Introduction: Why “Premium” Matters at Gatwick
The Gatwick Airport handles over 43 million travellers per year. Lines build fast, and time disappears. Premium services fix that. They add comfort, speed, and privacy. You move through the airport with less stress. You get help when you need it. You relax before you fly. This guide explains every premium option at London Gatwick Airport. It covers both terminals. It gives prices, access, and what to expect. Read it once. Pick what you need. Travel better.
Fast Track Security: Skip the Lines
Security queues can be long. Fast Track Security lets you use a dedicated lane in the North and South Terminals.
- From £6 online (cheaper than on the day).
- Open 04:00–20:00 daily.
- Under-2s go free.
You add it during parking checkout or buy it alone. You keep your buffer time. You arrive at departures calmer. Families and business travellers love it.
Fast Track Passport Control: Quicker Arrivals
Hate long immigration lines after a flight? Use Fast Track Passport Control. It runs in both terminals.
- Capacity is capped at ~50 people per hour. That keeps it quick.
- Book at least 4 hours in advance.
- Typical price ~£15 per person. Under-2s free.
- Open 06:00–00:00 (midnight).
You land. You clear passport control faster. You reach arrivals sooner.
Premium Lounges: Quiet, Food, Wi-Fi, and Space
Anyone can use Gatwick lounges. You do not need a business ticket. You pay a fee (usually for up to 3 hours). You escape the crowds. You get food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and seats with power. Many lounges open early and run late.
No1 Lounges (North & South)
Smart design. Bar service. Buffet. Quiet library areas. Runway views.
- From ~£38 when booked in advance.
- Good for solo work, couples, and families.
- Early opening (around 04:00 typical).
Tip: Book ahead to avoid “walk-up” sold-out slots.
Clubrooms (North & South)
A boutique, adults-only experience. Hosted table service. À la carte dining. Premium wines and spirits.
- From ~£44 per person.
- Smaller, calmer rooms for privacy and focus.
- Ideal if you want a “first-class” feel, even on an economy ticket.
My Lounge (North & South)
Relaxed and family-friendly. Loft vibe. Self-serve snacks. Self-pour bar. Gaming and TV zones.
- ~£30–£34 per adult (kids often less).
- South Terminal location has an outdoor terrace.
- Great value if you want casual comfort.
Plaza Premium Lounge (North)
Modern décor. Hot food buffet. Barista coffee. Alcohol included.
- Around £40 per adult.
- Kids’ zone and games area.
- Strong pick for long-haul flyers from the North Terminal.
Plaza Express Lounge (North)
A lighter, lower-cost option for short stops.
- Comfortable seating, snacks and drinks included.
- From ~£28 per person.
- Handy when you want a quick, calm break before boarding.
Club Aspire Lounge (South)
Balanced, spacious, and family-friendly. Hot/cold buffet. Full bar.
- ~£36 when pre-booked.
- Quiet zone for rest or work.
- Runway views.
Memberships like Priority Pass/DragonPass are often accepted (capacity-dependent).
Airline & Private Lounges
British Airways (South) runs Galleries Club and a First Lounge for eligible guests. Emirates (North) and others have their own spaces for premium cabins. Not pay-per-use, but good to know if you’re flying those airlines.
Regus Business Lounge (South, landside)
Before security. Meeting rooms, work pods, printers, showers. Ideal for client meetings or quiet work if you’re not flying yet.
Meet-and-Greet (Valet) Parking: The No-Shuttle Option
Drive to the terminal. Hand over the keys. Walk to check in in about two minutes under cover. That’s Official Meet-and-Greet.
- Available at North and South.
- Your car is parked securely by insured staff.
- On return, your car is ready where you dropped it.
- Service guarantee: if your car isn’t waiting on return, your next booking is free.
You can add Premium Car Care (hand wash and interior vacuum) while away. It costs more than standard long-stay parking, but it saves time and effort—especially with kids or heavy bags.
Premium Parking & Chauffeur Services
Prefer not to drive? Book a private chauffeur. You get door-to-door service in an executive saloon or MPV.
- The driver helps with luggage.
- Flight monitoring for delays.
- Meet at arrivals on your return.
This is perfect for business trips or when you want a calm ride without parking or trains. Some providers also offer helicopter transfers to Gatwick for the ultimate time saver across London traffic.
Porter & Luggage Assistance
Gatwick does not run a walk-up porter desk, but pre-booked concierge teams can help. Services like meet-and-assist can:
- Meet you curbside or at arrivals.
- Handle trolleys and bags.
- Escort you through check-in and, where applicable, fast-track points.
For true “bag-free” travel, consider AirPortr baggage delivery: - Departing: they collect bags at your home/hotel and check them in for your flight.
- Arriving: drop bags at their South Terminal desk and have them delivered to a London-area address.
It is ideal if you have children, extra luggage, mobility concerns, or just want hands-free travel.
Signature ELITE Class: Private VIP Terminal
This is the top tier. You avoid the public terminal completely. You relax in a private suite near the South Terminal.
- Private security and immigration handled in-suite.
- Champagne, snacks, concierge.
- Driven across the tarmac to your aircraft.
- Works in reverse on arrival.
You need to book in advance. It suits families, execs, and anyone who wants privacy, speed, and total discretion. It is expensive, but it is the smoothest way through Gatwick.
Private Rest Spaces & On-Airport Hotels
Need sleep or a shower? Try YOTELAIR (South, public area).
- Minimum 4-hour bookings.
- 46 cabins with bed, en-suite shower, desk, and Wi-Fi.
- ~5-minute walk to check-in.
For more space, book the Hilton London Gatwick (walkway to South) or the Sofitel London Gatwick (bridge to North). Many offer day rooms between flights. You rest well. You walk straight to your terminal.
Premium Shopping Perks
Harrods is in both terminals. You also find Hugo Boss, Michael Kors, fine watches, beauty, wine, and tech.
- Use Reserve & Collect with World Duty Free to pre-reserve online and save ~10%. Your items wait for you airside.
- Use Shop Fly Collect if you don’t want to carry purchases on your trip. Gatwick stores your shopping for free and you pick it up on return.
- Most airlines allow one airport shopping bag in addition to hand luggage. That makes premium shopping easy, even on busy flights.
How This Fits a Premium Journey
Mix and match. Book Fast Track Security to save time. Pick a lounge that fits your style. Use Meet-and-Greet parking or a chauffeur for a smooth curb-to-gate flow. Add Porter help or AirPortr if you hate handling bags. Choose YOTELAIR or a connected hotel if you need rest. Want privacy end-to-end? Signature ELITE Class is unmatched. Every step can be “premium,” even on an economy ticket.
TappAXI: A Premium Gatwick Airport Taxi That Complements All This
Finish your plan with a stress-free ride to or from Gatwick. With TappAXI’s Gatwick Airport Taxi, you keep the same premium feel on the road:
- No wait: your driver tracks your flight and meets you at arrivals.
- No hidden charges: fixed pricing confirmed at booking.
- Meet and greet: a nameboard welcome in the terminal.
- Bags handled for you: the driver picks up your luggage and escorts you to the car.
- Right to the door: direct drop at your hotel, office, or home; direct drop at the correct terminal for departures.
It pairs perfectly with lounges, fast track, meet-and-greet parking, or any other upgrade. You land. You walk out. You go—calm, quick, and cared for.
FAQs
What is the Fast Track service at Gatwick Airport?
Fast Track at Gatwick lets you use a dedicated lane at security. It reduces waiting time and gives you quicker access to the departure lounge. It is available in both North and South Terminals. Prices start from around £6 per person when booked online, and children under two go free. The lanes are open daily from 04:00 to 20:00.
Does Gatwick offer Fast Track for arrivals at passport control?
Yes. Gatwick offers Fast Track Passport Control for arriving passengers. It is limited to around 50 passengers per hour to keep queues short. The service must be pre-booked at least 4 hours in advance. Prices start from around £15 per person, and children under two are free. Opening hours are 06:00 to midnight daily.
Which premium lounges are available at Gatwick Airport?
Gatwick has a wide choice of lounges in both terminals. Options include No1 Lounge, Clubrooms, My Lounge, Plaza Premium, Plaza Express, and Club Aspire. Facilities often include buffet dining, complimentary drinks, Wi-Fi, quiet zones, and runway views. Prices start from around £28–£44 per person, depending on the lounge. Airline lounges for British Airways and Emirates are also available for eligible premium passengers.
What is the most luxurious lounge at Gatwick?
The Clubrooms lounges in both terminals offer the highest level of luxury. They are adults-only and include à la carte dining, fine wines, and hosted table service. Entry costs around £44 per person and provides a first-class experience even for economy passengers.
Does Gatwick have valet or meet-and-greet parking?
Yes. Gatwick offers Official Meet-and-Greet Parking at both terminals. You drive to a drop-off point, hand over your keys, and staff park your car in a secure lot. On return, your car is ready in the same spot. This option saves time because you avoid shuttle buses and long walks. Gatwick guarantees that if your car isn’t waiting, your next parking booking is free.
Can I book a chauffeur service to Gatwick Airport?
Yes. Several companies, including executive transfer providers, offer chauffeur-driven cars to and from Gatwick. This service provides door-to-door luxury, luggage help, and comfort in high-end vehicles. For the ultimate option, helicopter transfers to Gatwick are also available from select providers.
Does Gatwick offer porter or luggage services?
Yes, but only through pre-booked concierge providers like Marhaba, Airport Angels, or AirPortr. Porters can assist with luggage, check-in, and guiding you through the terminal. AirPortr even collects bags from your home or hotel and checks them in for you, or delivers them to your London address after you land.
What is Signature ELITE Class at Gatwick Airport?
Signature ELITE Class is a private VIP terminal near the South Terminal. It offers complete privacy, personal check-in, private security and immigration, gourmet snacks, and champagne. Guests are driven directly across the tarmac to their aircraft. It is the most exclusive service at Gatwick and must be booked in advance.
Where can I rest or sleep at Gatwick Airport?
For short stays, YOTELAIR Gatwick offers compact cabins inside the South Terminal, bookable by the hour. Each has a bed, shower, desk, and Wi-Fi. For more space, the Hilton (South) and Sofitel (North) are connected directly to the terminals. Both offer day rooms and overnight stays.
Does Gatwick have premium shopping services?
Yes. Gatwick features luxury shops like Harrods, Hugo Boss, and Michael Kors. Two premium shopping perks are:
- Reserve & Collect: Browse duty-free online, reserve your items, and collect them at the airport with a 10% discount.
- Shop Fly Collect: Buy items before departure, leave them at Gatwick, and collect them free of charge when you return.
Gatwick’s premium services make travel smooth. You cut lines. You rest well. You shop smart. You handle zero bags if you want. Plan your trip, fast track, VIP lounge, meet-and-greet, premium parking or a chauffeur, and a calm ride with TappAXI. Your journey feels first-class from front door to gate and back again
