Best Lounges at London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
Gatwick is London's second airport and a key base for British Airways short-haul and long-haul. Here's how to navigate the BA, No.1, and Aspire lounges across the North and South Terminals.
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London Gatwick is the UK's second-busiest airport and a key base for British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and numerous low-cost carriers. Its lounge scene is split across two terminals — North and South — which are connected by a free shuttle train. Unlike Heathrow, Gatwick has fewer airline-operated lounges and more independent options.
The Terminal Structure
Gatwick has two terminals:
- North Terminal: British Airways hub (BA moved all Gatwick operations here in 2017), plus some other carriers
- South Terminal: Virgin Atlantic, TUI, Norwegian, and other international carriers
BA Gold members can also access the First Wing — a dedicated fast-track security lane that leads directly into the lounge. This saves time and is a genuine benefit of BA Gold status at Gatwick.
No.1 Lounge (North Terminal) is an independent lounge accessible via Priority Pass, DragonPass, and paid entry. It features a restaurant with à la carte dining, a full bar, spa treatments (paid), runway views, showers, a cinema room, and comfortable seating. One of the best independent lounges at any UK airport — a genuine alternative to the BA lounge for passengers without oneworld access.
South Terminal
Aspire Lounge (South Terminal) is an independent lounge accessible via Priority Pass, DragonPass, and paid entry. It offers hot food, a bar, showers, Wi-Fi, workstations, and a quiet area. A solid but more basic option compared to the No.1 Lounge.
Clubrooms (South Terminal) is a premium independent lounge — a step up from the Aspire Lounge. It offers à la carte dining, a full bar, private workspaces, a quiet zone, and enhanced comfort. Accessible via paid entry and some lounge membership programs. If you want a more exclusive experience at the South Terminal, this is the better option.
Practical Tips for LGW
Terminal identification matters. North Terminal (BA, oneworld) and South Terminal (Virgin Atlantic, other carriers) are separate. Use the lounge in your departure terminal.
No.1 Lounge is excellent. If you have Priority Pass and are departing from the North Terminal, the No.1 Lounge is one of the best independent lounges in the UK — with à la carte dining, a cinema room, and runway views.
BA Gold? Use the First Wing. The dedicated fast-track security lane at the North Terminal is a genuine time-saver and leads directly into the BA lounge. One of the best benefits of BA Gold status at Gatwick.
Virgin Atlantic passengers: the Clubhouse. If flying Upper Class or holding Flying Club Gold, the South Terminal Clubhouse is a premium experience — à la carte dining and cocktails.
Gatwick has good Priority Pass coverage. Both terminals have independent lounges accessible via Priority Pass — No.1 in the North, Aspire and Clubrooms in the South.
Allow time for security. Gatwick security queues can be long during morning and evening peak periods. Fast-track security is available for eligible passengers.
Quick Decision Guide
- BA business / Gold / oneworld, North Terminal: BA Galleries Lounge (+ First Wing fast-track for Gold)
- Priority Pass, North Terminal: No.1 Lounge (à la carte dining, cinema room)
- Virgin Atlantic Upper Class / Gold, South Terminal: Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse
- Priority Pass, South Terminal: Aspire Lounge or Clubrooms (premium)
- Paid entry, North Terminal: No.1 Lounge
- Paid entry, South Terminal: Clubrooms (premium experience)
Gatwick's lounge scene is smaller than Heathrow's but well-served by independent options. The No.1 Lounge in the North Terminal and the Clubhouse in the South Terminal are the standout experiences — and Priority Pass members are well-catered for at both terminals.
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