In this article, we outline how to get into the Gatwick South airport lounges for free. We also outline which lounge is best and which free credit card you need to get free lounge access.
How To Get Into Gatwick South Airport Lounges For Free
You either need a Priority Pass or a Lounge Club Pass to get into decent airport lounges at Gatwick South. I usually book my flights for free on air miles and American Express Rewards, which convert directly to Avios (along with other airline miles). The free Amex Gold Card is an incredible deal with a huge free bonus of Membership Rewards and even more if you apply through our referral link. You also get limited free airport lounge access with this free card. You can apply for the UK & US card right here.
How To Get Unlimited Airport Lounge Access
For unlimited airport lounge access, you will need to apply for the Platinum card. With my referral link, you will get more Membership Rewards points.
The new MyLounge in London Gatwick’s South Terminal has also just opened, and the only card accepted for access is DragonPass. Lounge Club and Priority Pass will not get you entry.
Which Airlines Fly Out Of Gatwick South?
- Aegean South
- Aer Lingus
- Air Arabia Maroc
- Air Baltic
- Air Europa
- Air Malta
- Air Transat
- Aurigny Air Services
- Austrian Airlines
- British Airways
- Cathay Pacific
- China Airlines
- Croatia Airlines
- Enter Air
- Flybe
- Freebird
- Germania
- Iberia Intl Airline
- Montenegro
- Norwegian
- Pegasus South
- Ryanair
- Sata International
- Small Planet
- Swiss International
- Tap Air Portugal
- Thomas Cook
- Titan
- Turkish Airlines
- Ukraine Intl Airways
- Vueling
- Wizzair
If you are not flying in Business or First Class on these airlines, you will not automatically have access to the associated airline’s lounges, so you will need to plan a lounge pass.
If you are flying Premium economy on Norwegian Airlines, it uses My Lounge for its Premium customers at Gatwick.
How To Get Into Gatwick South Airport Lounges Cheap?
Other options are using a Priority Pass which comes free with Amex Platinum (which costs £450 GBP / annum) or you can buy a Priority Pass.
Which lounge is best?
The BA First Lounge in Gatwick South is the best airport lounge at Gatwick. The BA Business Class Lounge in Gatwick’s South Terminal is also very good, but you cannot access either of these lounges for cheap or free. You must be flying in Business or First on British Airways.
Which lounges can I Get Into With My Priority Pass Or Lounge Club passes?
The lounges that you can access for free at Gatwick South with your free Amex Gold Card two free Lounge Club visits include:
- No1 Airport Lounge Review Gatwick South Terminal
- Aspire Airport Lounge Gatwick South Terminal
- My Lounge Gatwick South Terminal
Which Priority Pass/Lounge Club Airport Lounge is best In Gatwick South?
Of these lounges, No1 Airport Lounge Gatwick is the best, followed by the Aspire Airport Lounge and My Lounge in Gatwick’s South Terminal, which aren’t as good as the No 1 Lounge.
Gatwick Check-in times
It is also worth knowing check-in times. It would help if you arrived well in advance of your flight to ensure you have enough time to check-in and drop off any hold luggage.
International/long-haul flights – check-in opens 4 hours prior to departure 60 minutes before scheduled flight departure.
European flights – check-in opens 3 hours prior to departure and closes 45 minutes before scheduled departure time.
Domestic flights (UK & Ireland) – check-in opens 2 hours prior to departure and closes 45 minutes before scheduled departure time.
You can also use self-service check-in with some airlines, where you can choose your seats and print boarding passes, as well as print out the baggage tags for checked luggage and attach them.
British Airways fly out of Gatwick South Terminal, not the South Terminal, and I have reviewed British Airways Club Europe, Economy and long-haul Business Class. I have also reviewed the two BA lounges at Gatwick below:
British Airways London Gatwick Airport Lounge Reviews
Review: British Airways Gatwick South First Class Lounge
Being brutally honest, in looks and seating alone, the First class British Airways lounge at Gatwick South is no better than the Business Club Lounge at Gatwick South which we have already reviewed with pictures. In fact, the seating on offer is pretty much identical, although the room itself is a more intimate space. What the First Class lounge does offer over the Business lounge is a quieter atmosphere and arguably a better view of the planes. You see, the Business lounge is partially overlooking an airport road and the top of part of the terminal.
Review & Pictures Of Gatwick South British Airways Business Lounge
The new British Airways Business lounge for Club passengers and First lounge is open at London Gatwick’s South Terminal, and it is an absolute cracker. Following a late opening due to electrical teething troubles, the lounge is now fully functional if a little hot. While I was there, the air conditioning was clearly not working, and the room was a balmy 24’C ish - not a problem for me, but another passenger complained that the heat was "disgraceful". Other than this issue, the lounge really was rather good.
Copyright Luxury Travel Diary 2014 - 2024. Duplication outside of luxurytraveldiary.com is forbidden.
Note: Benefits & upgrades subject to availability. Benefits offered correct at the time of writing. Terms & conditions apply. Enquire for more information. Posts may be sponsored by the proprietor or brand being appraised. All opinions remain our own & are in no way influenced.
