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Request for an Idiot's Guide to Gatwick

Posted:
26 Jun 2016, 07:47
by Donkeh
Hi all,
We are taking our first UC flight on Saturday to Vegas and I wondered if someone could give me an idiots guide to where to go etc!
What time will bag drop be available?
Is there a premium security channel?
How do you reach the clubhouse? I think I've spotted a corridor to it from the main shopping area before - is this the best way?
Thank you

Re: Request for an Idiot's Guide to Gatwick

Posted:
26 Jun 2016, 07:58
by buns
Some key pointers:
Use the Upper Class Check in as you arrive in Zone A.
Take the escalator up to the upper level at the rear end of Zone A
Use the Premium Channel
Most Important once through security, do not follow the hoards going down the escalator, but turn back on yourself and you will see a sign for the Clubhouse (which is on the upper lavel of Airside)
Enjoy the Clubhouse - maight be smaller than Heathrow, but the service is super
Book treatment as soon as you arrive
Hope this helps - have a super trip
buns
Re: Request for an Idiot's Guide to Gatwick

Posted:
26 Jun 2016, 08:43
by dickydotcom
At the Upper check in desk they will give you good directions to security and clubhouse.
Even if I check in on line, I still get proper boarding passes at bag drop and they have a lovely silver Premium security sticker on them.
Can't say what time they open sorry, but expect it is quite early.
Have a great time and enjoy the whole experience.
Dick D
Re: Request for an Idiot's Guide to Gatwick

Posted:
26 Jun 2016, 14:05
by stuart_f
If you are staying over in a Gatwick hotel, you can use twilight checkin the night before. It's open 5pm - 9pm on Fri night.
If you are arriving on Sat morning then checkin should open at 0530. There's no point getting there before that anyway as the Clubhouse doesn't officially open until 0630 (but often lets people in a few minutes early if they are ready) and the Spa won't be manned to book an appointment until 7am.
As has been mentioned, once you collect your hand luggage after security and head towards the exit, look to the left and you'll see a big sign that says "Disabled" and a smaller sign under that saying "Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse". Follow that route and you'll initially head towards a lift before turning to the right along the balcony over the shopping area. The Clubhouse is on the right.
If, when leaving security you arrive in an area where the only option is to take escalators leading down then you've gone wrong, turn around and try again.
Enjoy your flight!
Re: Request for an Idiot's Guide to Gatwick

Posted:
26 Jun 2016, 18:31
by Donkeh
Thank you all - exactly the kind of information I was after.
Is the clubhouse really open from 6.30am? The website suggests 7.00am?
Re: Request for an Idiot's Guide to Gatwick

Posted:
26 Jun 2016, 18:44
by gumshoe
The first VS departure is now as early as 9am so it invariably opens earlier than stated.
Re: Request for an Idiot's Guide to Gatwick

Posted:
26 Jun 2016, 20:14
by stuart_f
Definitely open well before 0700. The time stamp on my photo of my Clubhouse breakfast earlier this month was 0654 and I'd chatted to the staff, ordered OJ and tea and had the breakfast cooked to order before that was taken.
0630 might not be the 'official' opening time but I'll stand by my statement that it's when it does open

Re: Request for an Idiot's Guide to Gatwick

Posted:
26 Jun 2016, 22:02
by marshy11
I've been in at 6.20am, it's the spa that won't open until 7am. The CH should definitely be open by 6.30am.