The No1 Lounge Gatwick is one of the most popular pre-flight lounges at London Gatwick Airport, with separate lounges in the North Terminal and South Terminal. Each no1 lounge gatwick location offers comfortable seating, a hot and cold buffet, a drinks selection including alcoholic and soft drinks, Wi-Fi, charging points and flight information screens. Access is available to anyone who books in advance, regardless of the airline or class of ticket. This guide covers everything you need to know about the no1 lounge gatwick experience, from facilities and food through to pricing, booking and honest advice on whether it suits your trip.
The no1 lounge gatwick is a pay-to-enter airport lounge brand operated independently of any single airline. Unlike business class lounges tied to a specific carrier, the no1 lounge at gatwick welcomes travellers flying with any airline, in any cabin class, provided they have booked a slot in advance or pay on the day if space allows.
Open to all: any airline, any cabin class — no business or first class required.
Two locations: North Terminal and South Terminal lounges.
Pre-book recommended: cheaper and guaranteed entry, especially during busy periods.
Quick fact
"The No1 Lounge Gatwick is one of the most popular pay-to-enter lounges in the UK — and it's open to everyone, regardless of airline or ticket class."
No1 Lounge Gatwick
Both Terminals Available
The gatwick airport no1 lounge north terminal is located airside, after security, and is typically used by passengers flying with airlines that operate from the North Terminal, including a number of long-haul and charter carriers. The layout is split into different zones so guests are not all crammed into one open room.
Inside the no1 lounge gatwick north terminal, you will usually find a main seating area with sofas and armchairs, a dedicated dining area near the buffet, a bar section with a wider drinks selection, and quieter corners set back from the main walkway for anyone wanting to read, rest or work undisturbed. Large windows overlooking the apron give a view of aircraft on the tarmac, which is a small but appreciated touch for aviation enthusiasts and families travelling with children.
Because the North Terminal handles a broad mix of scheduled and holiday charter flights, the gatwick airport no1 lounge north terminal tends to see a wide range of guests throughout the day, from early risers on the first wave of departures to families heading off on package holidays later in the morning. Booking ahead is strongly advised during school holidays and peak summer weekends when demand for the no1 lounge gatwick airport rises sharply.
The no1 lounge gatwick south terminal serves passengers departing from Gatwick's other terminal, which historically handles a large share of both short-haul European routes and long-haul flights. The South Terminal lounge follows a similar concept to its North Terminal counterpart but with its own distinct layout and décor.
Guests using the no1 lounge gatwick south terminal will find comfortable lounge seating, a self-service buffet with hot and cold options, a bar area, charging points built into tables and seating, and free Wi-Fi throughout. The South Terminal lounge is generally busier during peak morning departure banks, so arriving with a realistic amount of time before your flight helps you get full value from your visit rather than rushing your breakfast.
If your journey starts with an early airport transfer to Gatwick, timing your arrival to allow at least ninety minutes in the lounge before your gate closes gives you a relaxed buffet breakfast, a shower if needed, and time to check flight information screens without feeling rushed toward the gate.
The buffet is one of the main reasons travellers book the no1 lounge gatwick airport rather than paying separately for food and drink in the terminal. Both terminal lounges offer a self-service buffet that typically changes according to time of day, with a breakfast-focused spread in the early morning shifting to lighter lunch and snack options later on.
Typical inclusions across the no1 lounge gatwick locations are:
Food quality is generally described as decent rather than gourmet, which is a fair expectation for a pay-to-enter lounge rather than a five-star restaurant. The value comes from not having to queue at a terminal café or pay separately for drinks. Anyone with specific dietary requirements should check current menu details before travelling, since buffet items can vary by day and by terminal.
Comfort is central to why people choose the no1 lounge gatwick over sitting in the general departure area. Seating is arranged in a mix of styles, including sofa clusters for families or groups, individual armchairs for solo travellers, and high tables with stools near the bar for a more casual setting.
Both the no1 lounge gatwick north terminal and the no1 lounge gatwick south terminal include quieter zones positioned away from the main buffet and bar noise. These areas suit passengers who want to nap before a red-eye flight, read, or simply decompress after a stressful journey through security. Cleanliness is generally well maintained, with staff regularly clearing tables and restocking the buffet and drinks areas throughout the day.
For families, having a defined space to manage children away from the crowds of the main departure area is one of the most valued parts of the overall experience, and it is a recurring theme in most no1 lounge gatwick review discussions online.
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout every no1 lounge gatwick location, making it straightforward to check emails, confirm flight information, or simply stream something while you wait. Connection speeds are generally reliable, though like any shared airport network, performance can dip slightly during the busiest periods.
Charging points are built into much of the seating and workspaces, covering both UK three-pin sockets and USB ports in most areas, so you can keep your phone, tablet or laptop topped up before boarding. For business travellers, small workspaces with table seating make it possible to send a final email or finish a document before a flight, though the lounge is not designed as a dedicated business centre with meeting rooms or private booths.
If your itinerary involves back-to-back meetings either side of your flight, arriving via a pre-booked fleet taxi rather than public transport can save valuable time that is better spent working quietly in the lounge before your gate opens.
Pricing for the no1 lounge gatwick airport varies depending on the day, time of year, how far in advance you book, and whether you are travelling as an adult, child or infant. Booking online in advance is consistently cheaper than paying on the day, and prices tend to rise closer to your travel date as availability shrinks.
| Booking type | Typical price range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adult, booked in advance | £25–£40 | Price varies by date and demand |
| Child | £15–£25 | Reduced rate at most sessions |
| Infant | Free–£10 | Often free under a certain age |
| Walk-in on the day | Higher than advance rate | Subject to availability |
These figures are indicative and should always be checked against current published prices before booking, since airport lounge pricing changes frequently. As a general rule of thumb, booking your no1 lounge gatwick slot as soon as your flight is confirmed secures the lowest available rate and guarantees entry, rather than risking a sold-out lounge on the day.
Booking the london gatwick no1 lounge is a simple online process. You choose your terminal, date and arrival time slot, select the number of adults, children and infants, and pay securely online. A confirmation is sent by email, which you present at the lounge entrance either printed or on your phone.
A few practical booking tips make a real difference:
Getting the terminal wrong is one of the most common and entirely avoidable mistakes travellers make when booking a no1 lounge gatwick session, so it is always worth confirming your departure terminal on your boarding pass before you book.
Based on the overall experience most travellers report, the no1 lounge gatwick offers solid value for money when compared with buying food, drinks and Wi-Fi separately in the terminal, particularly for families or anyone with a longer wait before boarding. Service quality is generally friendly and efficient, with staff keeping the buffet and bar areas well stocked.
Where opinions differ is on food quality, which is functional rather than exceptional, and on noise levels during the busiest departure banks, when the lounge can feel close to capacity. Passengers looking for a quiet, near-empty space are better booking an early morning or off-peak slot rather than the middle of a busy summer Saturday.
Overall, most no1 lounge gatwick review feedback lands on the same conclusion: it is not a luxury first-class experience, but it is a comfortable, good value way to avoid the crowded departure area, and it consistently delivers on the basics of comfort, refreshments and a relaxed place to sit before your flight.
To reach the no1 lounge gatwick you first need to clear check-in and security, since both terminal lounges are located airside within the departure area. Once through security, digital signage and flight information screens direct you toward the lounge entrance, and staff at the door will scan your booking confirmation.
Getting to the airport itself with time to spare matters just as much as the lounge booking. A reliable standard taxi transfer removes the uncertainty of public transport timetables and parking, which is particularly useful for early flights when trains may be less frequent. Building in extra time before security means you actually get to enjoy your full lounge session rather than eating into it before you have even ordered a coffee.
Gatwick has a small number of alternative lounges alongside the no1 lounges gatwick brand, including airline-specific lounges with more restricted access rules. The table below gives a general comparison to help with decision-making.
| Feature | No1 Lounge Gatwick | Airline-specific lounges |
|---|---|---|
| Access | Open to any airline, any class, if booked | Usually restricted to eligible cabin class or status |
| Booking | Online, pay per person | Often included in fare or membership |
| Locations | North Terminal and South Terminal | Limited to specific carrier's terminal |
| Food and drink | Buffet with included alcoholic drinks | Varies widely by airline |
| Best suited to | Any traveller wanting comfort and value | Eligible frequent flyers and premium passengers |
For most leisure travellers without airline status or a business class ticket, the flexibility of booking a no1 lounge gatwick slot on any airline makes it the more accessible option, even if it does not include some of the extras found in premium carrier lounges.
Common mistakes to avoid include booking the wrong terminal, leaving too little time between lounge arrival and boarding, and assuming walk-in access will always be available during peak season, when advance booking is genuinely the safer route.
Anyone can use the no1 lounge gatwick, regardless of airline or ticket class, as long as they have booked a place in advance or space is available on the day.
Booking in advance is strongly recommended, since it guarantees entry and is cheaper than paying on the day. Walk-in access depends entirely on availability.
You can typically arrive as soon as you clear security, though your booking will specify an arrival window and a maximum stay allowance you should check beforehand.
Yes, free Wi-Fi is provided throughout both the North Terminal and South Terminal lounges for all guests.
Entry typically includes access to the buffet, soft drinks, tea and coffee, and a selection of alcoholic drinks, along with seating, Wi-Fi and charging points.
Yes, children are welcome and are usually charged at a reduced rate, with infants often admitted free of charge depending on age.
Check your boarding pass or airline confirmation before booking, since the no1 lounge gatwick north terminal and south terminal are entirely separate lounges in different buildings.
It can work well for a layover, but only if you have enough time to clear security, enjoy the lounge, and still reach your gate comfortably before boarding closes.
Shower facilities may be available at some sessions or locations, so it is worth checking the current facility list for your specific terminal before booking if this matters to you.
Flight information screens inside the lounge display real-time updates, and staff can usually advise on extending your stay if your flight is delayed, though extra charges may apply.
Walk-in entry is sometimes possible but is not guaranteed and typically costs more than booking online in advance, so it should not be relied upon during busy periods.
Alcoholic drinks are generally included during standard opening hours, though very early morning sessions may have restricted or no alcohol service depending on licensing hours.
Feedback is generally positive for comfort and value for money, with food quality and noise levels being the most common areas travellers mention for improvement during busy periods.
The lounges are located airside with step-free access from the main terminal, though passengers with specific accessibility needs should confirm details directly before travelling.
Yes, hand luggage is welcome inside the lounge, and there is generally enough space to keep bags close to your seating area throughout your visit.
Early morning slots and off-peak weekdays tend to be quieter than weekend mornings and school holiday periods, when demand for the no1 lounge gatwick airport is highest.
You will usually need your booking confirmation and boarding pass to be admitted, since staff check both flight details and lounge booking on entry.
Whichever terminal you choose, booking the no1 lounge at gatwick works best when planning starts before you reach departures. A comfortable executive taxi for an early flight, an MPV car for a family with extra luggage, or a minibus for a larger group all help you arrive with time to enjoy the no1 lounge gatwick rather than rushing through security. Professional taxi services take the stress out of the first leg of your journey.
Get to know Gatwick Airport better before your journey. From terminal maps to airline-specific guidance, these related reads help you navigate the airport with ease and plan your pickup or drop-off with confidence.
Gatwick has two terminals, North and South, linked by a free shuttle for quick connections.
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Read More arrow_forwardeasyJet mainly operates from Gatwick North Terminal. This guide confirms check-in details and gate locations.
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