Do I need a lounge at the airport?

[SouthWestmom]

Flying with another adult and an 11 year old. 11 year old has a couple of medical conditions but mobile.
Just wondering if we would have time to benefit from a lounge? Found one with games, WiFi? Snacks etc.

But after queuing for luggage drop, security, doe we just suck up a couple of hours floating round?

I would. It’s more peaceful.

I paid £5 recently at Gatwick for speedy security. It was worth it.

Always worth it. Unless you want to shop for a few hours. I think it’s nice to have a quieter base to relax before any flight.

We always do now (unless flight is early). Means other half is happy to get to airport the required 3 hours early and then spend 2 hours in the lounge peacefully reading and having snacks.
I would not bother for a short Europe flight but we are 2 adults who can just sit happily with a coffee and book anyway.

Oh good - sounds like a plus. Can't find out the link for speedy security but have done that before.

Just thinking I can't face trawling round trying to appease a pensioner and a bouncy kid.

Thanks - will do it then.

Recently flew with my 10 year old and we wouldn't have had time to make use of a lounge. I suppose it depends how far in advance of your flight you plan to arrive and whether or not you'll have far to travel to the gate. I always arrive 2 hours before take off and by the time we'd checked bags/got through security we had time for a coffee and quick browse round the shops then it was time to board. That was a local airport which I know well, if it was Gatwick/Heathrow we'd have had even less time as the gates can be quite a distance away.

That's my concern - if we get held up in baggage drop and security we will only have an hour

We don't, we always plan to have a meal. This year we've also booked the free sensory room in Gatwick north for my son who has asd

I wouldn't bother. As winsome has said unless you plan on arriving particularly early then you won't have much time to use it by the time you get through security etc.

I always just have a meal at the airport. By the time you’ve eaten there really isn’t much time left to kill.

Neurf you can get the sunflower lanyard at most airports now for invisible disabilities.
This gives you fast track security etc.
Read about your specific airport online and what their lanyard gives you.

Oh thank you - I will look that up. It would be great to have a bit of a calm start.

If one of your party has a disability then get a lanyard, it means you don't need to pay for fast track etc.

Most (if not all) terminals have free WiFi. If you time things properly you won't have time to use a lounge, I never do on short haul.

How much is the lounge and which airport is it?

Also I research in advance where there are quiet areas in the terminal. That will be far quieter than a lounge, which at peak times can get very busy. I've been in BA lounges that have been standing room only.

£20 each at Gatwick.

I'm definitely going to look at the lanyard

If it's one of the general entry lounges in the school holidays it will be packed. I'd use the money to buy some food, which you can eat there or on the plane.

I'm sure one of the Gatwick terminals has a designated quiet area. Have a look at the accessibility guides on their website to find out more.

Thanks , I'll have a look on the website first

I love a good lounge! Really gets the holiday off to a good start.

I've emailed about the lanyard so got the details for collecting that. Warned dc and they are ok about it. Really tempted but slightly put off by the school holiday business now that's been pointed out.