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#903696 by VAflyer
21 May 2015, 19:28
Hi. Not sure if I am imagining things but did I read somewhere that there is a short cut after security to get to the lounge? Usually I would exit security and go up the escalators towards the back corner (Frankie and Bennys)take a right and it's on my left. Is that correct or is there a short cut (I will be in a desperate rush to get every minute I can out of the lounge!!) :) Thanks!
#903708 by gumshoe
21 May 2015, 21:10
Yes - security is now upstairs, on the same floor as the Clubhouse, so instead of following the hordes down the escalator from security to duty free, go through the door at the back of security (it's signposted to the Clubhouse). That'll take you into a corridor that brings you out on the upper floor of the departure lounge just along from the Clubhouse entrance.
#903711 by tontybear
21 May 2015, 21:44
I may be wrong but I think it may have changed

See the Buns TR for his recent flight to MCO. I'm sure he said he and Mrs B had to go a different way.
#903715 by buns
21 May 2015, 22:14
gumshoe wrote:Just read it, he says it's still there, just in a different place. Assuming it hasn't moved since March when I last passed through, it's clearly signposted at the back of security.


Just to confirm, after you and your bags have been through tghe X Ray and you have collected your things - as Gumshoe says DO NOT follow the hords down the Escalatorbut look to your left and there is a doorway and above it a VS Sign.

This brings you out on the upper level and only a few steps to the Clubhouse

buns
#903734 by Smid
22 May 2015, 08:40
From what I read of it, the security they might be talking about is the premium line... Normal security is on the same level as a the Clubhouse right? The premium security is on the bottom floor...

No wait, I might even be getting confused about Gatwick a few years ago. From recent thoughts we went upstairs to premium...

I use the word 'premium' over 'priority' because it was often not very fast. Was fine the last two times through, but I do remember being caught behind the pushchairs and wheelchairs as it also seemed to be special passengers as well (not being patronising, just can't think of the name for the pushchairs and wheelchairs). But that might have been related to it being ground floor...

My memories of Gatwick are getting hazy now. Realise I've went through at least once a year for the last 8...
#903735 by buns
22 May 2015, 08:52
Smid wrote:From what I read of it, the security they might be talking about is the premium line... Normal security is on the same level as a the Clubhouse right? The premium security is on the bottom floor...

No wait, I might even be getting confused about Gatwick a few years ago. From recent thoughts we went upstairs to premium...
.


All screening is now on the First Floor of the South Terminal - "Priority" or "Premium" is just to the left as you approach the Main entrance (which is just past the Bloc hotel).

Clearly the expeience of old whereby whelchair passengers shared the priority line has been taken on board by the management at Gatwick and there is an entirely seperate entrance for wheelchair pax just before you get to the Bloc

buns
#903744 by Smid
22 May 2015, 09:48
buns wrote:All screening is now on the First Floor of the South Terminal - "Priority" or "Premium" is just to the left as you approach the Main entrance (which is just past the Bloc hotel).

Clearly the expeience of old whereby whelchair passengers shared the priority line has been taken on board by the management at Gatwick and there is an entirely seperate entrance for wheelchair pax just before you get to the Bloc


That would be why it actually has been a priority experience in recent years. Its always been hazy that time of morning recently when going through...
#903749 by flyerdavid
22 May 2015, 11:15
buns wrote:
gumshoe wrote:Just read it, he says it's still there, just in a different place. Assuming it hasn't moved since March when I last passed through, it's clearly signposted at the back of security.


Just to confirm, after you and your bags have been through tghe X Ray and you have collected your things - as Gumshoe says DO NOT follow the hords down the Escalatorbut look to your left and there is a doorway and above it a VS Sign.

This brings you out on the upper level and only a few steps to the Clubhouse

buns


Excellent advice, Buns! We are travelling ex-LGW in UC next month ):

When does the LGW CH open in the morning?

IIRC, I think it might be 06:15 or 06:30 - our flight is at 09:00 so want to maximise CH time - staying in the Hilton the night before too y)
#903750 by pjh
22 May 2015, 11:22
flyerdavid wrote:
When does the LGW CH open in the morning?

IIRC, I think it might be 06:15 or 06:30 - our flight is at 09:00 so want to maximise CH time - staying in the Hilton the night before too y)


Stick "LGW" and "opening" into the Advanced search engine and much will be revealed.
#903751 by flyerdavid
22 May 2015, 11:28
pjh wrote:
flyerdavid wrote:
When does the LGW CH open in the morning?

IIRC, I think it might be 06:15 or 06:30 - our flight is at 09:00 so want to maximise CH time - staying in the Hilton the night before too y)


Stick "LGW" and "opening" into the Advanced search engine and much will be revealed.


So it does! Should have tried that first... ii)

Seems to be plenty of "official" opening times - ranging from 0615 to 0700 judging by that search. Rather hoping it is 0615 as an 0900 flight doesn't leave much time to enjoy it!
#903753 by pjh
22 May 2015, 12:24
flyerdavid wrote: Rather hoping it is 0615 as an 0900 flight doesn't leave much time to enjoy it!


We were definitely in by 6.30 am last summer and we were not the first through the door....
#903774 by serenawell
22 May 2015, 19:50
We stayed at the Bloc last we flew from LGW. I would highly recommend. We got there at 10.30pm went to bed. Woke up at 7am (did all the normal morning stuff) and were in the CH by 7.30am
Don't expect any room to swing a mouse let alone a cat.

Was perfect for what we needed it for. If you were arriving earlier then it may be a different experience as there is no restaurant or bar - but you can always walk over to the Hilton for that.
#903789 by dickydotcom
23 May 2015, 07:49
I have also been considering the Bloc for next years trip.
We have stayed at the Hilton the last three years but this year didn't feel it was quite as good with rubbish food in the Executive lounge.
We tend to turn up about five pm but I like the idea of arriving later, maybe with a bottle of Lanson, and making it to the CH early.
Dick D
#903806 by horburyflyer
23 May 2015, 12:11
flyerdavid wrote:Useful to know pjh.

I've just asked Virgin directly and they say "from the information we have here it is open from 0615 daily".

Why they can't put that on the website, like the LHR CH, I don't know!


Just asked as I happen to be here....0615 daily. By the way a new menu has recently been introduced with the old favourites still there but pancakes are back and a delicious BBQ pulled pork roll.

Jon
Virgin Atlantic

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