V-Flyer

Despite flying regular short haul for work and being Sussex based, it is quite a while since I flew out of LGW South.

I'll be on VS15 in December with my son who is keen to get into aviation and wants to be able to kill time before the flight watching operations around the airport. I know that in the North terminal, since the latest bit of building work it is only Wagamama's now where you get a decent view of the apron in the areas for the great unwashed who don't have lounge access.

Are there any of the main eating/drinking areas in the South terminal that give a good view of the airport now or are they all restricted in their view?

If not, is there a decent view from the No 1 lounge? Would it be worthwhile stumping up the cash for a day pass to keep the boy quiet for a couple of hours?

Thanks.

Sadly the great view of the apron from the OLD No.1 Lounge is no longer available as it's closed down to make way for the new BA lounge complex.

I've not been in the new No.1 Lounge so can't comment on the view from there, but their website promises "amazing views over the airfield and runway". Which sounds promising - if you book via the VS website you get a discount plus some miles.

Another option - not the cheapest admittedly but maybe a nice treat for your son - is to book into the Bloc hotel the night before. Some of their Aspire and VIP rooms overlook the airfield (you have to request them in advance). The entrance is right next to security in the South Terminal so it can't be beaten for convenience, but the rooms are very small and quite basic.

It's a good few years since I have flown through LGW South without CH access... there did, however, used to be a Sports Bar upstairs that had good views over the pier that many longer-haul flights use (i.e. not the round "old satellite" pier).

I also recall having a pastry & coffee for breakfast at somewhere on the main level of LGW South, at about "10 o'clock" direction wise when you get into the main airside area after duty free. This place overlooked the pier that Easyjet & the LCC's use.

This was a while back though - Gatwick has changed ownership since then & a lot has been spent on terminal improvements, as anyone who has seen the "Inside Gatwick" TV programmes will know. Windows looking out onto the apron / airfield don't make money - they provide free entertainment of sorts. Shops, more shops, eateries and arcades make money.

Views from the current No.1 lounge are great. It sits right on the corner of the terminal, overlooking the runway. Practically the same position as the old Vroom.

Yes current No.1 lounge has among the best views - especially for line of sight to runway

Both Nando's and Wondertree also give a good view - Wondertree especially as it's of the runway, and the food's half decent as well. Failing that, the No 1 Lounge does have a decent view too.

Thanks to all for the lounge info etc. The Wondertree info is particularly useful as the maps on the LGW website confused me and I found it difficult to get the orientation. Not sure I fancy Nando's before transatlantic flight though. Might be a bit anti-social.

Thedonkeycentrehalf wrote: Not sure I fancy Nando's before transatlantic flight though. Might be a bit anti-social.

Do tell?

marshy11 wrote:

Thedonkeycentrehalf wrote: Not sure I fancy Nando's before transatlantic flight though. Might be a bit anti-social.

Do tell?

I'd guess on potentially spicy chicken before the flight that works it's way through the system during the flight and causes fatulence.

It's worth noting that Virgin have often had Chicken Tikka Masala & Egg Sandwiches on the main meal / afternoon snack menu in the past - hardly dishes that do little to reduce the problem!

marshy11 wrote:

Thedonkeycentrehalf wrote: Not sure I fancy Nando's before transatlantic flight though. Might be a bit anti-social.

Do tell?

Well, neither myself or the boy have enough restraint to go for the mild sauce. I also prefer the Macho Peas (the ones with chilli) as a healthier option to fries.

Either way, the Nando's sauces do sit heavily on the breath and I feel that is not fair on the poor person sharing our row.