Last updated on August 2nd, 2026 at 11:54 am
Looking for the best Gatwick North lounge for travellers with additional needs? Check out my post because it’s based on my experience of travelling with a family member on the autism spectrum, but it also considers travellers with mobility issues too.
My family member and I visit airport lounges using my Priority Pass membership. As a Standard Plus Member I get 10 visits including with my membership which works out to £20.60 per visit – better value than an airport meal!
- I’ve used Priority Pass membership to access airport lounges for years now. They help me to have a calmer, comfortable and more productive airport visit. (There are affiliate links on my website – I only recommend things I use). About Me Page & Editorial Policy
- Real reviews from a Priority Pass member and lounge lover
Why Airport Lounges Are Great for Travellers with Additional Needs
Airports can be stressful places for travellers, whether or not we have additional needs for not. My family member has autism and finds airports very stressful, noisy and overwhelming.
Here’s why we find airport lounges are really useful when we travel together;
- ✅ Quiet spaces away from the busy terminal with all it’s noise and announcements
- ✅ Comfortable seating and relaxed layout
- ✅ Free refreshments – free food is always a great distraction!
- ✅ Flight information screens so you can see boarding and gate info easily
- ✅ Quieter toilets
- ✅ Limited capacity – lounges restrict the overall number of guests.
I’ve visited all the lounges in the Gatwick North Terminal. There are some differences between them which might make them more or less suited to your needs.
Best Gatwick North Lounge for Travellers with Additional Needs
Best Gatwick North Lounge for Travellers with Additional Needs Comparison
| Lounge | Location | Opening Hours | Best For | Food & Drink |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No 1 Lounge | Lounge Pavillion | 4am to 9pm every day | Some quieter corners and areas | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Plaza Premium | Nr Gates 44 and 45 | 4am to 8pm every day | Largest lounge with most space available | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Clubrooms | Upper level | 6am to 6pm every day | No children under 12 and table service meals | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| My Lounge | Lounge Pavillion | 4am to 8pm every day | Relaxed feel | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Gatwick North Airport Lounges – Quick Overview
Gatwick North has 4 airport lounges.
- No 1 Lounge – this is the most popular lounge at Gatwick North terminal which can often mean it is the busiest and that you need to prebook to gain entry. There are quieter corners such as the library area and it has the largest selection available on the buffet.
- Plaza Premium Lounge – this is a large lounge and often quieter than than the No 1 Lounge. It’s on the upper level but accessed via a lift or escalator.
- Clubrooms – this is a premium table service lounge with an a la carte menu. This particular Clubrooms is very small. There are also shared toilets outside the lounge which are very busy.
- My Lounge – this is a more casual lounge with a relaxed feel. There is a games table here and a mix of seating from large tables to sofas. The buffet is the most limited – just gyros and soup as the main offering.
Best Birmingham Lounge for Travellers with Additional Needs
Best Birmingham Airport Lounge for Travellers with Additional Needs
No 1 Lounge
- Location Details: Lounge Pavillion
- Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- What I Love: Corner lounge with great views, good buffet and plenty of smaller/quieter spaces
- Seating Available: Lounge chairs, sofas, tables and chairs, dining tables, work benches
- Amenities: 🍳 Breakfast & All Day Menu 🍷 Tended Bar 📶 WiFi ☕ Hot Drink Machines 🔌 Power Sockets 🚾 In Lounge
- Best For: Ground floor lounge with hot food buffet
- This lounge is for you if: You want a ground floor lounge with great views and a good buffet
- 👉 Watch Out For: This lounge can be busy so prebooking is recommended
How to Access the No1 Lounge Gatwick North
- Buy access directly with No1 Lounges – £40 per adult for a 3 hour stay
- Buy access through via my discount code at Holidayextras – £41.28 for 3 hours guaranteed entry
- Access via an airport lounges membership scheme such as Priority Pass.The cost to enter depends on your membership level. Standard Plus Membership includes 10 visits so each visit works out to £20.60 each.
Best Birmingham Airport Lounge for Travellers with Additional Needs
Best Birmingham Airport Lounge for Travellers with Additional Needs
Plaza Premium Lounge
- Location Details: Near gates 44 and 45
- Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
- What I Love: That this lounge is spacious and often quieter than the No 1 Lounge
- Seating Available: Sofas, tables and chairs, booth type seating, lounge chairs
- Amenities: 🍳 Hot Food 🍷 Tended Bar & Self Service Drinks 📶 WiFi ☕ Hot Drinks Machines 🔌 Power Sockets 🚾 Inside Lounge
- Best For: Larger lounge that is often a bit quieter than the popular No 1 Lounge
- This lounge is for you if: You want a quieter but spacious lounge
- 👉 Watch Out For: I would still recommend prebooking due to overall demand at Gatwick
How to Access the Plaza Premium Gatwick North
- Buy access directly with Plaza Premium – £41.40 per adult for a 2 hour stay
- Buy access through via my discount code at Holidayextras – £37.84 for 3 hours guaranteed entry
- Access via an airport lounges membership scheme such as Priority Pass.The cost to enter depends on your membership level.
Best Birmingham Airport Lounge for Travellers with Additional Needs
Clubrooms
- Location Details: Lounge Pavillion, lower level
- Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
- What I Love: Quieter lounge with table service meals
- Seating Available: Lots of low chairs with low tables, some sofa seating, some table seating and chairs
- Amenities: 🍳 Hot Food 🍷 Tended Bar & Some Self Service Drinks 📶 WiFi ☕ Hot Drinks Machines 🔌 Power Sockets 🚾 Inside Lounge
- Best For: Table service meals
- This lounge is for you if: You want table service meals
- 👉 Watch Out For: This lounge comes at a premium cost
How to Access the Clubrooms Lounge Gatwick North
- Buy access directly with No1 Lounges – £44 per adult for a 3 hour stay
- Access via an airport lounges membership scheme such as Priority Pass.The cost to enter depends on your membership level. I used my Priority Pass Standard Membership which made entry £20.60 plus the £15 additional fee to use this lounge.
Best Birmingham Airport Lounge for Travellers with Additional Needs
My Lounge
- Location Details: Lounge Pavillion
- Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
- What I Love: Informal feel and homely style lounge
- Seating Available: Large shared tables, sofas, dining tables and chairs, lounge chairs
- Amenities: 🍳 Hot Food 🍷 Tended Bar & Self Service Drinks 📶 WiFi ☕ Hot Drinks Machines 🔌 Power Sockets 🚾 Inside Lounge
- Best For: Informal lounge style
- This lounge is for you if: A relaxed style of lounge
- 👉 Watch Out For: Reduced food selection – not ideal for vegetarians
How to Access the My Lounge Gatwick North
- Buy access directly with My Lounges – £38 per adult for a 3 hour stay
- Buy access via Holidayextras with my discount – £36.12 for a 3 hour stay
- Access via an airport lounges membership scheme such as Priority Pass.The cost to enter depends on your membership level. I used my Priority Pass Standard Membership which made entry £20.60
Best Birmingham Airport Lounge for Travellers with Additional Needs
Gatwick North Lounge Quick Decision Helper
Here is a quick decision helper to help you find the right lounge for you.
| Best For | Airport Lounge |
|---|---|
| Prebooking | All lounges are available to prebook |
| Toilets in Lounge | All lounges |
| Largest Lounge | Plaza Premium/No 1 Lounge |
| Quiet Space | Clubrooms as no under 12s, or quieter corners in No1 Lounge |
| Food Quality | No 1 Lounge |
Best Birmingham Airport Lounge for Travellers with Additional Needs
Quick Lounge Cost Comparison
- During one airport visit I checked the costs of eating in the airport. If I went to Wetherspoons and had their cheapest main meal with a beer the cost would be £15.00. Compare that to using one of my Priority Pass Standard Plus Membership included visits which works out to £20.60 for each visit.
- That means I get a much better environment for working and relaxing, with faster WIFI, unlimited hot and cold food and unlimited drinks (within safe flying limits) for only £5.60 extra. That makes Priority Pass great value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I access a Gatwick North airport lounge if I use a wheelchair?
All the lounges are wheelchair accessible. The No1 Lounge is probably the busiest, the Plaza Premium is a spacious lounge and most likely to be a bit quieter.
Do I need to pre-book assisted travel?
Yes — you should book through your airline or tour operator in advance. You should also tell them if you intend to take your own mobility aid such as a wheelchair (including electric) or electric mobility scooter.
Does Gatwick Airport Use the Sunflower Lanyard Scheme?
Yes – they are available at any assistance desk in Gatwick Airport.
Is there a Changing Places toilet at Gatwick Airport?
Yes — a dedicated Changing Places toilet is located within the departure lounge area.
Bonus: Tips for a Less Stressful Visit to Gatwick North Terminal
Here are a few practical tips to make your travel even smoother:
- ✅ Arrive early and allow plenty of time – rushing just adds stress
- ✅ Use a sunflower lanyard or pin (available at the airport) so staff know you have additional needs
- ✅ Use the Family Friendly Security Lane – it’s a bit easier to deal with
- ✅ Bring noise-cancelling headphones – these make the background noise disappear
- ✅ Use the airline app to be notified directly of boarding and gate details
- ✅ Have a little calm kit – chewing gum/sweets, snacks for the plane, something absorbing to watch and/or listen to, fidget tools if needed
- ✅ Check the Assisted Travel support available from Gatwick Airport directly on their website
Final Thoughts: Relax Before You Fly
Travelling is challenging and airports can be noisy and overwhelming for anyone. Using an airport lounge is a great way to upgrade the airport experience. It turns the airport experience into a bit of a treat.
My family member now loves the airport because he knows he is going to be visiting a lounge before we go.
Best Birmingham Airport Lounge for Travellers with Additional Needs
Gatwick North Lounges – Final Verdict
- All the North Terminal paid entry lounges at Gatwick are suitable for travellers who need additional assitance.
- All the lounges are prebookable if you are using an airport membership to access. I would highly recommend prebooking.
- If you plan to use airport lounges regularly then a Standard Plus Priority Pass membership is great value at only £20.60 per lounge visit for 10 included member visits. Why not get yours now and give yourself a treat?
More Gatwick Airport Resources
Do you need a hotel at Gatwick Airport?
My favourite hotel at the North Terminal is the Sofitel. It’s connected by a walkway and has lovely comfy beds. You might want to avoid atrium view rooms as the noise can travel up the atrium and you can’t have your window blinds open (unless you want everyone to see you in your jim jams)
Related Gatwick Airport Resources
- Aspire Lounge Birmingham Airport Review
- No 1 Lounge Birmingham Airport review
- Clubrooms Birmingham Airport review
- Best Birmingham airport lounge for business travellers
- Best Birmingham airport lounge for nervous flyers
- Airport Travel Resources – money saving tools & resources for your airport visit
- How to Get Priority Pass
- Priority Pass Membership
✈️ Want Even More Comfort Before You Fly?
Check out these extras — perfect to combine with lounge access:
- 🚗 Up to 25% Off Airport Parking
- 🏨 10% Off Airport Hotels (great for early flights!)
- ⏩ 10% Off Fast Track Security — breeze through queues
- 🚐 10% Off Airport Transfers — arrive on time, stress-free
- 🚘 10% Off Car Hire Deals — pick up at the terminal
- 🛡️ Travel Insurance 🛌 Airport Park & Fly Deals