Brisbane Emirates or Qantas Lounge

[Stevo.1702]

Hi all.

I'm taking my partner on her first ever international flight on Emirates in F from Brisbane to Auckland.

As a QFF Platinum and having never myself seen the lounges or flown EK First, what are the recommendations we try to make the experience as enjoyable as possible both on the ground and in the air?

Hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and exciting new year of travel ahead.

Dylan

 

[NZflygirl]

BOTH lounges

BNE QF int lounge is new and worth a look. EK lounge is good and you should definitely visit and board directly from the lounge onto the plane. EK is way down the end of the terminal. Food was yum but you may want to save room to eat on board. Been a while since flying J/F but I really love their waffle. I'm hoping they're still making them.

I've been to the EK lounge a few times before but never to the QF int lounge so heading there to check it out despite flying EK tomorrow.

Row 1 on EK is not the best for Windows, although Windows don't matter if you're in the middle seats. Been a while but Moët is/was the pre departure bubbles so if she doesn't drink much then hold out for the Dom Perignon after take off.

She could shower on board for the novelty of it. I'd still head back to the bar area for a drink.

The flight can go fast depending on weather eg 2.5hrs which means there is a bit to get through!

 

[CFCHarry]

Make the most of the champagne!! And book a shower on the plane as SOON as you get on to get your preferred spot

 

[juddles]

Personally I hate the new Qantas lounge - it may grow on me with familiarity but so far it has not. Definitely take your partner to the Emirates lounge - am sure as an F pax they will really look after you.

 

[puppysparkes]

Head to the Qantas lounge so you can judge for yourself how carp it is. That will qualify you to rate it accordingly. It's an awesome example of how to waste space. The staff are always fantastic but the layout is just baffling. Three visits to the QF lounge and my opinion remains unchanged. I'd love to see the design brief. Personally, I'd head straight to the emirates lounge.

 

[Stevo.1702]

Thanks everyone for the advice. I had/have high expectations of the Brisbane lounges after all the hype around it before it's opening. I'll make that the first stop and be sure to leave time for the Emirates lounge after.

As for the shower on board I'm definitely keen to try for the novelty of it. Hopefully I can convince my partner to try the same. - Follow on question: I understand amenity kits are not handed out; I assume there is no harm in asking? Successes in the past?

Thanks again.

 

[NZflygirl]

I have to admit I quite liked the QF lounge. The decor and lightness of it. Barista coffee (didn't try). The breakfast hatch upstairs served up croissant with scrambled eggs and choice of salmon or ? I'd probably go again over the EK lounge but probably because it's new for me and I like it. Many of the EK lounges in NZ/Oz seem to have the same decor. Not surprising I guess. I still like them but I guess I just like the change. I never visited the old lounge.

I've never been treated any differently if flying Y, J or F with EK in the lounge. No waffles on EK today

Can I just also say I LOVE BNE int airport. Its handling the Xmas crowds like a real pro. Didn't feel crowded, nice outdoor vibe with greenery, outdoor furniture, couches loads of seating for people and space for families.

 

[Dr Bob]

Thanks everyone for the advice. I had/have high expectations of the Brisbane lounges after all the hype around it before it's opening. I'll make that the first stop and be sure to leave time for the Emirates lounge after.

As for the shower on board I'm definitely keen to try for the novelty of it. Hopefully I can convince my partner to try the same. - Follow on question: I understand amenity kits are not handed out; I assume there is no harm in asking? Successes in the past?

Thanks again.

If you have a shower then you will get an amenity / shower kit when they show you to the bath room plus an array of other goodies to put in your kit or pockets. You will have to take a selfie because your friends will not believe you. You might only be offered a shower on the return / afternoon flight. Enjoy the experience. I wasted my time watching a movie so didn't get back to the bar but will next time.

 

[ADLhighflyer]

Hi All,

Have booked to fly EK J BNE AKL (QF Ticket). Now QF's lounge has been open a few months, any other opinions other than those above on which lounge to use?

Thanks.

 

[TheRealTMA]

Hi All,

Have booked to fly EK J BNE AKL (QF Ticket). Now QF's lounge has been open a few months, any other opinions other than those above on which lounge to use?

Thanks.

Tried both. Now we just head straight for the EK lounge. Much better wines and larger food selection.

 

[puppysparkes]

Hi All,

Have booked to fly EK J BNE AKL (QF Ticket). Now QF's lounge has been open a few months, any other opinions other than those above on which lounge to use?

Thanks.

EK anytime. As a space I don't rate the new QF lounge at all. The food is ok.

 

[mushez]

EK is better in BNE if you ask me and is an option, but seems I am in the majority on that view as well.

 

[Deleted member]

I find myself flying out of SYD more these days. The J lounge in BNE is fine, and a step up in some ways from its previous incarnation.
I've not used the EK lounge in BNE. I'm told it's a better option.

 

[ADLhighflyer]

Looks like the answer is EK!

 

[ALH]

Definitely the Qantas Lounge, but mainly because I get a good Picollo Latte made for me. The EK Lounge has a self serve machine and the coffee is awful. “Meh” with either of the food options, as I’ll generally eat with a couple of champagnes once on board

 

[JohnK]

I feel Qantas missed the mark with the lounge refurbishments. Need to have 2-3 hot food choices for those that do not eat the only hot food option available on the day.

 

[TheRealTMA]

There’s just no comparison between food and wine offerings btw QF and EK lounges. QF doesn’t even rate.