Airport lounges (Gatwick) are they worthwhile?
Discussion
Off to the Dominican Republic in August and we need to be at Gatiwck 4 hours before we fly (eugh!) so was considering booking a lounge for myself and my wife to relax.
No kids, just want to relax and start enjoying our holiday (have upgraded seats on the plane for this too) so are they worthwhile?
Less noise/hassle?
Free food and drinks etc
Only seems to cost around £50 which doesn't seem to be a huge amount but would it be better used on just drinks/food in the normal waiting area?
Input appreciated
No kids, just want to relax and start enjoying our holiday (have upgraded seats on the plane for this too) so are they worthwhile?
Less noise/hassle?
Free food and drinks etc
Only seems to cost around £50 which doesn't seem to be a huge amount but would it be better used on just drinks/food in the normal waiting area?
Input appreciated
I was at Gatwick a couple of weeks ago and spent a couple of hours waiting for the flight in probably the nicest Cafe Rouge I'd ever been in, for the great view of the runway/dispersal. Kept me interested. So, personally, I'd save the money from not going into the lounge for a really nice meal and drinks here.
Wouldnt b
d know because Miles & More have cancelled their bloody deal with BMI, so I dont actually have a sodding lounge in any London airport now!
As it is, I flew out of Gatwick on Monday evening and was there an hour early. To be honest, I just plonked myself down in Weathersoons for a meal and pint and it was fine. I do though always enjoy my lounge access when I have it. For 4 hrs, Id say it was absolutely neccessary!
d know because Miles & More have cancelled their bloody deal with BMI, so I dont actually have a sodding lounge in any London airport now!As it is, I flew out of Gatwick on Monday evening and was there an hour early. To be honest, I just plonked myself down in Weathersoons for a meal and pint and it was fine. I do though always enjoy my lounge access when I have it. For 4 hrs, Id say it was absolutely neccessary!
I think they are worth while, although I will admit that the only time I've used them is when flying Business Class. (The client paid!)
It made a nice difference to be able to chill out in the lounge in Gatwick, then at Dubai there was a big buffet bar with all sorts of food that we could just take. There was plenty of booze too but as we were on the client's time we weren't allowed to drink.
It can take the stress out of flying really, although if I was flying cattle class then it might be a bit pointless, as you'd be nice and relaxed just in time to sit next to a smelly person cramped at the back of the plane.
It made a nice difference to be able to chill out in the lounge in Gatwick, then at Dubai there was a big buffet bar with all sorts of food that we could just take. There was plenty of booze too but as we were on the client's time we weren't allowed to drink.
It can take the stress out of flying really, although if I was flying cattle class then it might be a bit pointless, as you'd be nice and relaxed just in time to sit next to a smelly person cramped at the back of the plane.
Airline lounges by virtue of status or cabin- especially F ones- tend to be pretty good- although some are way better than others.
The paid ones, generally not as good but can be useful if there is no status lounge there - probably why my priority pass (via my amex platinum) has been used all of about 4 times in 6 years.
I'd say its more useful for those folk in the back of the bus so you can relax before the upcoming hours of discomfort, escape the noise and have some comfortable seating. Whether or not that is worth £50, only you can decide.
At LGW- Servisair lounge? Not so good. No1 lounge? Much better.
I am lucky enough to be BA Gold, Lufthansa Senator, AirFrance/KLM Plat, and BMI Gold, as well as the aforementioned priority pass, so thankfully have a fair amount of choice and have spent way too much time in lounges around the world.
Oh, and why on earth do you have to be at the airport four hours before?
The paid ones, generally not as good but can be useful if there is no status lounge there - probably why my priority pass (via my amex platinum) has been used all of about 4 times in 6 years.
I'd say its more useful for those folk in the back of the bus so you can relax before the upcoming hours of discomfort, escape the noise and have some comfortable seating. Whether or not that is worth £50, only you can decide.
At LGW- Servisair lounge? Not so good. No1 lounge? Much better.
I am lucky enough to be BA Gold, Lufthansa Senator, AirFrance/KLM Plat, and BMI Gold, as well as the aforementioned priority pass, so thankfully have a fair amount of choice and have spent way too much time in lounges around the world.
Oh, and why on earth do you have to be at the airport four hours before?
Edited by GCH on Wednesday 2nd May 11:09
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