Best Australian Lounges?

[kangarooflyer88]

A little over a month ago I upgraded my AmEx card to the Platinum and noticed that I now have access to a number of airport lounges in Australia (both domestic and international) thanks to the built-in Priority Pass/Plaza Premium/AmEx Lounge membership. At the same time, I have QF Gold, United Premier Gold and Delta Gold Medallion status for this year. Hence, in theory I should be able to access most lounges in Australia, aside from those occasions where I am not travelling with an airline I have status on (i.e. no QF access on a Virgin ticket).

I just thought I'd get folk's thoughts on what lounge to use based on the numerous upcoming flights I've got booked:

• JQ: SYD <> CNS
• JQ: SYD <> PER
• QF: NTL > BNE > HVB
• JQ: HVB > SYD
• JQ: SYD <> TSV
• QF: SYD <> MEL
• QF: SYD <> CBR
• VA: SYD <> OOL
• QF: SYD > MEL > AKL > SYD > MEL > SYD
• JQ: SYD <> MCY
• VA/EY: SYD > MEL > AUH

For VA and EY sectors I will be flying in J. Some QF sectors may be in J but that's a moot point given my QFF Gold status.

-RooFlyer88

 

[Daver6]

I'd just say being in QF J will give you access to the QF J lounge over the QP in capital cities that have both.

 

[SYD]

Be aware that JQ ex-SYD on a domestic flight is QF lounge wilderness and probably not worth going to T3 before unless you’re certain you can get back to T2 without Qs from hell.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Be aware that JQ ex-SYD on a domestic flight is QF lounge wilderness and probably not worth going to T3 before unless you’re certain you can get back to T2 without Qs from hell.

I'm curious if the Rex lounge is worth visiting beforehand or if it's a yawn fest? From what I recall the VA lounge at SYD was alright, certainly comparable to the Qantas Pub I'd ordinarily frequent.

As for SYD INTL terminal I've only visited the QF J lounge flying JQ Y and NZ lounge flying AC J. My understanding is that there is an AmEx lounge, a SQ lounge and potentially a few other lounges that skip my mind that I may have access to depending on itinerary, which I would be curious about.

Speaking specifically about MEL as I've got a few flights out of there, what's the best lounge to try there on an international itinerary? I have been warned that the QF J lounge is a dungeon, but hear that it too has an AmEx lounge and potentially some other partner lounges worth visiting.

Your feedback is appreciated so I can optimize my time spent on airport property!

-RooFlyer88

 

[SYD]

I'm curious if the Rex lounge is worth visiting beforehand or if it's a yawn fest? From what I recall the VA lounge at SYD was alright, certainly comparable to the Qantas Pub I'd ordinarily frequent.

As for SYD INTL terminal I've only visited the QF J lounge flying JQ Y and NZ lounge flying AC J. My understanding is that there is an AmEx lounge, a SQ lounge and potentially a few other lounges that skip my mind that I may have access to depending on itinerary, which I would be curious about.

Speaking specifically about MEL as I've got a few flights out of there, what's the best lounge to try there on an international itinerary? I have been warned that the QF J lounge is a dungeon, but hear that it too has an AmEx lounge and potentially some other partner lounges worth visiting.

Yes, VA SYD lounge is adequate but can get very busy. I used to go upstairs (when it’s open). Sounds you’ll have something to choose from when flying from T1 International.

I can’t speak for MEL Int.

 

[Stealthflyer]

A little over a month ago I upgraded my AmEx card to the Platinum and noticed that I now have access to a number of airport lounges in Australia (both domestic and international) thanks to the built-in Priority Pass/Plaza Premium/AmEx Lounge membership. At the same time, I have QF Gold, United Premier Gold and Delta Gold Medallion status for this year. Hence, in theory I should be able to access most lounges in Australia, aside from those occasions where I am not travelling with an airline I have status on (i.e. no QF access on a Virgin ticket).

I just thought I'd get folk's thoughts on what lounge to use based on the numerous upcoming flights I've got booked:

• JQ: SYD <> CNS
• JQ: SYD <> PER
• QF: NTL > BNE > HVB
• JQ: HVB > SYD
• JQ: SYD <> TSV
• QF: SYD <> MEL
• QF: SYD <> CBR
• VA: SYD <> OOL
• QF: SYD > MEL > AKL > SYD > MEL > SYD
• JQ: SYD <> MCY
• VA/EY: SYD > MEL > AUH

For VA and EY sectors I will be flying in J. Some QF sectors may be in J but that's a moot point given my QFF Gold status.

-RooFlyer88

The MEL VA domestic lounge is miles better than SYD. For me, it’s all about runway views and the MEL lounge does that beautifully. The SYD lounge only has a small bench in one corner that has runway views. Fortunately all my long transits back to HBA are via MEL.

The MEL House (EY lounge) has better views than the SYD House, so you made a good choice flying out of MEL. It feels bigger and airer too.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

The MEL VA domestic lounge is miles better than SYD. For me, it’s all about runway views and the MEL lounge does that beautifully. The SYD lounge only has a small bench in one corner that has runway views. Fortunately all my long transits back to HBA are via MEL.

I'm torn on the MEL VA domestic lounge. Yes the views are nicer but it's pre-security. Generally when I do lounge visits I want to stay in the lounge until I see boarding or even final call. I don't want to catch gate lice, especially during COVID and there are literally 0 benefits to early boarding aside from perhaps extra PDB time.

The MEL House (EY lounge) has better views than the SYD House, so you made a good choice flying out of MEL. It feels bigger and airer too.

I will need to keep that in mind when I fly with EY. As for my flight to AKL out of MEL in QF J, I guess I'll have to sample that one, maybe spend a couple minutes at the MEL House and a few at the dungeon to see how bad it is. I see there's also a AmEx, Marhaba and Plaza Premium lounges at MEL. Would be curious if those are worthwhile given they're accessible with my AmEx Platinum. Too many choices and not a long enough connection!

-RooFlyer88

 

[SYD]

I'm torn on the MEL VA domestic lounge. Yes the views are nicer but it's pre-security. Generally when I do lounge visits I want to stay in the lounge until I see boarding or even final call. I don't want to catch gate lice, especially during COVID and there are literally 0 benefits to early boarding aside from perhaps extra PDB time.

MEL VA lounge has a priority screening lane (direct access/exit from lounge). So next best thing.

But QP and J lounge are proper airside.

 

[astrosly]

even with all those memberships and status you won't have access to any lounges at HVB.

 

[flydoc]

I'm torn on the MEL VA domestic lounge. Yes the views are nicer but it's pre-security.

-RooFlyer88

Not for much longer

Melbourne VA Lounge becoming airside from August 2022

Haven't flown for so long now. Why? Domestic no restrictions anywhere these days.

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

(Post #72)

 

[SYD]

Not for much longer

Melbourne VA Lounge becoming airside from August 2022

Haven't flown for so long now. Why? Domestic no restrictions anywhere these days.

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

Oh, I missed that thread but I haven’t been on VA ex MEL since ~2020… Only QF.

 

[andye]

I'm torn on the MEL VA domestic lounge. Yes the views are nicer but it's pre-security. Generally when I do lounge visits I want to stay in the lounge until I see boarding or even final call. I don't want to catch gate lice, especially during COVID and there are literally 0 benefits to early boarding aside from perhaps extra PDB time.


I will need to keep that in mind when I fly with EY. As for my flight to AKL out of MEL in QF J, I guess I'll have to sample that one, maybe spend a couple minutes at the MEL House and a few at the dungeon to see how bad it is. I see there's also a AmEx, Marhaba and Plaza Premium lounges at MEL. Would be curious if those are worthwhile given they're accessible with my AmEx Platinum. Too many choices and not a long enough connection!

-RooFlyer88

I was disappointed with the Amex lounge in SYD in May (pretty average F&B and no views though is a big space). Not sure how MEL Amex compares. I would rate SQ=NZ>QFJ>Amex in SYD Int
MEL Marhaba was pretty ordinary in December-(plastic cups, poor wines though fair seating and had a pie warmer). I'd imagine House better
Haven't been in PP in either SYD or MEL but from what I've read they are not much cop

 

[craven morehead]

MEL Amex lounge is ok if you don't have to access to the FLounge

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Just thought I'd share this article published by Traveller the other day which reviews some of the "paid" lounges at Australia's major airports: SYD, MEL, PER, BNE:

Eight Australian airport lounges you can access without flying business class

Relaxing in a lounge is one way to help alleviate the current stressful period of air travel.

www.traveller.com.au

I was disappointed with the Amex lounge in SYD in May (pretty average F&B and no views though is a big space). Not sure how MEL Amex compares. I would rate SQ=NZ>QFJ>Amex in SYD Int
MEL Marhaba was pretty ordinary in December-(plastic cups, poor wines though fair seating and had a pie warmer). I'd imagine House better
Haven't been in PP in either SYD or MEL but from what I've read they are not much cop

Thanks for your input on this. I haven't tried SQ J lounge and am unsure if I'l be able to as I don't have any Star Alliance tickets booked this year and my United Premier Gold is expiring at the end of January. However, having tried the NZ J lounge I would agree that it's better than the QF J lounge at least when it comes to apron views. I think catering is slightly better, seating is a bit nicer too but otherwise not a huge difference.

Interesting to see that the AmEx lounge at SYD is ranked closer to the bottom. I may still pop in anyways to see what it's like. Currently my expectation of the lounge is that it is comparable to the Centurion lounge at LAX or SFO (both of which I visited last month). A bit crowded but very solid food & beverage menu and amenities.

I will be flying JQ to CNS tomorrow so will give the Rex lounge a shake given it's included with my AmEx Platinum. Will report back what I find!

MEL Amex lounge is ok if you don't have to access to the FLounge

Will give MEL AmEx lounge a shake provided I've got enough time in MEL during my connecting flights. I don't have QF Platinum status (just Gold) and frankly won't bother trying since I don't see the point of committing so much of my travel to one alliance when I can get mid-tier status and benefits from the other alliances with the amount of travel I am now doing.

-RooFlyer88

 

[jase05]

Depending on time of flight you should have access to the EK lounge in MEL which is one my favourites.
Haven’t been in The House MEL since the pandemic but that was a excellent lounge

 

[andye]

Just thought I'd share this article published by Traveller the other day which reviews some of the "paid" lounges at Australia's major airports: SYD, MEL, PER, BNE:

Eight Australian airport lounges you can access without flying business class

Relaxing in a lounge is one way to help alleviate the current stressful period of air travel.

www.traveller.com.au

Thanks for your input on this. I haven't tried SQ J lounge and am unsure if I'l be able to as I don't have any Star Alliance tickets booked this year and my United Premier Gold is expiring at the end of January. However, having tried the NZ J lounge I would agree that it's better than the QF J lounge at least when it comes to apron views. I think catering is slightly better, seating is a bit nicer too but otherwise not a huge difference.

Interesting to see that the AmEx lounge at SYD is ranked closer to the bottom. I may still pop in anyways to see what it's like. Currently my expectation of the lounge is that it is comparable to the Centurion lounge at LAX or SFO (both of which I visited last month). A bit crowded but very solid food & beverage menu and amenities.

I will be flying JQ to CNS tomorrow so will give the Rex lounge a shake given it's included with my AmEx Platinum. Will report back what I find!


Will give MEL AmEx lounge a shake provided I've got enough time in MEL during my connecting flights. I don't have QF Platinum status (just Gold) and frankly won't bother trying since I don't see the point of committing so much of my travel to one alliance when I can get mid-tier status and benefits from the other alliances with the amount of travel I am now doing.

-RooFlyer88

The SYD Amex lounge scored a solid review by pointhacks. Maybe it has improved (or was having a bad day) but my visit was a long way below Centurions in LAS and HKG and worse than it was in previous SYD location.
They also reviewed The House.
Their lounge reviews are usually pretty good despite the obvious conflict of interest

 

[kangarooflyer88]

The SYD Amex lounge scored a solid review by pointhacks. Maybe it has improved (or was having a bad day) but my visit was a long way below Centurions in LAS and HKG and worse than it was in previous SYD location.

When did you visit the AmEx lounge? Also what was lacking? Was it crowded? Food not so good?

I haven't been to the lounge at LAS or HKG so I have no frame of reference to compare it with. What I can say is the Centurion lounge at SFO is relatively small and it can be a little challenging to find a seat. The Centurion lounge at LAX TBIT is much larger (and thus less crowded), has more amenities than SFO (e.g. a spa) and is tucked away from FoTSGs with an AmEx Platinum card.

Between frequent flyer status, booked cabin and AmEx Platinum card I reckon I'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to lounges. The key question is which lounge is worth visiting? I hear good things about the QF F lounge at SYD but since I don't have QFF Platinum status that may be challenging (although I see QF has resumed F service to CHC out of SYD starting in December on their A380s)

-RooFlyer88

 

[Daver6]

When did you visit the AmEx lounge? Also what was lacking? Was it crowded? Food not so good?

I haven't been to the lounge at LAS or HKG so I have no frame of reference to compare it with. What I can say is the Centurion lounge at SFO is relatively small and it can be a little challenging to find a seat. The Centurion lounge at LAX TBIT is much larger (and thus less crowded), has more amenities than SFO (e.g. a spa) and is tucked away from FoTSGs with an AmEx Platinum card.

Between frequent flyer status, booked cabin and AmEx Platinum card I reckon I'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to lounges. The key question is which lounge is worth visiting? I hear good things about the QF F lounge at SYD but since I don't have QFF Platinum status that may be challenging (although I see QF has resumed F service to CHC out of SYD starting in December on their A380s)

-RooFlyer88

I was in the LAS Centurion Lounge a few weeks ago. It's a decent lounge with what looked like decent offerings. Crowding is the issue IMHO which detracts from the experience.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

I was in the LAS Centurion Lounge a few weeks ago. It's a decent lounge with what looked like decent offerings. Crowding is the issue IMHO which detracts from the experience.

That is an issue I hear AmEx is keen on improving. There's too key factors I think which is causing the overcrowding:

1. They allow cardholders too many guests to come in (currently 2 on many cards)
2. They open up lounge access to many AmEx card holders (i.e. QF and Virgin AmEx card holders) rather than those of us who hold a Platinum or Centurion card. And I think if you're spending $700/year for a Platinum card you should be able to enjoy the lounge without folks who have a $200 or $300 card that includes a couple of lounge visits entering with their family. That being said, it's still better than many airline lounges I've been to recently.

-RooFlyer88

 

[Daver6]

That is an issue I hear AmEx is keen on improving. There's too key factors I think which is causing the overcrowding:

1. They allow cardholders too many guests to come in (currently 2 on many cards)
2. They open up lounge access to many AmEx card holders (i.e. QF and Virgin AmEx card holders) rather than those of us who hold a Platinum or Centurion card. And I think if you're spending $700/year for a Platinum card you should be able to enjoy the lounge without folks who have a $200 or $300 card that includes a couple of lounge visits entering with their family. That being said, it's still better than many airline lounges I've been to recently.

-RooFlyer88

I believe US Plat card holders are no longer allowed to bring in guests (in the US at least). Additionally QF Amex card holders don't get free access in the US either (I think they can pay though).

As an AU Plat card holder I was allowed to bring in one free guest (and did).