Network provider O2 is offering customers complimentary access to a pop-up lounge at Gatwick airport until October 9.
The O2 Roam Freely lounge, located airside in Gatwick North Terminal’s departures area, is complimentary for all O2 and Virgin Media customers, owing to the Virgin Media O2 joint venture business in the UK.
Many mobile network providers are currently bringing back EU data roaming charges following Brexit, but O2 says it is the “only major network provider this year” allowing travellers to roam freely up to 25 GB in the European Union.
The lounge is open daily from 6am to 3pm and customers are allowed to use it for up to one hour. They can also bring an adult guest and up to six children under the age of 16 into the lounge.
The lounge features comfortable seats, free drinks and snacks, complimentary wifi and charging stations. There is also a Disney + cinema room, allowing guests to stream movies and TV shows, and a beach-themed space for photo opportunities.
To access the lounge, priority members across O2 and Virgin Media must book a time slot through the Priority app and show the confirmation email at the entrance. It advises travellers to arrive early as spaces are limited.
The launch comes in response to research from O2 which found that over half (54 per cent) of travellers fear their flights will be cancelled amid the ongoing airport disruption this summer.
Aside from this, O2 Priority members also receive complimentary access to 1,200 airport lounges in over 500 airports if their flight is delayed for 60 minutes or more.
To benefit from the Smart Delay Reward offer, customers are required to register their outbound and return flight details up until the time of the flight’s scheduled departure. According to O2, “delays are based on ‘gate’ delay reporting from airlines and airports to FlightStats”.
If the flight is delayed, the customer will receive an email with a Lounge Key voucher, which will grant them (and up to three friends travelling on the same flight) access to the lounge. The offer is available to use once a month via the Priority app.
Gareth Turpin, chief commercial officer at Virgin Media O2, commented:
“We know there are a lot of stresses and costs that come with going abroad, especially at the moment, so we want to help our customers get back to what a holiday is really about – fun and relaxation. They shouldn’t have to wait until they land to start that holiday feeling and that’s why we’ve opened the O2 Roam Freely Lounge.
“Whether they’re travelling alone, with friends or as an extended family group, they can come to the lounge, unwind, have a drink and enjoy a range of entertainment for all ages.”
For more information on lounges, see our features: