Best Australian Lounges?

[kangarooflyer88]

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).

I see that rule has been introduced for 2023 for US AmEx Platinum card holders. Thank goodness I'm a Canadian cardholder and we can still bring in 2 additional guests. For those curious there are exactly 0 AmEx lounges in Canada so I suspect they anticipate aside from expats like me the amount of "abuse" will be very limited indeed.

-RooFlyer88

 

[andye]

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 visited Amex SYD in May
Entrance with green wall looked classy
I found the drink options poor (eg Koonunga Hill red, Seppelt Fleur sparkling, no tonic for a G&T).
The food wasn't disastrous but sloppy and messily laid out
Easy to find a seat but soulless
The glass inside looked out onto corridors and it felt dark

(I did wonder if I was being harsh as I'd missed QF F by 30 minutes due to poor planning and slow security but I don't think I was just having a tanty)

 

[kangarooflyer88]

I found the drink options poor (eg Koonunga Hill red, Seppelt Fleur sparkling, no tonic for a G&T).

Was there a bar area or was it all self-serve? Talking to my friends who visited the HKG Centurion lounge there was Dom and Krug on "tap" at the bar. Whilst getting boozed up isn't a top priority when I visit a lounge having bottom shelf liquor ain't so grand.

The food wasn't disastrous but sloppy and messily laid out

I'm guessing it's buffet style like in SFO and LAX? What sort of food was on offer?

Easy to find a seat but soulless
The glass inside looked out onto corridors and it felt dark

No tarmac views? Hmm... that and arguably an outdoor terrace to take in the Jet A fuel are the top reasons I visit a lounge!

(I did wonder if I was being harsh as I'd missed QF F by 30 minutes due to poor planning and slow security but I don't think I was just having a tanty)

Is the QF F lounge really that grand?

-RooFlyer88

 

[SYD]

Is the QF F lounge really that grand?

Yes

 

[andye]

Was there a bar area or was it all self-serve? Talking to my friends who visited the HKG Centurion lounge there was Dom and Krug on "tap" at the bar. Whilst getting boozed up isn't a top priority when I visit a lounge having bottom shelf liquor ain't so grand.

I'm guessing it's buffet style like in SFO and LAX? What sort of food was on offer?

No tarmac views? Hmm... that and arguably an outdoor terrace to take in the Jet A fuel are the top reasons I visit a lounge!

Is the QF F lounge really that grand?

-RooFlyer88

Bar service

Buffet (pasta dish and a reasonable chicken I remember)


Corridors a bit harsh-it's really views of people going to gates. I like tarmac too
Never been to QF F and I may not get the chance again as my QR match drops off

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Bar service

I don't see a photo of the bar service!

Buffet (pasta dish and a reasonable chicken I remember)
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Corridors a bit harsh-it's really views of people going to gates. I like tarmac too

Food looks about right for an AmEx lounge. For reference this was one of the food stations at LAX Centurion when I visited a couple weeks ago:


And this was the spread at SFO Centurion:

Never been to QF F and I may not get the chance again as my QR match drops off

Could always fly QF F to CHC, which checking the prices is somewhat reasonable all things considered:


For those following at home if you book the Emirates flight with QF it has a QF flight number and thus is eligible for things like status credit accrual and QF lounge access

-RooFlyer88

 

[andye]

I don't see a photo of the bar service!

Amended

 

[craven morehead]

A few photos of MEL international Amex Lounge Pre-Covid

 

[RealtimeY]

Judging by recent reviews, the Melbourne one looks like it may have taken a bit of a dive after COVID.

 

[craven morehead]

Judging by recent reviews, the Melbourne one looks like it may have taken a bit of a dive after COVID.

View attachment 287547

I must admit the service was very lacklustre last time I was there also

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Presently in the exclusive Rex lounge that's hidden behind a gate at SYD's T2. Overall, I quite like the lounge, decent food (sandwiches, cakes, yogurt, etc.) and beverage spread (beer, wine, Nespresso coffee). And the biggest benefit? It's empty and not loaded with QF Silvers on lounge passes or dime a dozen Gold elites like myself!





Apron view from the lounge:


-RooFlyer88

 

[Daver6]

Presently in the exclusive Rex lounge that's hidden behind a gate at SYD's T2. Overall, I quite like the lounge, decent food (sandwiches, cakes, yogurt, etc.) and beverage spread (beer, wine, Nespresso coffee). And the biggest benefit? It's empty and not loaded with QF Silvers on lounge passes or dime a dozen Gold elites like myself!

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View attachment 287584

Apron view from the lounge:
View attachment 287585

-RooFlyer88

That food offering actually looks more appealing than the SYD QF J lounge!

 

[FlyingFiona]

Jumping onto the "best lounges" question bandwagon - does anyone have a preference between MEL SilverKris Business Class and AirNew Zealand lounges?

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Just thought I'd update this thread having visited nearly every lounge at SYD airport. I think the answer is quite clear, Emirates. The food selection is better than what you'd find at the Intl QF Pub, Centurion lounge, The House, etc. Great selection of champagne too and on top of that really nice shower suites that have all the amenities. On top of that it wasn't crowded like the zoo that is the QF INTL Pub. Now I haven't tried the Qantas F lounge but would be stunned if it holds a candle to the Emirates lounge.





For those curious QF Gold and above members can access the Emirates lounge when flying QF on any international itinerary except to North America.

-RooFlyer88

 

[SYD]

Just thought I'd update this thread having visited nearly every lounge at SYD airport. I think the answer is quite clear, Emirates. The food selection is better than what you'd find at the Intl QF Pub, Centurion lounge, The House, etc. Great selection of champagne too and on top of that really nice shower suites that have all the amenities. On top of that it wasn't crowded like the zoo that is the QF INTL Pub. Now I haven't tried the Qantas F lounge but would be stunned if it holds a candle to the Emirates lounge.
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For those curious QF Gold and above members can access the Emirates lounge when flying QF on any international itinerary except to North America.

-RooFlyer88

Report back when you’ve been to the QF F Lounge!

The bubbles selection looks better in EK at the mo but yes, it’s a no brainer for QF SG (non WPs).

 

[AIRwin]

For those curious QF Gold and above members can access the Emirates lounge when flying QF on any international itinerary except to North America.

Unless it's closed?

 

[clifford]

Report back when you’ve been to the QF F Lounge!

Well I've been there several times and am quite unimpressed.

No self service and (some) miserable unhelpful staff (Australian), mainly male.

Just my two'pennorth.

 

[AIRwin]

Well I've been there several times and am quite unimpressed.

Spa?

 

[clifford]

Spa?

One can live without it.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Spa?

Spa seems like an interesting proposition.

Would be curious how the shower stalls at the QF F lounge compare to that of the Emirates? In particular, I was impressed by the quality of the stall with fresh flowers (very reminiscent of LH), variety of amenities (i.e. shower cap, Q-tips, combs, etc.), fancy wrapped towels and luxury soap/shampoos.

All of that said, I do look forward to checking out the F lounge and seeing how it compares to Emirates.

-RooFlyer88