Six hours and fifteen minutes.  That was my layover in London’s Gatwick airport on the way to Amsterdam (AMS) airport before my transit to Rotterdam. If this was Singapore Changi airport, then six hours is easy layover to keep busy but in Gatwick it just seemed awful to be stuck in the airport.  For a quick minute, I tried to figure my way out of it asking friends if I should attempt to change airports and fly from Heathrow or London City but each involved crazy traffic and transit and that seemed even worse. I therefore mapped out my time in the British Airways Lounge at Gatwick South Terminal (BA LGW Lounge).  Arriving on the overnight flight from JFK to Gatwick, I was happy that I had access to the British Airways Gatwick lounge in south terminal as a Silver Elite member of British Airways Executive Club.  I had flown over in Business Class on an award ticket but my connection was in coach which does not provide lounge access.

(Note: My backup option was using my Priority Pass at Gatwick for No1 Lounge (3 hour max visit) access or for a discount at the Grain Store Cafe & Bar in the main terminal. I was remiss not to visit either during my long layover – rookie layover mistake!)

Connecting at Gatwick

The connection at Gatwick could have been easier if I wasn’t flying on separate tickets (award in business class JFK-LGW + cash from LGW-AMS) in order to hit my required flight segments to maintain my elite status. I had to deplane, go through immigration (thankfully I have UK Registered Traveller for e-gate usage) which was quick through the e-gates and then collect and recheck my checked bag.  That gave me an opportunity to stretch my legs and experience the surprisingly small arrivals and departure terminal for British Airways.  Once my bag was checked, I proceeded to security before entering the terminal which looked like a two level shopping mall.

Finding the BA Gatwick Lounge

BA should really put a path on the floor as you zig and zag around the corridors, hallway and then use the lift (elevator).  I followed other travelers in search of the lounges (No1 and British Airways). Once I arrived at the end of the hallway, the BA lounge welcomed me.  There were staff at two desks to check me in.  First Class turns left of course while Business Class and elite members go right into the expansive lounge which has two levels, shower suites and a kids enclosed play area.

There is a closet area to leave your bigger bags or stuff (note: at your own risk as not supervised) and the shower suite door which has an attendant inside to assign you to a shower suite.

Shower at Gatwick at the BA Lounge

My review of the shower at Gatwick goes into more detail with photos but suffice it to say, a shower after a long haul flight really does wonders and I’m now a convert.  If only they had expanded this area to include a spa area with sleep pods I’d have really enjoyed the long layover.  As it was, it definitely is a nice option to have.  Much nicer than the showers at Heathrow in the BA Terminal 5 arrivals lounge.  I had no time limit and was provided plush towels and toiletries.

Décor at the BA Gatwick Lounge

Since this lounge was updated in the past few years, you can see the differences vs other lounges you may have experienced at Terminal 5 Heathrow (Galleries Lounge T5 or Concorde Room LHR) or in my hometown of Philly (BA Lounge Philly).  While there are many seating areas, this lounge included booths to work in or chat with a group, high top communal tables as well as couches, individual sunken chairs and a second level of options accessed via an elevator or stairs (one spiral, the other straight).  Televisions were on throughout the lounge.

Second Level (Mezzanine) Lounge at BA Gatwick

One nice feature of the BA Gatwick Lounge is the second level mezzanine seating area which overlooks the lounge and runway views below. I sought this quiet area out when I first arrived but surprisingly it was crowded and loud with business travelers and groups.  When I returned after breakfast, it was empty and quiet (for a short while anyway).  I found a seat and plugged in to recharge my phone and was quickly on the lounge internet to kill some time. There are several configurations – separate lounge chairs, sofas and a high top communal table – to relax and/or work with while in the lounge.  The lift can take you to the mezzanine level or you can use one of the two stairs (circular or straight).

Free Food at the BA Gatwick Lounge

For an airport lounge, I think British Airways does a nice job with food options considering they are free. Plus they have a good selection of alcohol, cookies (bring a Ziploc if you want more than a few for the flight or wrap in a napkin – yes I know I have a problem!) and snacks (crisps, pretzels, etc.). I’ve never gone hungry at a British Airways lounge. Since I was grounded in the lounge for three meal services, I was able to see what was on offer that day for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea time. The drinks area with liquor and other area for coffee/tea are available all day.

I arrived when the breakfast options abounded – baskets full of croissants and breads,  bowls of fruit, oatmeal, bacon sandwiches and an assortment of cereals and yogurts.

Lunch selections included salad, sandwiches, soup as well as hot options – pasta, beans and a curry. Lunch time was quite crowded so the food turned over quickly and was refreshed by staff.

I was still there……for cake! It was afternoon tea time. Selections included sandwiches and a table with cakes and scones with jam and creme.

Overall – BA Gatwick Lounge Review

The British Airways Gatwick lounge was a nice respite from the chaos and noise of the main terminal. I did leave the lounge to take a walk to break up my sitting time and was ok to leave my bag in the cloak room for the short time. Since I was in the lounge for a chunk of time, it was interesting to people watch as the lounge quiet in the morning, swelled during lunch time and then returned to quiet for the late afternoon.  I wished they had sleep pods/rooms for those of us waiting on the longer layover but otherwise, the lounge is a really nice option to wait it out. I can’t even believe I gave thought to transferring between Gatwick and Heathrow thinking it was easier?!