Passengers flying British Airways out of London Gatwick will be made as comfortable as possible before they travel thanks to the airlines' new Lounge Pavilion.

The new four-level facility, which has complimentary, and separate, services for First, Club World, Club Europe and Gold and Silver Executive Club members, can cater to 800 customers at a time.

Called Terraces, the facility is the airline's aim to meet the varying requirements of its customers -- be they business or leisure travellers -- with the emphasis on bringing the outdoors indoors.

Large windows maximise natural daylight, stereo speakers broadcast relaxing nature sounds and music and all natural materials are used in the furniture and flooring.

All areas have panoramic runway views and the piped mood music ranges from bird song mixed with Church bells to rhythmic jazz depending on the time of day and which part of the lounge you are in.

Dedicated smoking areas are also provided on each floor so smokers can fully relax before getting on board a non-smoking flight.

And passengers stopping over will find showers and spas on each floor for a wash and a quick rub down between flights.

The lounges are open from 5 a.m. until after the last flight of the day leaves Gatwick and passengers can go to a business-focussed floor or a second floor more in tune to leisure traveller needs.

Said lounge supervisor Wendy Bonici: "We want passengers to ask `what do I want to do today' and hopefully we have given them enough options.'' Business travellers can hit the Combiz Centre and Library which effectively mixes office and home. Children are not allowed here.

The Internet, personal computers, photocopiers, telephones and faxes are available along with plug-in connections for laptops. Small meeting spaces are available as are newspapers and more than 200 books.

Leisure travellers can head to a different floor which is less formal and features mobile telephone free zones, a wine bar.

Both floors have washrooms and showers available so passengers can freshen up en route.

Travelling with children? British Airways has not forgotten the kids with this floor featuring the Toybox, a large, enclosed area full of toys and books for children.

And the area has see-through walls which are sound-proof.

Tired? If the idea of putting your feet up and dozing off either before your flight or in between flights sounds appealing, the Terraces will cater to your wishes.

Head to the noise-free zone of the Sanctuary, relax and have a snooze or go to sleep in the darkened, silent Sleeper section -- both on this floor.

Don't worry about missing your flight as one of the receptionists will come and wake you in ample time for it.

Peckish? Terraces will satisfy those hunger pangs as well.

Enjoy fresh ground coffee or fresh fruit juices at the Cappuccino Bar, sandwiches, pastries, savouries and sweets at the Larder or a cocktail or glass of wine at the World Wine Bar -- where a bartender is present in the evening to mix drinks.

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