The use of airport lounges is an aspect of travel that is typically associated with full-service carriers. However, UK low-cost carrier easyJet is looking to break the mold, having opened a lounge of its own at London Gatwick Airport (LGW). Opening tomorrow, passengers will be able to book stays of up to three hours for the facility in Gatwick’s North Terminal.
easyJet’s first dedicated lounge
As of tomorrow, easyJet passengers departing from the North Terminal at London Gatwick Airport will be able to use the airline’s first dedicated lounge. Known as The Gateway, the orange-clad low-cost carrier has teamed up with No1 Lounges to open the facility. easyJet’s partnership with Holiday Extras is also a key aspect of the setup.
As is typical for airport lounges, the space will offer passengers somewhere to both work and relax, with free WiFi and charging points to suit the former. Meanwhile, a selection of complimentary hot and cold menus will be available, alongside a comprehensive bar featuring various signature cocktails. Shaun Weston, No1 Lounges’ MD, stated:
“We are excited to launch this new lounge concept at Gatwick Airport in partnership with easyJet. The Gateway is the destination at Gatwick North Terminal to enjoy a laid-back, relaxed pre-flight experience. This new lounge concept will be the first opportunity for us to develop a new market segment in partnership with easyJet.”
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Times and costs
Passengers will have to pay to use easyJet’s new lounge. Some airlines might offer free lounge access to business/first class passengers and/or frequent fliers. However, easyJet’s aircraft don’t have premium cabins, and its Flight Club loyalty program is an exclusive, invitation-only scheme. As such, it makes sense to open the lounge to paying customers.
You can pre-book your visit to The Gateway online through easyJet’s partnership with Holiday Extras. The airline also explains that walk-up entry is possible. Those using the lounge can have one, two, or three-hour slots, which are available for the following prices.
- One hour – £18.50 ($25.45).
- Two hours – £24.00 ($£33.01).
- Three hours – £32.00 ($44.02).
Ideal timing
The opening comes at an opportune time, with easyJet stating that corporate companies are “attracted by its value, network, and approach to sustainability.” With the UK aviation industry in recovery, easyJet hopes to capitalize on increasing business and leisure demand. Rachael Smith, its Commercial Proposition & Innovation Director, explained that:
“The launch is timely as we are seeing the recovery begin in the UK, not only for leisure travel where winter sun destinations are proving popular once again, but for business travellers too, who are returning in their biggest numbers since before the pandemic.”
Overall, it will certainly be interesting to see how popular easyJet’s new lounge proves to be. It is an interesting step that will introduce a full-service aspect, albeit at a cost, to an otherwise low-cost operator. The longer you book for, the better value it becomes, so passengers may wish to book in for the full three hours and sample all its delights.
What do you make of easyJet’s new lounge at London Gatwick? Are you tempted to give it a try during a future trip? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
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