Plaza Premium Lounge at London Gatwick Airport (LGW): Your Complete Guide
Welcome to our guide on the spacious and contemporary Plaza Premium Lounge at London Gatwick Airport (LGW).
This guide will provide you with essential information about the lounge's location, opening hours, layout, food and beverage offerings, and access options.
We have visited this lounge firsthand and have included our own observations of the lounge including some photos.
Lounge Location
The Plaza Premium Lounge at Gatwick is located in North Terminal Departures, near Gates 45-55 and 101-103.
The lounge is situated in the restricted area, accessible to departing passengers who have cleared customs and passport control, as well as arriving passengers who have not yet exited the restricted area (e.g. in transit from other flights).
Opening Hours
The lounge is currently open daily from 04:00-20:00 (4am to 8pm).
Layout and Seating
The first thing we noticed upon entering the Plaza Premium Lounge at Gatwick was its large, floor-to-ceiling windows providing a generous panoramic view of the runway.
The space is open, with a variety of seating areas, including plush red armchairs and sofas in mustard yellow, navy blue, and deep burgundy, as well as plenty of dining areas.
The armchairs we sat in were comfortable, and the lounge itself was relatively quiet. The staff that served us were very professional and kind, and the bathrooms were in clean condition.
Food and Beverage
The Plaza Premium Lounge at Gatwick offers a limited selection of hot and cold food, as well as a salad bar. Both vegetarian and gluten free options are available. There is also complimentary coffee, tea, soft drinks, and a good selection of alcoholic beverages. Beer is self-pour, but wine and spirits are served.
Amenities and Features
The following is a full list of the amenities provided at the Plaza Premium Lounge:
Bar (charges apply for premium drinks)
Charging stations
Flight Monitors
Food and Beverages
TV channels
Wi-Fi
Accessible Washroom
Kids play area
How to Access the Plaza Premium Lounge
There are several options for gaining access to the Plaza Premium Lounge in Gatwick Airport:
Book a Day Pass: Purchase a three-hour lounge pass from LoungePair from US$60 (GBP 46). Your pass can be used any time within its expiry, with no need to specify time or date of travel. This pass option is for a maximum 3 hour stay.
Memberships Programs: Priority Pass, DragonPass, and Diners Club memberships offer access to this lounge. Some memberships will include a free guest entitlement, others will incur a nominal fee.
Credit Card Perks: Mastercard with Lounge Key, American Express Platinum Card, and Capital One cardholders all have access.
Walk-Up fee: Travelers can walk up to the lounge for access, but this typically incurs a higher cost compared to purchasing a pass in advance.
Book Through Other Single Use Pass Websites: Other single use day pass websites include Lounge Pass, LoungeBuddy, and of course Plaza Premium. Each of these options require you to input a fixed time and date of access.
There is no access charge for children under 2 years old.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth booking a lounge at Gatwick?
Airport lounges in general are often well worth the effort to access, whether it's through credit card perks, airline or elite status, or membership programs.
At Gatwick, lounges like the Plaza Premium offer a range of benefits that go beyond what’s available in the main Terminals. They offer a much-needed escape from the often chaotic airport environment. With amenities like reliable Wi-Fi, clean and spacious restrooms, included food and beverage options, and comfortable seating, you can relax or be productive in a quieter, more refined setting.
Is it hard to get to London from Gatwick Airport?
There are multiple direct routes to London from Gatwick Airport, including three train operators, by taxi (‘Airport Cars Gatwick’) or by coach (National Express). There are also rental cars to hire on site.
Journey times vary according to factors such as traffic, choice of transport and where you are travelling to.
Summing up
The Plaza Premium Lounge at London Gatwick Airport offers a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all travellers.
The airy, bright interior coupled with views of the airport runways makes this lounge feel open and refreshing, in contrast to the typical confined atmosphere of many airport lounges. The space is clean, with a fine variety of amenities and seating arrangements.
Ultimately, if you're looking to elevate your travel experience and make the wait at the airport more enjoyable, investing in a lounge pass to this lounge is well worth it.