On 25 January 2017 British Airways moved from the North Terminal to the South Terminal at London Gatwick and three weeks ago, slightly behind schedule, the new British Airways lounges also opened in the same terminal.
A benefit of operating out of the South Terminal is that if you arrive at Gatwick Airport by train, for example on the Gatwick Express, you do not have to take a transit train to get to the British Airways terminal, as is the case if your flight departs from the North Terminal.
The airport authorities and British Airways themselves have made quite a big deal about the move and there are several banners welcoming passengers to the new home of BA.
For obvious reasons there is a new and rather sizeable check-in area in the South Terminal divided into different sections.
There is also a premium check-in area for premium passengers, including British Airways Bronze/OneWorld Ruby status passengers (and higher) and business class passengers.
And for first class passengers, British Airways Gold and OneWorld Emerald passengers there is a rather stylish first class check-in area, with a sofa and some cool lights.
In contrast to London Heathrow terminal 5 there is no dedicated fast track for British Airways but BA has contracted the fast track channel operated by the airport for their premium passengers.
There are now also two new British Airways lounges in the South Terminal at Gatwick. The Galleries Club Lounge is for business class passengers, BA Silver and OneWorld Sapphire members. The Galleries First Lounge is for first class passengers, BA Gold and OneWorld Emerald members.
The Galleries Club Lounge for business class is located to the right of the reception desk and this lounge really has a wow factor. The interior is significantly more stylish than the Galleries Club Lounges at London Heathrow terminal 5 (and not to mention terminal 3) with the latest lounge design which is also used the British Airways Singapore lounge for example.
A fun feature is the upper floor which is like a balcony overlooking the main part of the lounge however the staircase to get to the upper floor, which is located in the buffet area, is really narrow.
The lounge also offers a fantastic view of the apron and the runway.
The Galleries First Lounge is located to the left of the reception desk and is a huge improvement compared to the old first class lounge in the North Terminal, which was looking very worn by the end and which had limited facilities.
The new first class lounge also has a completely new design and the large panorama windows provide plenty of natural light and make the lounge feel rather airy and spacious. And it offers the same excellent view of the apron and the runway as the Galleries Club Lounge, actually an even better view since you can also see the aircrafts on final approach (assuming they land from the east) from this lounge.
The buffet area is also significantly more spacious in the new lounge with both several self-service buffet counters offering hot food and snacks and a proper sit-down dining area. And there is a rather good drinks selection. And just like in the Galleries First Lounge at Heathrow you can order various dishes from an a la carte menu, including the signature BA Burger.
All-in-all the move to the South Terminal is a nice improvement, especially for premium passengers with a nice premium check-in area and two vastly better lounges than those previously available in the North Terminal.
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