- Mr Plane Guy
- Jul 10, 2025
- 11 min read
Updated: 21 hours ago
The Best Lounge at Gatwick? I Visited Them All So You Don’t Have To
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If you’ve ever flown from Gatwick, you’ll know the reality…
£14 sandwiches. No seats. Absolute chaos at the gate.
So the real question is:
Is a lounge at Gatwick actually worth it and which one should you book?
I’ve personally tested every major lounge in both terminals.
Some are genuinely worth it. Some… are not.
Here’s the honest breakdown and exactly which one to choose based on how you travel.
Best Lounge at Gatwick Airport (Quick Answer)
👉 Best overall: Clubrooms (North & South) quiet, premium, table service
👉 Best North Terminal: Plaza Premium – modern, runway views
👉 Best for families: No1 Lounge – bigger, more relaxed
👉 If you just want the BEST experience → Clubrooms wins.
👉 If you want value in North Terminal → Plaza Premium is the smarter pick.
You can also check out best airport lounges in the UK for a round up of all of the most popular lounges.
If you want to skip the chaos entirely, this is how I access Gatwick lounges without paying walk-up prices.
Gatwick Airport Lounge Comparison
If you're trying to decide which is the best lounge at Gatwick Airport, this quick comparison shows the main lounges across both terminals.
Don’t want to read the full guide? Use this to pick your lounge in 10 seconds:
Lounge | Terminal | Best For | Priority Pass | My Rating |
Clubrooms | North & South | Best overall experience | ✔ Yes | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Plaza Premium Lounge | North | Best lounge in North Terminal | ✔ Yes | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ |
No1 Lounge | North & South | Families and groups | ✔ Yes | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
British Airways Galleries Lounge | South | BA Club Europe & Executive Club | ❌ No | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
My Lounge | South | Terrace & smoking area | ✔ Yes | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ |
My Lounge | North | Casual relaxed lounge | ✔ Yes | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ |
Aspire Lounge | South | Backup option if others full | ✔ Yes | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Plaza Premium Express | North | Quick stop / overflow lounge | ✔ Yes | ⭐⭐ |
Emirates Lounge | North | Emirates premium passengers | ❌ No | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
If you’re flying easyJet from Gatwick, make sure you understand the easyJet cabin bag size rules before heading to the airport.
How I Actually Pay £24 Instead of £40+ at Gatwick Lounges
Most people don’t realise this…
👉 Gatwick lounges typically cost £40–£60 per visit if you just turn up.
That’s why I use Priority Pass UK.
Here’s what that means in real terms:
I pay around £24 per visit instead of £40+
I can access Clubrooms, My Lounge, Plaza Premium & No1 lounges
I can even pre-book lounges
Plane Honest truth: If you fly even 2–3 times a year, this usually pays for itself.
GATWICK NORTH / SOUTH TERMINALS
Over the years, I’ve tried every single lounge at Gatwick Airport, North and South Terminals. So you don’t have to waste time (or money) figuring out which is worth it, here’s my honest verdict: the best lounge at Gatwick Airport is Clubrooms, hands down.
That said, there are a few honourable mentions (I’m looking at you, Plaza Premium North), a few wild cards, and a couple I wouldn’t bother with again. Below you’ll find my full Gatwick lounge reviews, my personal tips, and why I think Priority Pass is the smartest way to access most of them if you travel a few times a year.
Plane Tip: If you have Priority Pass, you can access Gatwick Airport Lounges at a reduced rate of £24 as part of your membership. This makes it a great deal for frequent travellers!
Gatwick North Terminal Lounges
Flying from the North Terminal? These are your lounge options, from premium Clubrooms to budget-friendly My Lounge.
This is where you’ll find the best-value lounge (Plaza Premium) and a quieter overall experience.
Clubrooms (North)
No1 Lounge (North)
Plaza Premium Lounge
Plaza Premium Express
My Lounge
Emirates Lounge (Business/First only)
👉 See my full reviews of each lounge below before you book
Gatwick South Terminal Lounges
If you’re flying from the South Terminal, here’s what you can expect, including Priority Pass options and airline lounges.This terminal has more choice, but also more crowds.
Clubrooms (South)
No1 Lounge (South)
My Lounge (with outdoor smoking terrace)
Aspire Lounge
British Airways Lounge (eligible passengers only)
Why use a lounge at Gatwick at all?
Let’s be honest…
Gatwick isn’t built for comfort.
You’re either:
fighting for a seat
overpaying for food
or sitting on the floor near a plug
A lounge fixes all of that instantly.
Before we get into which lounge is the best, let’s talk about why you’d bother.
Lounges at Gatwick and indeed most airports offer:
Complimentary food and drink (yes, even booze)
Comfortable seating and quiet spaces away from the crowds
Departure boards so you don’t have to keep checking your phone
Free Wi-Fi and charging points
Clean toilets (often underrated but hugely appreciated!)
For families, they’re a godsend when travelling with kids. For business travellers, they’re a functional workspace with coffee and power sockets. And for everyone else, they’re just… calm.
And if you think they’re only for business class flyers, think again. Thanks to Priority Pass, you can get into most of the lounges I mention below, regardless of airline or ticket class.
Best Gatwick Airport Lounge by Situation
Best overall → Clubrooms (quiet, premium, no kids)
Best North Terminal → Plaza Premium (views + space)
Best for families → No1 Lounge (bigger, busier)
Best budget option → Aspire (only if others full)
Check out my Gatwick Airport Lounge Reviews
Clubrooms, North & South Terminal (My Winner)
Premium lounge with table service and quieter atmosphere.
If you want a quiet, adult-only lounge with table service (no buffet chaos)
this is the best lounge at Gatwick.
This one actually feels like a proper first-class experience. Think plush armchairs, intimate dining tables, and an à la carte menu instead of a buffet. The staff seat you at your own private table, take your drinks order, and serve your meal.
It feels high-end without being stuffy. I normally choose a couple of starter small plates to graze and a main course so no need to worry about ordering a soggy panini on my flight from Gatwick! . It’s included in the entry fee, as are the drinks, so don’t be shy.
Several Gatwick lounges, including Clubrooms and No1 Lounge, can be accessed using Priority Pass membership.
Read my full Clubrooms review (what they don’t tell you).......
Downsides? Well, it books up fast, which is why I recommend using the Priority Pass app to pre-book. And kids under 12 aren’t allowed, which makes it more peaceful but less ideal for families.
If you want to feel like you’ve upgraded your whole trip before you even board, this is the one to pick and if you are flying from the North or the South Terminal I have tried them both and they are equally consistent in product and service.
Want lounge access without paying walk-up prices? This is how I do it.
Flying soon? Before you head to the lounge, check out my new Plane Airport Parking guide to compare and save up to 75% on parking at Gatwick.
Now I wish I could say the same for the new Clubrooms Heathrow terminal 3, this is one of my latest reviews and newest lounges at Heathrow, but sadly it wasn't great!
Plaza Premium, North Terminal (Runner-Up)
Reliable, modern lounge with decent food and a calm, functional setup
Over in the North Terminal, Plaza Premium Lounge comes in a very close second. This space used to be Virgin Atlantic’s Clubhouse, and you can tell, the design still screams premium. Think mood lighting, sweeping runway views through floor-to-ceiling windows, and that classic Virgin chic.
The food here is genuinely good. There’s usually a hot buffet selection (often Asian-inspired), a fresh salad bar, and some tasty desserts. The staff are always friendly, and there’s plenty of seating.
Unlike Clubrooms, it’s family-friendly and feels a little more spacious. It doesn’t quite match the private dining experience of Clubrooms, but it’s a strong contender if you’re flying from the North Terminal.
Don't forget to follow!
Emirates Lounge, North Terminal
Airline lounge for Emirates premium passengers, offering elevated dining and a more exclusive experience.
If you’re lucky enough to be flying Emirates from Gatwick, their dedicated lounge is worth a look. It’s beautifully designed, with direct boarding from the lounge itself. Food and drinks are on par with Emirates’ premium standards. Unfortunately, you can’t access it with Priority Pass, it’s reserved for Emirates’ business and first class passengers (and eligible Skywards members).
British Airways Galleries Lounge, South Terminal
Airline lounge for Emirates premium passengers, offering elevated dining and a more exclusive experience.
Similar story here: BA has its Galleries Lounge for Club Europe and Executive Club members. It’s perfectly fine, but personally, I don’t find it anywhere near as polished as Clubrooms. If you’re flying BA Euroflyer from Gatwick and have access, it’s a decent option. (You can read my full British Airways Euroflyer review here) and of course a review of British Airways lounge at Gatwick South Terminal.
Plaza Premium Express, North Terminal
Reliable, modern lounge with decent food and a calm, functional setup.
Not to be confused with the full Plaza Premium, this smaller Express version in the North Terminal is… underwhelming. It’s essentially a no-frills, quick-stop version of the main lounge, and it feels like it. Not a bad fallback if everything else is full, but nothing memorable.
No1 Lounges, South & North Terminals
Stylish all-rounder with buffet dining, bar service and a relaxed pre-flight vibe.
You’ll find No1 Lounges in both terminals. They’re fine. Not bad, but not exceptional either.
They’re definitely busier than Clubrooms or Plaza Premium, especially at peak times, and sometimes it feels more like a busy café than a lounge. That said, the food is still complimentary, and the drinks flow.
If you can’t get into Clubrooms or Plaza Premium, No1 is still better than sitting out in the terminal.
My Lounge, South Terminal
Budget-friendly with outdoor terrace
My Lounge South has one unique feature no other Gatwick lounge can claim: an outdoor terrace. Yes, it doubles as a smoking area (and yes, it smells like one too), but it’s the only airside place at Gatwick where you can have a cigarette after security. If you’re a smoker or just want some fresh-ish air and a view of the apron, this is your spot.
Otherwise, My Lounge is fine but a bit basic compared to the likes of Clubrooms or Plaza Premium. The buffet tends to be more casual (think nachos, soups, and snacky bits). Worth it if you just want something different.
My Lounge, North Terminal
Budget-friendly, self-serve lounge with a casual, help-yourself feel
Over in the North Terminal, My Lounge feels much the same as the South version, casual, slightly quirky, and quieter than the main No1 Lounge. But it doesn’t have the terrace. Food and drinks are similar.
Aspire Lounge, South Terminal
Simple, no-frills lounge focused on value, with basic food and seating.
I have to say, this one didn’t impress me much.
It’s perfectly serviceable if you just want somewhere quieter to sit, but it’s small, the food selection is limited, and it doesn’t feel anywhere near as polished as the others. It works in a pinch, but if you’re flying from the South Terminal, you’ll have a much better experience at Clubrooms.
How I Pay £24 Instead of £40+ at Gatwick Lounges
I don’t pay walk-up prices.
I use Priority Pass.
Here’s why it works at Gatwick:
• Access to Clubrooms, Plaza Premium & No1
• Pre-booking in the app (essential at busy times)
With my reader discount, plans start from just £48. If you fly twice a year, it pays for itself.
For most travellers, Standard Plus is the best option, 10 included visits per year, ideal for if you travel more than a couple of times per year.
Priority Pass Membership Plans Explained
Priority Pass offers three plans:
Standard — low annual fee, and you pay-as-you-go per visit.
Standard Plus — includes 10 free visits per year.
Prestige — unlimited free member visits all year.
All three let you bring guests for the stated visit fee.
Pro Tips for Lounging at Gatwick
Here are my hard-earned tips for getting the most out of your Gatwick lounge experience:
1. Pick the right terminal. If you can, choose your flights based on terminal. Clubrooms (South) and Plaza Premium (North) are the standouts.
2. Pre-book. The best lounges get booked up, especially at peak times (mornings and Friday evenings). Use the Priority Pass app to pre-book where possible.
3. Arrive early. Lounges usually allow entry up to 3 hours before your flight. Make the most of it a relaxed meal and a drink or two beats rushing through security and sitting at the gate.
4. Check the dress code. Most lounges (especially Clubrooms) expect “smart casual.” You don’t need a suit, but ripped jeans and flip-flops might not fly.
5. Bring a guest. If you’re travelling with someone, Priority Pass makes it easy to bring them in for a small fee.
So… Which is the Best Lounge at Gatwick Airport?
For me, it’s simple:
Best overall, Clubrooms, South Terminal
Best in North Terminal, Plaza Premium
Best for families, No1 Lounge, either terminal
Best outdoor space (and smokers) My Lounge South
Best on a budget, Aspire Lounge (if you must)
Clubrooms edges out the rest thanks to its genuinely premium experience, it feels more like a first-class ticket than just a quiet waiting area. Plaza Premium is a close second, especially if you’re in the North Terminal.
Final Boarding Call
If you’re flying through Gatwick, a lounge is absolutely worth it. And if you travel more than twice a year, Priority Pass is a no-brainer.
For the price of a few pints and a soggy airport sandwich, you can instead sit in comfort with proper food, drinks, and calm. It’s one of the few affordable luxuries in travel that genuinely makes every journey better. Walk-up lounge passes at Gatwick often cost £40–£45. With membership, visits can work out from £24.
If you’re ready to stop fighting for a seat at Pret and start enjoying your time at the airport, join Priority Pass today and save 30%:
Want Lounge Access at Gatwick?
If you travel a few times per year, a lounge membership like Priority Pass can quickly pay for itself.
How Many Lounges Are at Gatwick Airport?
Gatwick Airport currently has eight main airport lounges across its North and South terminals.These include independent lounges such as Clubrooms, Plaza Premium, No1 Lounge, My Lounge and Aspire, as well as airline lounges like British Airways Galleries and the Emirates Lounge.Most travellers flying economy can still access several Gatwick lounges using lounge memberships like Priority Pass, or by purchasing entry in advance.
Happy travels and see you in the lounge.
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.
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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 travel and flight expert, I spent most of my career working in and around planes with 15 years providing top-notch service with a London-based airline.
I became an expert in travel after soaring across the Atlantic up to 10 times a month!
I’m now, producing travel content, reaching millions of viewers monthly. Reporting on travel news, sharing travel tips, reviews, and deals with a sprinkle of humour and a whole lot of authenticity!
I hope you enjoyed this The Best Lounge at Gatwick? I Visited Them All So You Don’t Have To, Do let me know in the comments........
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