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The Club Aspire airport lounge in London Gatwick’s South Terminal is finally open

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According to a press release I got on Friday, the long-awaited Club Aspire lounge at Gatwick South (the British Airways terminal) was due to open at midday yesterday.

This lounge has suffered from excessive delays – it was due in early 2019.

It is taking over about 2/3rd of the old Virgin Atlantic lounge – the other 1/3rd became My Lounge, which has been open for months and which we reviewed here.

Club Aspire lounge Gatwick South now open

This is a much needed lounge.  If you can access the British Airways lounges then you’re fine (see my review here of the EXCELLENT new BA Gatwick lounge complex).  If you are relying on Priority Pass etc, your only option has been the No1 Lounge (reviewed here).  The problem is that No1 Lounge runs to 100% capacity most of the time and you are unlikely to get in unless you pay £5 to reserve a slot.

Priority Pass seems to be deliberately not working with Gatwick South’s My Lounge.  Collinson, the company behind Priority Pass, is also a 50% shareholder in Club Aspire lounges and probably wants to drive traffic there.

If we’re lucky, the Priority Pass crisis at Gatwick South is now over.

But what’s it like?  Good question.  All we know is:

“The lounge is split into three main zones: a business area with workstations; a quiet lounge and rest area with an amazing view of the runway; and a dining area next to the servery and bar. Travellers have access to a seasonal self-serve buffet selection of hot and cold food; an extensive range of non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks; charging points; complimentary newspapers and magazines; and unlimited WiFi to stay connected.”

I intend to check it out in the next couple of weeks and will report back.

In the meantime, you can find full details, and book places for cash, on the Aspire website here.  The website says it opens tomorrow, but apparently it is open today.

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Getting airport lounge access for free from a credit card

How to get FREE airport lounge access via UK credit cards (April 2025)

Here are the five options to get FREE airport lounge access via a UK credit card.

The Platinum Card from American Express comes with two free Priority Pass cards, one for you and one for a supplementary cardholder. Each card admits two so a family of four gets in free. You get access to all 1,500 lounges in the Priority Pass network – search it here.

You also get access to Eurostar, Lufthansa and Delta Air Lines lounges.  Our American Express Platinum review is here.

You can apply here.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on American Express Platinum is increased from 50,000 Membership Rewards points to a huge 80,000 points. Points convert 1:1 into Avios (80,000 Avios!) and many other programmes. Some people may see even higher personalised offers. Click here to apply.

The Platinum Card from American Express

80,000 bonus points and great travel benefits – for a large fee Read our full review

American Express Preferred Rewards Gold is FREE for the first year. It comes with a Priority Pass card loaded with four free visits to any Priority Pass lounge – see the list here.

Additional lounge visits are charged at £24.  You get four more free visits for every year you keep the card.  

There is no annual fee for Amex Gold in Year 1 and you get a 20,000 points sign-up bonus.  Full details are in our American Express Preferred Rewards Gold review here.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on the ‘free for a year’ American Express Preferred Rewards Gold card is increased from 20,000 Membership Rewards points to 30,000 points. Points convert 1:1 into Avios (30,000 Avios!) and many other programmes. Some people may see even higher personalised offers. Click here to apply.

American Express Preferred Rewards Gold

Your best beginner’s card – 30,000 points, FREE for a year & four airport lounge passes Read our full review

HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard gets you get a free Priority Pass card, allowing you access to the Priority Pass network.  Guests are charged at £24 although it may be cheaper to pay £60 for a supplementary credit card for your partner.

The card has a fee of £290 and there are strict financial requirements to become a HSBC Premier customer.  Full details are in my HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard review.

HSBC Premier World Elite Mastercard

A good package, but only available to HSBC Premier clients Read our full review

Got a small business?

If you have a small business, consider American Express Business Platinum which has the same lounge benefits as the personal Platinum card:

American Express Business Platinum

50,000 points when you sign-up and an annual £200 Amex Travel credit Read our full review

You should also consider the Capital on Tap Pro Visa credit card which has a lower fee and, as well as a Priority Pass for airport lounge access, also comes with Radison Rewards VIP hotel status:

Capital on Tap Pro Visa

10,500 points (=10,500 Avios) plus good benefits Read our full review

PS. You can find all of HfP’s UK airport lounge reviews – and we’ve been to most of them – indexed here.

Category

General

Comments (112)

This article is closed to new comments. Feel free to ask your question in the HfP forums.

  • James says:
    29 Sep29 September 10:41

    OT:
    Trying to find out how to transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to another account.

    Seems have to phone Marriott to arrange this, however they don’t post any UK or even Europe phone numbers on their website.
    Email customer service was even worse than Qatar’s.

    Does anyone know a UK number for Marriott Bonvoy ??

  • r* says:
    29 Sep29 September 11:23

    Are any routing options for Qatar Airways from EU to India that would provide 560 BA tier points return?

    The problem is the Doha-India segment as I dont think Doha to Delhi/Mumbai would provide the 140 tp for that segment, is there anywhere nearby that would?

  • LST says:
    29 Sep29 September 11:38

    OT, needed some advice on which airline to book with. I have to be in Singapore for a conference next year and have the option of booking business on either:
    1. Qatar
    B787 to Doha and then A350 to Singapore, then the same on the way back

    2. Emirates
    A380 all legs.

    I don’t normally fly premium, but as it is a short trip and tax deductible I can warrant the cost this time. We usually fly Emirates economy on family holidays and so did build up a very modest number of skywards points, which we put towards box seats at an Arsenal game for my son’s birthday (thanks Rob!). I am not to concerned about earning miles, would just like the nicest experience.

    In terms of cost there is only about £50 in it, so not a deal breaker.
    Thanks

    LST

    • Shoestring says:
      29 Sep29 September 12:07

      Qatar & credit Avios/ TPs to BAEC?

    • Lady London says:
      29 Sep29 September 12:08

      First or Business?

      • Lady London says:
        29 Sep29 September 12:14

        If the numbers work out so you wouldn’t get lots of orphaned miles i think I’d do Emirates as you already get a stash there. I’d probably tell m’y son exactly how i chose to earn those tickets to get you both to Arsenal as well.

        Of course if First, could be a slam dunk if you’re on a plane with The Apartment.

        I really hope those of US who love Q are not going to wake up to a nasty surprise one of these days…

        • LST says:
          29 Sep29 September 12:53

          Thanks for the replies. The Qatar product looks better, so think I will go with that.

          Please prepare for some rookie questions!

          I must be unique on here by not having a BAEC account, so will need to open one. My pints collecting has always been geared towards Marriott/SPG via stays and purchases.

          It may be worth collecting Avios on the side, as I can transfer HSBC points which I would otherwise cash in for amazon vouchers.

          If I get a decent stash of Avios am I right in thinking that having SPG/Gold Amex doesn’t preclude me from a BAPP sign up bonus and 2-4-1 voucher in the future?

          Also, we currently do our shopping online with Ocado, but if I am planning to doing some Avios collecting, is it a good idea to switch to Tesco?

          Thanks.

          LST

          • Shoestring says:
            29 Sep29 September 13:05

            You’ll nearly get to Silver status on BAEC by crediting your tier points from Qatar to them. You also need 4x flights on BA metal

          • 3742 says:
            29 Sep29 September 13:14

            If, as an example, you were to spend £5k per year in Tesco (all on eligible items), the Clubcard points accrued* would (assuming no special conversion rates or bonuses) convert to 12k Avios…and as a rough esimate, you’d get 50% more groceries for your money compared to Waitrose!

            *Not taking in to account such things as bonus point from apps or special offers.

          • Lady London says:
            29 Sep29 September 20:30

            Only you will be able to say if you can bear to switch your shopping from Ocado to Tesco.

            There is nothing that would make me switch my main shop to Tesco. Nothing.

          • Doug M says:
            29 Sep29 September 21:06

            You may have 50% more groceries from Tesco, but they’ll be a huge reduction in quality.

          • LST says:
            29 Sep29 September 21:27

            Mrs LST will not countenance changing supermarket 😂

  • Peter K says:
    29 Sep29 September 13:58

    OT
    Anyone else having problems with getting curve support to work?

  • Zara says:
    29 Sep29 September 15:27

    OT but did anyone else get the IHG spire status match and in your account says you have it until dec 2019? I haven’t yet fulfilled the number of nights but if I have until December I most likely will… but that’s more than 90 days …

    • The Original Nick says:
      29 Sep29 September 16:39

      I’m waiting on mine to change back to the existing status as I’ve not completed the required stays so who knows??

    • BJ says:
      29 Sep29 September 18:25

      Needed to complete challenge within 90 days to retain status through end of 2020. However, my 90 days expired on Friday andai’m still Spire. Never made the stays required and I’m not fussed as Spire is akmost useless in mh experience.

      • Funtime says:
        29 Sep29 September 19:00

        I’d generally agree, however, I’m in New York to see my daughter and made two non refundable cash bookings ( partly to hit accelerate targets).

        Circumstances changed and needed to upgrade both bookings from a king bed to two queens. Both were duly upgraded merely by turning up at the front desk days before we were due to stay. I’d call that a result.

  • Doogie says:
    29 Sep29 September 16:12

    Think Rob said there was going to be a promo/ article on it in the next week or two

    • Rob says:
      29 Sep29 September 19:07

      All happening this week. Amex wanted us to hold back.

      • 3742 says:
        29 Sep29 September 19:35

        Sounds interesting. I’ve noticed that it’s not a referral option from other cards, but perhaps that will change.

        I eagerly await your article anyway.

  • Axel says:
    29 Sep29 September 16:51

    OT. Spending in Thailand. Has anyone found an ATM that doesn’t charge the 200 or so Baht per withdrawal?

    Or still best to bring in cash in large note demonations? Seems so 1980s wandering around with a money belt fatter than a vicar’s bible.

    • BJ says:
      29 Sep29 September 18:30

      I think they have all dried up. I’d just use cash if it is just a short trip, be sure to take the latest variants of notes £10+ and ensure they are in good condition to avoid any issues.

      • Sandgrounder says:
        29 Sep29 September 19:18

        You could get a cash advance at a bank branch if you have a zero rate card. Plenty info about this on the net. I did it a couple of years ago with the travel Barclaycard and it was successful.

  • IslandDweller says:
    29 Sep29 September 17:30

    Gatwick North. Thursday last week, all 3 lounges that claim to accept PP were refusing entry to anyone without a reservation. PP is becoming useless at most of London’s airports.

    • 3742 says:
      29 Sep29 September 17:39

      Please complain to Amex, presuming you have it courtesy of them. We should all unite in raising a complaint each time we are turned away. Hopefully it would result in positive change.

      • Polly says:
        29 Sep29 September 18:10

        And keep receipts if you need to spend on food and drink. Amex don’t like that PP are refused entry. So make a nicely worded complaint.

        • Lady London says:
          29 Sep29 September 20:01

          PP miles it Polly! Er…apparently.

          Noticed on PP app today that for Gatwick No.1 lounges thé PP app now has an extra Burton against each lounge to prepay a reservation.

          They can s*^ *ππ as far as I’m concerned. With that PP is selling it’s clients down the river. With that and the generally poor quality of most PP lounges I can’t see myself renewing next year.

          • Lady London says:
            29 Sep29 September 20:03

            *PP likes it.. Above.
            Just when I think I’ve got this text editor under control…grr

    • Shoestring says:
      29 Sep29 September 17:44

      you already know this 🙂 and had the option of simply paying £5 to secure your reservation and a very cheap couple of hours in the lounge with unlimited alcoholic or soft drinks, tea & coffee plus a good spread of food

      so what was your thought process? ‘I’ve always been lucky in life so it’s simply not worth £5 upfront for 2 hours in the lounge, I’ll trust to my lucky star’

      • 3742 says:
        29 Sep29 September 18:54

        I would agree with you that, if our PPs were sold/granted on the basis that they allow entry subject to availability, it would be a no-brainer to pay the £5 as an insurance policy.

        However, Amex don’t sell the PP feature of the platinum cards on the basis of ‘get free entry to lounges most of the time’ or ‘subject to availability or guaranteed for £5 each’. I’m fairly sure PP don’t market their cards on a subject to availability basis either.

        • Shoestring says:
          29 Sep29 September 19:05

          PP T&Cs – 20:
          Third Party Organisations: Lounge and Merchants are owned and operated by third party organisations. Customer and guests must abide by the rules and policies of each location, and Customer accepts provision of a Priority Pass Card for a Lounge or Merchant location does not guarantee continued access and is subject to capacity restrictions. Customer accepts that Priority Pass has no control over the Lounge or Merchant’s decision on whether to admit any Customer, the number of people allowed in any location at any time, facilities offered, the opening/closing times, the length of time which Customers may spend in the location, any charges payable for extended Lounge or Merchant location visits, or the personnel employed. Priority Pass will use reasonable endeavors to ensure the benefits and facilities are available as advertised, but the Customer accepts that Priority Pass does not warrant, nor guarantee in any way, that all or any of the benefits and facilities will be available at the time of the Customer’s visit.

          • Shoestring says:
            29 Sep29 September 19:13

            Amex: Access to the Priority Pass lounges may be subject to availability or wait times, please read the Priority Pass conditions of use for more information.

          • 3742 says:
            29 Sep29 September 19:18

            I’m not talking about fine print. My point is that they don’t market the cards based on that. It’s not in any of the headline sales pitches on their websites. I’m sure you know the majority of people buy based on the initial blurb, without reading the fine print. That often leads to people being caught out, true, but unfairly caught out.

          • 3742 says:
            29 Sep29 September 19:21

            “Complimentary access to over 1,200 airport lounges across more than 130 countries worldwide.” – Doesn’t say at the end …but not complimentary if you definitely want access.

          • Shoestring says:
            29 Sep29 September 19:41

            All lounges have a legal occupancy capacity and they are not allowed to let more people come in than that number – I think all adults know (or should know) this fact, it’s pretty basic knowledge. It applies to all venues such as pubs, restaurants etc.

            Ergo all Priority Pass holders should be 100% aware they stand a chance of being turned away at busy times/ or when the lounge has been pre-booked. It shouldn’t come as a surprise when it happens. Plus with certain lounges (eg the No1s) it’s only £5 to reserve your place, which hardly seems expensive.

          • Lady London says:
            29 Sep29 September 20:16

            @Shoestring Amex and PP are failing on ‘reasonable endeavours’. As the failure to access at key locations given customer base and type, is consistent.

            If Amex and PP have no plans to provide promised benefits on a reasonably consistent basis – and we are not talking about cardholders being turned away occasionally or only at peak times – then Amex and PP need to change the way they’re marketing PP. Within the Amex fee this means PP has definitely become worth less than it was.

          • Will says:
            30 Sep30 September 01:00

            Agree, they should market it as discounted or occasional entry.

            Given PP charge for the card it’s actually hard to justify what you pay for if you travel mainly through Gatwick.

            Certainly challengeable legally on the grounds of being mis sold.

      • Anna says:
        29 Sep29 September 21:34

        The one and only time we got into the Escape lounge at MAN using PP I would say it wasn’t even worth £5 each! Rammed to the gills, boiling hot, some rather limp looking chicken and mushroom pies and only 1 kind of (very cheap) red & white wine unless you paid extra (on top of the £5!).

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