- Mr Plane Guy
- Apr 9
- 5 min read
Updated: 4 hours ago
Gatwick Airport Lounges, Aspire Lounge Review Gatwick South, Luxury or Letdown?
By Travel Expert and airport lounge champagne tester Mr Plane Guy
London Gatwick Airport's South Terminal serves the main departure point from the south east of the UK for travellers flying with airlines such as British Airways, Wizz Air, and Norse Atlantic Airways. Within the terminal's busy atmosphere, the Aspire Lounge offers a lounging option for passengers seeking a spot of relaxation and a few pre holiday drinks before take off from London Gatwick.
Location and Access
Situated on the upper level of the departure lounge, adjacent to a Sunglasses shop and WH Smith's, the Aspire Lounge is easily accessible for departing passengers. You wont be able to miss the swanky entrance that gives an impression that this lounge is really high end luxury, but leave that impression there!
How can I get entry to this London Gatwick Airport Lounge?
Priority Pass Membership: Members can access the lounge, though it's advisable to check for any associated fees or surcharges.
Lounge Key Access: Travellers with Lounge Key benefits can gain entry at a redseamlessly.
Direct Booking: You can book access directly through the Aspire Lounge website or via third-party providers like Holiday Extras.
Ambiance and Seating
Upon entering, you are greeted by a contemporary design featuring a mix of seating options tailored to various preferences:
Runway Views: Large windows offer panoramic views of the runway, catering to aviation enthusiasts.
Quiet Zones: Designated areas provide a serene environment for those seeking solitude.
Business Facilities: Workstations equipped with charging points cater to business travellers needing to stay connected.
The lounge's atmosphere seemed generally calm, though the lounge became very busy throughout the morning. I also found all of the staff members to be very pleasant.
Food and Beverage
The Aspire Lounge offers a selection of complimentary food and beverages:
Buffet Selection: A variety of hot and cold dishes are available, though according to Tripadvisor some guests have noted that the food quality can be inconsistent, with items occasionally being overcooked due to prolonged warming. Oh dear!
Beverage Choices: An assortment of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks is on offer. However, the range of alcoholic beverages may be limited compared to other lounges. With plenty of options to pay for extra options, sparkling wine, champagne, even a tip collection for cards.
I visited at around 7am so Breakfast was in full swing, so expect the normal English breakfast items, they had lots of allergy information around and I requested some vegeterian sausages which were promtly delivered. We all need a bit of sausage before a flight.
The breakfast buffet was in a corner of the lounge and it was one of the smallest airport lounge buffets I've ever seen! I found the food quite bland and un appealing. Tinned fruit, croissants cooked from frozen, probably actually made 6 months ago, scrambled eggs tasted of nothing and the hash-browns were meh. Still for the entrance price I paid (£24 thanks to my Priority Pass membership) I can't moan.....oh ok I will!
Check out the other Airport Lounges at Gatwick South
Amenities
Free Wi-Fi: Reliable internet access.
Reading Materials: A selection of newspapers and magazines are provided for guests.
Washrooms: Facilities are available within the lounge, though some visitors have commented on their cleanliness and maintenance. they look like they could do with improving the look.
The sign on the washroom doors suggested showers were available, but I didn't see any.
Access Conditions and Pricing
The Aspire Lounge enforces a strict 3-hour access policy.
Can I Get Airport Lounge Access for Free?
Yes, there are ways to get into the Aspire Lounge London Gatwick South Terminal without paying full price:
Credit Cards: Some premium credit cards like Amex Platinum and HSBC Premier World Elite offer lounge access as a perk. Priority Pass & LoungeKey: If you fly frequently, investing in a membership can save you money on lounge visits worldwide.
(yes, I do get a tiny kickback, so thank you for supporting my travel adventures!).
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Attentive Staff: Many guests have praised the friendly and helpful nature of the lounge staff. Tripadvisor
Comfortable Seating with Views: The lounge offers comfortable seating with views of the airfield, enhancing the overall experience.
Cons:
Inconsistent Food Quality: Some visitors have reported that food items can be overcooked due to prolonged warming.
Limited Beverage Selection: The range of alcoholic beverages may be more restricted compared to other lounges.
Strict Access Policy: The enforcement of the 3-hour access rule can be inconvenient for travellers with longer layovers.
Ready for Takeoff?
The Aspire Lounge at London Gatwick South Terminal provides a comfortable option for travellers seeking a bit of peace from the main terminal's hustle and bustle. While it offers the impression of a luxury lounge, bland cheap food including tinned fruit, access policies, limited drinks selection with 'salesy' drinks upgrades push made it feel far from luxury, still if you get in for a reduced rate its worth a visit!
Luxury or letdown? The decision is yours!
You can also book the lounge Via Holiday Extras, they are the ultimate go to for Airport Lounges, Airport Parking, transfers from the airport, take a look.
Follow me on Instagram for the latest lounge reviews, tips, and deals. See you in the skies!
See you in the Lounge!
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Gatwick Airport Lounges: Aspire Lounge Review Gatwick South, Luxury or Letdown?
Hello I’m Paul a travel and flight expert, I spent most of my career working in and around planes with 15 years providing top-notch service with a London-based airline. I became an expert in travel after soaring across the Atlantic up to 10 times a month!
I’m now, producing travel content, reaching millions of viewers monthly. Reporting on travel news, sharing travel tips, reviews, and deals with a sprinkle of humour and a whole lot of authenticity!
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