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London Airport Lounge Guide

London’s Heathrow airport and Gatwick airports have multiple passenger lounges, from airline clubs reserved for premium-cabin passengers and status holders to bookable independent spaces such as Plaza Premium. Each has its own terminal, access rules, included amenities, opening hours, and permitted stay length. That can make comparing options difficult, particularly when your airport, terminal, flight time, and available connection time all matter.

This London airport lounge guide brings the key London airport lounge details together in one place. It covers which lounges are available, where they are located, who can use them, what a standard pass includes, and how long you can normally stay. You will also find practical things to know about London airport lounges, including what happens at check-in, when showers may be available, and why matching the pass to the correct terminal matters. Lounge operations, food selections, and entry conditions can change, so use this guide to understand the usual structure and confirm live product conditions before booking.

London Airport Lounges at-a-glance - Heathrow & Gatwick Airport

Lounge name with airportTerminalSecurity sideAccess typeStay lengthBest for

Plaza Premium Lounge – Heathrow Airport

T2 International Departures

Airside

Pre-booked pass, eligible memberships and cards

3–6 hours

Long connections & workspace needs

Plaza Premium Lounge – Heathrow Airport

T3 Arrivals

Landside

Pre-booked pass, eligible memberships and cards

3 hours

Travellers who want a relaxing arrival experience

Plaza Premium Lounge – Heathrow Airport

T4 International Departures

Airside

Pre-booked pass, eligible memberships and cards

3–6 hours

Travelers looking for quiet spaces & prayer rooms

Plaza Premium Lounge – Heathrow Airport

T5 International Departures

Airside

Pre-booked pass, eligible memberships and cards

3–6 hours

Families with kids

Blush Lounge by Plaza Premium – Heathrow Airport

T4 International Departures

Airside

Pre-booked pass, eligible memberships and cards

3 hours

Travelers seeking gluten-free food options and a space to relax

Plaza Premium Lounge – Gatwick Airport

North Terminal Departures

Airside

Pre-booked pass, eligible memberships and cards

3–6 hours

Families, leisure trips, longer waits

Plaza Express Lounge – Gatwick Airport

North Terminal Departures

Airside

Pre-booked pass, eligible memberships and cards

3 hours

Short pre-flight breaks and families

London Airport Lounge timings, stay limits and overnight options

Lounge nameOpening hoursTypical stay limitDay-pass enforcementOvernight availability

Plaza Premium Lounge — Heathrow T2

5am to 9:30pm

3 or 6 hours

Timed entry applies

Closes before midnight

Plaza Premium Lounge – Heathrow T3

6am to 2pm

3 hours

Arrivals access only

Daytime access only

Plaza Premium Lounge — Heathrow T4

5am to 10pm

3 or 6 hours

Timed entry applies

Closes before midnight

Blush Lounge by Plaza Premium – Heathrow T4

7am to 10:30pm

3 hours

Walk-ins accepted; pre-paid passes guarantee entry

Closes before midnight

Plaza Premium Lounge — Heathrow T5

4:45am to 9:30pm

3 or 6 hours

Walk-ins accepted; pre-paid passes guarantee entry

Closes before midnight

Plaza Premium Lounge — Gatwick North

4am to 8pm

3 or 6 hours

Walk-ins accepted; pre-paid passes guarantee entry

Closes before midnight

Plaza Express Lounge — Gatwick North

4am to 4pm

3 hours

Walk-ins accepted; pre-paid passes guarantee entry

Daytime access only

How to use London Airport Lounges: Eligibility & check-in process

  • Who can access: Economy passengers can enter with a pre-booked day pass, while some premium-cabin passengers, eligible cardholders, and participating lounge-membership users may qualify through their travel benefits. A pre-booked pass provides visible pricing and is useful when you do not hold airline status.
  • Wayfinding: Lounges are typically situated after security. Follow terminal signs for international gates and lounges, then allow time for the walk from screening and onward to your departure gate.
  • Check-in process: Present your same-day boarding pass and booking QR code at reception. If entering through a membership, credit-card programme, or airline entitlement, show the required eligible card or confirmation. Admission remains subject to the applicable access terms.
  • Stay limits, re-entry, and access type: Choose a 3- or 6-hour pass when booking. Passes cover a continuous visit, and leaving the lounge does not normally guarantee re-entry. Confirm the terminal and your selected time before travel.

London Airport Lounge amenities & overall experience

Food and drink

Plaza Premium lounges typically include buffet-style food, snacks, tea, coffee, soft drinks, and selected alcoholic beverages. Heathrow T2 Plaza Premium Lounge includes hot and cold buffet choices, while Gatwick North advertises vegetarian and gluten-free options. Premium items or services may carry separate charges.

Seating and layout

Expect a mix of dining tables, lounge chairs, and informal seating zones rather than a single quiet-room format. Plaza Express at Gatwick North has zoned seating, while busier periods can affect the amount of space available.

Workspaces and Wi-Fi

Complimentary Wi-Fi, charging points, television, and flight-information screens are offered across most top London airport lounges. These basics can be helpful for travellers working before departure or keeping devices charged during a connection.

Showers and rest

Heathrow Terminal 2 and Terminal 5 Plaza Premium lounges offer shower access, while availability can depend on capacity and reception procedures. Request a shower slot immediately after check-in if it is important to your visit; shower access may not always be included or immediately available.

Family and quiet needs

Gatwick North’s Plaza Premium Lounge and Plaza Express Lounge both list children’s play areas. Heathrow Terminal 5 has a baby-changing station, while Heathrow Terminal 4 offers dedicated meditation and prayer rooms. These are practical things to know about London airport lounges when travelling with children or when you need a calmer space.

London Airport Lounge rules and restrictions

  • Dress code: London lounges across Heathrow Airport and Gatwick Airport generally expect neat, smart-casual travel clothing. Beachwear, offensive slogans, and heavily soiled clothing may create difficulties at reception.
  • Noise & quiet zones: Use headphones for entertainment and keep calls brief and low-volume. Avoid disturbing guests in quieter seating areas.
  • Alcohol: Standard passes can include selected beer, wine, spirits, and non-alcoholic drinks, depending on the lounge. Premium choices may cost extra.
  • Showers: Shower access, where available, is subject to availability and may involve a queue, time limit, or added charge.
  • Children: Children must normally stay supervised by an adult, and older children may require their own pass.
  • Smoking & vaping: Smoking and vaping are not permitted inside lounges. Use designated airport areas instead.
  • Re-entry: Most booked visits are single continuous stays, so re-entry after leaving is usually not guaranteed.

Frequently asked questions about London Airport Lounges

Paid use London airport lounge prices currently start from £32.50 for Plaza Express at Gatwick North and from £37 to £41 for Plaza Premium options, depending on the terminal. Prices, dates, and stay duration can change, so check the booking page before paying.