- Mr Plane Guy
- Apr 21
- 8 min read
Plaza Premium Lounge Gatwick North Review (2026): Is It Worth It or Overrated?
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Updated for 2026 with latest lounge access rules, pricing, and Priority Pass changes.
Is this one of the BEST Airport Lounges at London Gatwick?
If you’re flying from London Gatwick Airport North Terminal and wondering whether the Plaza Premium Lounge is actually worth paying for, this is the review you need.
I visited during peak school-holiday chaos to test the food, crowd levels, drinks, seating, and whether it’s genuinely one of the best airport lounges at Gatwick North or if it just looks good on Instagram.
Plaza Premium Lounge Gatwick North – Quick Verdict
Best for: Priority Pass users, easyJet flyers, value seekers
Price: ~£41.40 walk-in for 2 hours or from ~£24 with Priority Pass!
Food: Solid hot buffet, regularly refreshed
Drinks: Self-serve beer, wine & cocktails (no champagne)
Crowds: Can get busy at peak times ⚠️
My Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5) Great value, but not the most premium anymore
Plane Tip: This used to be my favourite lounge at Gatwick North, now that’s Clubrooms. But for the price? This is still one of the best-value options.
Is Plaza Premium Gatwick North Still the Best Lounge?
Here’s the honest update. This used to be my favourite lounge in Gatwick North.
But now? That title goes to Clubrooms.
However and this is important, Clubrooms comes at a higher price point and often requires an upgrade or supplement, especially if you’re using something like Priority Pass.
So where does that leave Plaza Premium?
For the price, it’s still one of the best-value airport lounges at Gatwick North.
You’re getting:
Delicious, fresh food
Good drinks
Loads of space (most of the time)
And easy access with Priority Pass
But there’s one thing you need to know before booking…
It can get busy. From my own visits, it’s been fairly calm, even during peak periods.
It can get overcrowded at busy times.
For the price, this is still one of the smartest lounge choices at Gatwick North.
If you want a quieter, more premium experience, you’ll need to pay extra for Clubrooms.
Plaza Premium vs Clubrooms Gatwick North: Which Is Better?
If you’re choosing between lounges at Gatwick North, this is the real comparison:
Feature | Plaza Premium | Clubrooms |
Price | ££ | ££££ (premium upgrade) |
Access | Priority Pass included | Usually requires upgrade |
Food | Buffet | Table service |
Atmosphere | Busy at peak | Quiet, premium |
Value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (if you pay extra) |
Plaza Premium Gatwick North Terminal Location
Located at London Gatwick Airport, in the North Terminal where airlines like easyJet, Emirates, Qatar and TUI operate.
Located among all the airport lounges at Gatwick North Terminal, head towards gates 45-54 Simply walk past the 'WH Smiths', look for an entrance to several lounges on your right, take the lift upstairs and you will find the reception area.
Plane Tip: If you hold Priority Pass, this lounge is one of the best redemptions at Gatwick. I walked straight in and paid just £24 instead of £41.40.
What’s Included in Plaza Premium Lounge Gatwick North
Complimentary hot & cold buffet
Alcoholic & soft drinks (self-service beer taps)
High-speed Wi-Fi
Newspapers & magazines
Family zone with soft-play area
Runway views & natural light
Compared to other Gatwick North lounges, this is one of the best all-round packages for the price.
What really struck me was the posh and fancy decor. I had a strange sense of déjà vu. Turns out, this lounge used to be Virgin Atlantic's airport lounge at London Gatwick, before they left Gatwick during the pandemic.
This spot was so sophisticated and really up to date with different sections and cozy seating, all bathed in glorious natural light and boasting epic views of the runway!
I popped by at 3pm on a Sunday, smack bang in the middle of Easter school holidays. Surprisingly, the place wasn't that busy, loads of room to stretch out, and zero queues in sight.
How to Get Airport Lounge Access at Gatwick North
If you’re flying from Gatwick North, you don’t need business class to get lounge access.
Here are your options:
Priority Pass → Best value (from ~£24 per visit)
Pay at the door → Around £40–£45
Pre-book online → Sometimes slightly cheaper
Plane tip: Priority Pass is by far the cheapest and easiest way to access this lounge regularly.
When Is the Best Time to Visit?
From my experience, this lounge can be busy during peak times, things can get crowded.
Best times to visit:
Early morning (After 7am)
Mid-afternoon (2–4pm)
Avoid:
School holidays morning departures
Plane Tip: If you have a Priority Pass, you can skip the hassle and walk right in. I barely waited a second before being welcomed inside. No queues, no stress, just straight into lounge mode!
The lounge was exceptionally tidy, with staff who were genuinely engaging and pleasant. I sat myself in a corner marble table, judging people as they walked past as if I was in business class, before I enjoyed my easyJet flight in 26F.
A lovely range of drinks awaited, featuring premium wines, sadly no champagne, but fear not, I kicked things off with an Aperol Spritz. They even boast self-service beer taps and I was pouring myself a drink screaming "get outta my pub" I did get a few funny looks. IYKYK! (that stands for, "if you know you know!")
There's also a soft play area at the side of the lounge, away from the main part for children to enjoy, with fridges full of drinks for them.
Food and Drinks at Plaza Premium Gatwick North
The food was delicious and so fresh, and the staff kept busy refreshing and tidying up the selection.
Soup
Salad bar
Mac and cheese
Curry
Sandwiches
hors d’oeuvres
Patats Bravas
Cakes
Quick Verdict – Is Plaza Premium Gatwick North Worth It?
Best for: Priority Pass holders, easyJet flyers, Qatar & Emirates departures
Crowds: Surprisingly quiet even at peak times
Food: Solid hot options + frequent refresh
Drinks: Self-serve beer, wine, cocktails (no champagne)
Value: Excellent with Priority Pass (£24 vs £40 walk-in)
If you can access it for £24 instead of £40, it’s absolutely worth it.
How I Get Into Plaza Premium for £24 (Not £41.40)
I don’t pay walk-up prices at Gatwick. I use Priority Pass.
Why it’s a no-brainer for this lounge:
Plaza Premium is included (North Terminal)
You can walk in or pre-book in the app when it’s busy
Works on both outbound + return trips
With my reader discount, membership starts from £48, and visits can work out from £24.
For most travellers, Standard Plus is the best value (10 included visits).
What's New at Plaza Premium Lounge Gatwick North Terminal in 2026?
As of 2026, the Plaza Premium Lounge at London Gatwick North Terminal has introduced some exciting updates. Whether you're a frequent traveller or visiting for the first time, here’s what you need to know!
Updated Opening Hours
The lounge is now open daily from 04:00 to 20:00, with the last entry at 19:00. This extended schedule ensures that early birds and evening flyers alike can enjoy a comfortable pre-flight experience.
Updated Pricing
Adult (12+): £41.40
Child (2–11): £28.98
Infant (0–1): Free
Prices may vary based on booking platforms and duration of stay. Be sure to check the official website or your booking platform for the most current rates.
Plaza Express Lounge, a New Option
The Plaza Express Lounge at Gatwick North Terminal offers a more casual, budget-friendly option:
Opening Hours: 05:00 to 16:00 (last entry at 14:30)
Pricing: Adults £25, Children (8–11) £15, Infants (0–7) Free
Features: Complimentary buffet, unlimited soft drinks and beer, Kids Zone, high-speed Wi-Fi, and charging stations.
Whether you’re after a quick bite or a full lounge experience, Plaza Premium now offers more options tailored to different traveller needs.
If you’re looking to maximise your stay at the Plaza Premium Lounge, consider arriving during quieter periods (early morning or late afternoon).
If you’re flying from Gatwick regularly, this is honestly one of the best lounge redemptions you can make.
✈️ 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.
If you’re flying easyJet from Gatwick, make sure you understand the easyJet cabin bag size rules before heading to the airport.
The Plane Honest Verdict
I suggest visiting this lounge; it truly made me feel pampered! It's up there as one of my top spots in the North Terminal at Gatwick.
🅿️ Plane Airport Parking: Compare Gatwick Parking Prices for 2026
Parking prices fluctuate wildly depending on:
Terminal (North vs South)
Travel dates
How early you book
That’s why I use and recommend Compare Parking Prices UK as part of my Plane Airport Parking guides.
🚗 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%.
FINAL BOARDING CALL
Boarding Status: Still Cleared for Take-Off
Cabin Class Verdict: Premium Economy Lounge
Worth Paying For Again? Yes, with Priority Pass
Who This Is For: Value-focused travellers, easyJet flyers, Priority Pass users
Who Should Skip: Anyone wanting a quiet, luxury experience
The One Thing That Matters: This used to be my favourite lounge at Gatwick North, now that’s Clubrooms. But for the price? Plaza Premium is still one of the smartest lounge choices you can make.
Check out my Gatwick Airport Lounge Reviews
If you’re comparing options at Gatwick, I’ve tested them all:
No1 Lounge Gatwick North
Clubrooms Gatwick North
Best Lounge at Gatwick (full comparison)
Check out my Gatwick Airport Hotel Reviews
Got a really early morning flight from Gatwick? Here are some Gatwick Airport Hotels I've tried and tested.
Plane Related Links:
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Flying in Style: My Qatar Airways Business Class Experience on the 787 from Doha to London
Review of the 40L Anode Cabin Max Suitcase: The Perfect Fit for Ryanair Priority and Low-Cost Airline Travel
Priority Pass Review 2026: One Year of Lounge Access, Was It Worth It?
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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
Plaza Premium Lounge Gatwick North Review (2026): Is It Worth It or Overrated?
Airport lounges, free upgrades, travel chaos and the occasional meltdown. Real travel, not influencer nonsense.
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