EasyJet, a European ultra-low cost carrier, has just opened its first lounge.
Details: The Gateway by EasyJet & No1 lounges
EasyJet and No1 Lounges have partnered to open a lounge at London Gatwick beginning Thursday, October 21, 2021. The lounge will be called The Gateway by EasyJet & No1 Clubs and will be located at Gatwick Airport's North Terminal.
You can book access to the new lounge in advance via EasyJets partnership and Holiday Extras. Or, you can purchase access on the day of your travel. You can choose from packages of one, two or three hours. Prices start at 18.50.
EasyJet's new lounge will feature the following amenities:
Access to free Wi-Fi in public areas and places for work, along with charging points
Family areas include a TV Den and a Game Room.
Complimentary hot and cold menus with dishes delivered directly to your table ; dishes will be destination-inspired, and will change every quarter
; dishes will be destination-inspired, and will change every quarter Complimentary drinks, including a signature cocktail list
EasyJets logic to open a lounge
EasyJet, London Gatwick's largest airline, has 71 aircraft and operates 120 routes. EasyJet stated that it is opening the lounge to meet business travel demand.
It is a mystery to me how involved EasyJet is in this lounge or if it is purely ancillary revenue. EasyJet collaborated with No1 Lounges to create this lounge. I would guess that they aren't involved in running the lounge day-to-day.
It seems that the lounge is specifically designed for EasyJet passengers. I am curious if EasyJet gets a cut for marketing the lounge or if it is more. It is unclear if the lounge can only be accessed by paying, or if Priority Pass will allow access. Premium fare options may also be offered.
In reality, the gap between European quality and quantity has been decreasing in recent years. It doesn't make a huge difference in the experience provided by airlines like British Airways and Lufthansa compared to the one offered by EasyJet. This development may help to narrow the gap.
Rachael Smith (EasyJets Commercial Proposition & Innovation director) had these words to say about the new concept:
We are thrilled to launch our first airport lounge with No1 Lounges. This will be available to passengers at London Gatwick where we are proud to be the biggest airline. We are always looking for ways to provide more options and greater value to our passengers, so we are proud to announce that The Gateway will offer everything a traveller needs, including a workspace, a place to relax, or if they need to entertain their family. We are witnessing a recovery in the UK. This is good news for both leisure travellers, who are enjoying warmer destinations, and business travelers, who are returning to their best numbers since the pandemic. We are certain that customers will find the lounge the ideal destination, regardless of their reason for traveling.
Bottom line
EasyJet has opened a lounge at London Gatwick Airport in partnership with No1 Lounges. This is a great initiative by an ultra-low cost carrier, and I believe it will be a hit. It doesn't make a huge difference in quality between EasyJet and British Airways flights, so a lounge might be something many passengers will appreciate.
I'm curious to see how the lounge concept develops over time.
What do you think about EasyJet opening an airport lounge
