- Mr Plane Guy
- Jan 28, 2025
- 6 min read
Updated: May 6
Is the No1 Lounge at Gatwick South Terminal Worth a Visit?
By Travel Expert and top airport lounge champagne tester Mr Plane Guy
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If you’re searching for the best airport lounge at London Gatwick Airport South Terminal, the No1 Lounge is probably one of the first options you’ll come across.
It looks the part, promises a calm escape from the terminal, and at around £36 per visit, it sits right in that “treat yourself” price range.
But here’s the real question:
Is this actually one of the best Gatwick airport lounges or just a slightly nicer place to sit before your flight?
I tested the No1 Lounge Gatwick South Terminal properly to see if it’s genuinely worth your money and whether it makes sense to pay, or use something like Priority Pass instead.
First Impressions: Location and Check-in
The No1 Lounge is located airside in the South Terminal. Once you’re through security, head upstairs and follow the signs, you’ll find it tucked between the main shopping area (near JD Sports and InMotion). It’s easy enough to locate, but not immediately obvious if you’re rushing through departures.
Check-in was smooth when I visited, but this is one of Gatwick’s more popular lounges, so it can get busy during peak travel times.
Opening hours:
04:00 – 21:00
Last entry: 20:00
Maximum stay: 3 hours before departure
Plane Tip: If you definitely want to get in, pre-booking is the safer option, especially during holidays and early morning departure waves.
What’s Included in the No1 Lounge
This is where the No1 Lounge starts to justify the price.
Food & Buffet
Breakfast was a proper spread, not just pastries and coffee.
You’ve got:
Full English options
Pancake machine (always a win)
Yogurt, fruit, cereals
They were also happy to make veggie sausages on request, which is a nice touch if you’ve got dietary preferences.
Now If I was really picky the hash browns didn't taste very fresh, I wanted that straight out of the deep fat fryer sensation.
Later in the day, the food shifts to:
Mac & cheese
Curry
Pasta
Salad bar
Desserts
It’s great lounge food not luxury dining, but definitely a step up from what you’ll find in the terminal.
Drinks
Beer, wine, and spirits are included.
Champagne is extra, so I went for a Bucks Fizz, which felt like the right call for a morning flight. No complaints here, it does exactly what you’d expect.
WiFi & Extras
Free WiFi
Charging points
Newspapers & magazines
The only downside for me, I couldn’t get the WiFi working properly, which is frustrating if you’re planning to work or stream before your flight.
✈️ Flying from Gatwick and heading into the city afterwards? See my guide on how to get from Gatwick Airport to central London, covering the fastest train routes, cheapest transport options and how to avoid overpaying for the Gatwick Express.
Can You Use Priority Pass at Gatwick South Terminal?
Yes and it’s one of the easiest ways to access airport lounges atLondon Gatwick Airport South Terminal without paying full price each time.
Instead of paying £36 per visit, many travellers use Priority Pass to access lounges at a lower cost per trip, especially if you travel more than once or twice a year.
Plane tip: If you fly even a few times a year, using Priority Pass can quickly make Gatwick a much more comfortable place to start your trip.
My Experience
This is where the No1 Lounge stands out. I found a spot near the windows, and the runway views here are genuinely one of the best features of this lounge.
It adds something you just don’t get in the main terminal, or even in some other Gatwick lounges.
There’s a good mix of seating:
Sofas
Dining tables
Quieter corners
The atmosphere felt relaxed without being too quiet or too busy.
Staff were on it, clearing tables quickly, keeping the buffet stocked, and generally keeping things running smoothly.
It’s one of those lounges where you can actually switch off before a flight, which is exactly what you want.
Best Airport Lounges at London Gatwick Airport South Terminal
The No1 Lounge Gatwick South Terminal is one of the main full-service lounges in the South Terminal. Right next door, you’ve also got Clubrooms Gatwick South Terminal and this is where things get interesting.
If you want a quieter, more premium experience with table service, Clubrooms is probably the better lounge at Gatwick South Terminal.
But… you’ll usually pay more for it.
That’s where the No1 Lounge wins on:
Price
Atmosphere
Food and drink offering
Compared to lounges like the Plaza Premium Lounge Gatwick North Terminal, the No1 Lounge holds its own, especially for:
Runway views
Overall atmosphere
Food variety
If you’re flying from Gatwick South Terminal, this is one of the strongest all-round airport lounge options, especially if you’re not looking to pay Clubrooms prices.
Pricing and Deals
Here’s what you’ll typically pay:
Adults: £36
Children: £25.20
It’s not cheap, but it’s also not outrageous for what you get.
Most regular travellers aren’t paying this every time though.
Access often comes through:
Premium bank accounts
Credit cards
Lounge programmes like
How to Access Gatwick Airport Lounges for Less
Most people don’t actually pay full price for airport lounges anymore.
If you travel even occasionally, it’s worth checking:
Whether your bank account already includes lounge access
Or if a lounge membership works out better than paying per visit
Most people don’t actually pay full price for airport lounges anymore.
If you travel even occasionally, it’s worth checking:
Whether your bank account already includes lounge access
Or if a lounge membership works out better than paying per visit
If you’re flying a few times a year, something likePriority Pass can make a big difference to the overall cost.
Plane Tip: Bring your refillable water bottle and fill up, before your flight.
Final Boarding Call
Boarding Status: Cleared for Departure
Cabin Class Verdict: Strong mid-tier lounge
Worth Paying For Again? Yes (with discount)
Who This Is For: Leisure travellers, early flights, first-time lounge users
Who Should Skip: Business travellers needing reliable WiFi
The One Thing That Matters: Great vibe and runway views, but not flawless
So, is the No1 Lounge at Gatwick South Terminal worth it?
Yes, but it depends how you’re paying.
At £36, it’s a nice upgrade from the terminal.
With lounge access or a discounted entry? It becomes a much smarter deal.
You’re getting:
A calmer space
Solid food and drinks
Proper runway views
Just don’t expect perfection, especially when it comes to WiFi.
Other Gatwick Airport Lounge Reviews
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🚗 If you’re driving to the airport, check my Gatwick Airport Parking Guide, where I compare the cheapest parking options and explain how to save up to 70%.
Hello, I’m Paul a professional jet-setter and all-around plane travel pro. After 15 years working in and around planes, I became a flight delay expert at a London airport and mastered plane travel hacks, a PLANE flight expert with BIG travel plans but small carry-on.
Now, I share PLANE travel news, tips, reviews, and deals with honesty, humour, and zero baggage! Thanks for reading Is the No1 Lounge at Gatwick South Terminal Worth a Visit?
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