefit.
When passengers search for "Gatwick departure lounge", they may be looking for either. This page focuses on the paid/private lounge options — the general Gatwick departure area is a separate concept that all departing passengers can use without additional cost or booking.
There's no universal answer — it depends on your journey, priorities and intended use.
A lounge may be worth considering if you:
A lounge may not be necessary if you:
The decision is most usefully made by reviewing the current price, the opening time relative to your planned airport arrival, what's included, and whether those inclusions align with what you actually need.
Rather than ranking lounges, match the lounge to your specific priorities.
| Priority | What to compare |
|---|---|
| Price | Current applicable access price for each lounge option |
| Early flight | Lounge opening time and whether it supports the planned arrival |
| Long wait | Permitted stay duration for the specific booking |
| Food quality | Verified catering provision for each lounge |
| Working | Wi-Fi quality, dedicated workspace and charging provision |
| Quiet environment | Seating style, lounge size and typical occupancy |
| Families | Access policy for children and family-friendly facilities |
| Convenience | Lounge location within the terminal relative to the departure gate |
| Access method | Whether a pass or direct booking is more suitable and cost-effective |
Where two or more lounges are available in the same terminal, comparing these factors against current pricing is the most reliable way to identify the option that fits your specific journey.
The single most important lounge decision at Gatwick.
Confirming which terminal your flight departs from matters more than any other factor. Lounges in the North Terminal are only accessible to passengers departing from the North Terminal; lounges in the South Terminal are only accessible to passengers departing from the South Terminal. Switching terminals after passing through security isn't straightforward and is generally not practical for passengers already airside.
Confirm your departure terminal from your flight ticket, boarding pass, or the airline's app — it's also displayed on Gatwick's departure screens. Once confirmed, only the lounges in that terminal are relevant to you.
Six steps, plus what to verify before you confirm.
What to check before booking: travel date (and whether price or availability changes on your specific date); departure terminal (North or South); flight time (and how it relates to lounge opening time and permitted stay); lounge location (airside position relative to the departure gate); opening hours (particularly for early-morning or late-night departures); access rules (whether the booking is for a named passenger, whether children are included, whether a pass is accepted); permitted stay (typically up to three hours, but varies); cancellation and change conditions (what flexibility is available if plans change); and passenger eligibility (any age, cabin, or status restrictions).
Assess reviews by individual lounge, not by the airport overall.
A positive review of the South Terminal No1 Lounge doesn't reflect the North Terminal Aspire Lounge experience, and vice versa. When comparing reviews, consider: food and drinks (range, quality, replenishment during the visit); seating (comfort, availability, whether it felt crowded); crowding (how full the lounge was, and whether it was genuinely quieter than the main departure area); cleanliness (condition of the lounge, toilets and seating areas); staff and service (reception, responsiveness, helpfulness); facilities (Wi-Fi, charging, workspace, showers where applicable); overall experience (whether the reviewer considered it worth the access cost); and suitability for purpose (whether the reviewer's use case matches your own needs).
Read reviews with the date in mind — lounge quality, staffing and food provision can change, and a review from several years ago may not reflect the current experience.
The same lounges, viewed through different priorities.
Typically prioritise Wi-Fi quality, reliable charging, and dedicated workspace. Before booking, confirm whether the lounge offers a quiet environment suitable for calls or focused work, and whether Wi-Fi performance is adequate for business use — reviews commenting specifically on workspace and connectivity are most useful.
Access policies for children vary between lounges — some accommodate children, others restrict access above a certain age. Confirm the policy before booking, particularly if travelling with infants or young children. Seating arrangements and the suitability of the food offering for children are also relevant.
Often benefit most from the quieter seating environment, particularly for longer waits before departure. A comfortable seat, reliable Wi-Fi and a reasonable food and drinks provision typically represent good value for a solo traveller with a long pre-departure wait.
Should confirm the booking covers both passengers and check whether joint access under a pass or card benefit applies to two people. Whether the lounge caters for conversation as well as quiet working may be a consideration depending on the purpose of the pre-flight time.
Should treat lounge opening time as the primary selection criterion. If the lounge doesn't open until after your planned security clearance time, it won't be accessible for the journey regardless of other factors — confirm opening times directly with the provider before booking.
The standard departure process comes first.
Accessing a Gatwick lounge requires completing the standard airport departure process first — all lounges are located airside, so you must check in, drop bags, and pass through security before the lounge becomes accessible. Once airside, follow the lounge's directional signs through the departure area; reception staff verify your booking or access credential on arrival.
Allow sufficient time within the lounge before the boarding gate opens — departing too late can mean a rushed journey to the gate, particularly if it's at the far end of the departure pier. Lounge reception staff can advise on gate distances and timing where needed, and departure screens within the lounge display current flight status and gate information so you can monitor your flight while inside.
Eight questions, and what to check for each.
| Question | What to check |
|---|---|
| What lounges are available? | Current lounge inventory for North and South Terminals — see sections above |
| Which terminal? | Confirm departure terminal from flight ticket or airline app before researching |
| How much does it cost? | Current lounge-specific price via direct booking or pass programme |
| How can I access it? | Direct booking, lounge pass, card benefit, or airline eligibility |
| Can I book in advance? | Yes — advance booking is available and recommended for most Gatwick lounges |
| When is it open? | Verify current opening hours with the lounge provider, particularly for early flights |
| What is included? | Food, drinks, Wi-Fi, seating — confirm specifics with lounge provider |
| Is it suitable for me? | Match the lounge to travel time, wait duration, facilities needed, and access price |
Q: What lounges are available at Gatwick Airport?
A: Gatwick Airport has lounge options in both the North and South Terminals. Lounges currently available include the No1 Lounge and the Aspire Lounge in both terminals, and the British Airways Galleries Club in the South Terminal. Availability is subject to change — verify current inventory before booking.
Q: How many lounges are there at Gatwick Airport?
A: Gatwick Airport currently has lounge options across both terminals. The North Terminal and South Terminal each have commercially bookable lounges, and the South Terminal also has an airline lounge for eligible British Airways passengers. The total number accessible depends on which terminal you depart from and which access routes apply to you.
Q: Which terminal has lounges at Gatwick Airport?
A: Both the North Terminal and South Terminal at Gatwick have lounge options. The specific lounges available, their locations, and their access conditions differ between the two terminals. Confirm your departure terminal before researching lounges.
Q: Can anyone use a Gatwick Airport lounge?
A: Most commercially available Gatwick lounges — the No1 Lounge and Aspire Lounge — can be accessed by any departing passenger through direct booking or an eligible lounge pass, subject to capacity and the lounge's own access conditions. The British Airways Galleries Club in the South Terminal is restricted to eligible BA passengers.
Q: How much do Gatwick Airport lounges cost?
A: Direct booking prices for Gatwick lounges typically range from approximately £30 to £60 per adult, though prices vary by lounge, date and booking route. Current pricing should always be verified with the lounge provider or booking platform before confirming a reservation.
Q: Can I book a Gatwick Airport lounge in advance?
A: Yes. Advance booking is available for most Gatwick Airport lounges and is recommended to confirm access and secure the current price. Some lounges may accept walk-in access subject to capacity, but advance booking is more reliable, particularly during busy travel periods.
Q: Can I buy a lounge pass at Gatwick Airport?
A: Lounge passes such as DragonPass, LoungeKey, and Priority Pass may be accepted at participating Gatwick lounges. These passes are typically purchased or issued through banking or credit card products rather than directly at the airport. Check whether your pass is accepted at the specific lounge and whether any additional charges or booking requirements apply.
Q: What is included in a Gatwick Airport lounge?
A: Standard inclusions at most Gatwick lounges include food and non-alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi, seating, and charging facilities. Alcoholic drinks, shower access, and other extras vary by lounge and access route. Confirm specific inclusions with the lounge provider before booking.
Q: What time do Gatwick Airport lounges open?
A: Opening times vary between lounges and are subject to change. Passengers on early-morning departures should verify the lounge opening time directly with the provider before booking. A lounge that opens after security has been cleared may not be accessible for very early flights.
Q: Are Gatwick Airport lounges worth it?
A: Whether a lounge is worth it depends on your journey, the wait time before departure, the current access price, and how much use you'll make of the facilities. Passengers with a long pre-departure wait, a need for workspace or quiet seating, or access through a card benefit are typically best-placed to get value from lounge access.
Q: Can I use a lounge in the other Gatwick terminal?
A: Gatwick lounges are accessible only to passengers departing from the same terminal. Switching terminals at Gatwick after passing through security is generally not practical and may not be permitted. Confirm your departure terminal before booking any lounge.
Q: Do Gatwick Airport lounges provide food and drinks?
A: Yes. Food and drinks are a standard inclusion at most Gatwick Airport lounges. The range typically includes light food, hot and cold buffet items, tea, coffee, soft drinks and juices. Alcoholic drinks may be included or available at an additional charge depending on the lounge and access route.
Q: Are there business or executive lounges at Gatwick Airport?
A: The terms "business lounge" and "executive lounge" are used loosely across the industry. At Gatwick, the British Airways Galleries Club in the South Terminal serves as a premium airline lounge for eligible BA passengers. Commercially bookable lounges such as the No1 Lounge and Aspire Lounge are available to any passenger meeting the access requirements, regardless of travel class.
Q: Are Gatwick Airport departure lounges the same as private airport lounges?
A: No. The general Gatwick departure area is the publicly accessible airside zone available to all departing passengers after security — access is included with the flight ticket and requires no separate booking. Private airport lounges at Gatwick are separate facilities within the airside area, operated by commercial providers, and require a booking, lounge pass, or eligible credential to enter. Both are technically "airside", but they're distinct facilities with different access requirements.
If your Gatwick journey involves a connection to or from Stansted, or onward travel into London, Stansted Airport Taxi is a TfL-licensed private-hire operator running pre-booked, fixed-fare transfers covering both airports — including the Gatwick–Stansted route directly. See our Stansted to Gatwick Airport transport guide for the full comparison of train, coach and taxi options between the two.
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Last reviewed September 2026 · Next review December 2026 · Lounge availability, prices, opening times and access conditions at Gatwick Airport are subject to change — always verify current information directly with the lounge provider or booking platform before travelling.
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