Brisbane Lounge Changes

[Deleted member]

Haven't seen the changes, but presume ozbeachbabe is suggesting the service desks that were split into premium/standard are purely standard service desks now.



They could use the new premium entry, as it is located right next to/in the same building/terminal as existing security (right next to it I'd imagine). Probably an extra 10 steps to old security over new security, but they would need to go to old security as new security goes straight into the lounge, and if they did not have access rights, that'd be silly.

A good outcome imho.

 

[Deleted member]

I'll give the PER one a review in 10 days so I can compare against the BNE one when next I fly ex-BNE.

From all the positive reviews here from people whose input I trust, I'll have to start buying more Epiqure wines again (just to get the bonus points to use for flight upgrades)....

Or just stop flying VA !

 

[Katie]

I'm disappointed because they have well and truely thrown their big opening coughtail party tonight, but are now opening Tuesday.

And no I didn't book specifically for the lounge, I booked the BNE transit 6 months ago, but to be told continually over the last few months that it would be open by then, and to have it whipped out from under our noses on opening night is disappointing. But I probably should have learnt my lesson from CX's LHR debacle last year

While many aspects of the lounge appeared ready at the opening party, there were certainly a number of finishing touches (maybe more) that needed to be done before it could be opened to passengers. I didn't grill the builder and development manager on those aspects when I was chatting to them, but they did point out a few things as "don't look at this yet, *wink*"

 

[Katie]

oh the premium lobby doesn't seem to have kiosks? does this suggest the agents check you in or what? Very interesting look to the premium entrance at any rate.

Unsure if this has been answered - yes, there are kiosks and bag drops. Only one service counter as such. I think the two podiums (podia?? ) in the pic near security are for checking entitlement to use the premium entry?

 

[RichardMEL]

Thank you Katie.

Yes I had noticed on a page, prob AusBT, there are (at least) 3 kiosks in that lobby area.. seems like should be more (so I am guessing there are) but good to know.

 

[Katie]

Might swing me back to Valet parking .... hopefully, it's also getting some improvments. The temporary set-up has been an absolute shocker.

I'll be trying that out in June and Sept school hols. That reminds me, better call about getting my car serviced; if I can get the dates I want, maybe I'll try valet in two weeks!

 

[Sdtravel]

Given i try to always get a proper boarding pass i dont like to use bag drop.
1 podium seems short sighted since wasnt there a thing when bag drop came out that DYKWIA types and elite pax dont want to tag their own bag.

 

[Pablo]

I'm guessing you use one of the podiums for international connections?

 

[maroonone]

First use today - Premium entry wirh no staff coughbersome when two travelling with four bags (2 >23kg), check in, print tags, attach tags, load bags, woops bag heavy, print "heavy tag" woops - printer not working, installation man on hand to fix as it has been "playing up", go to load bag 4 - no go, need to exit process and use other person's BP as can't have 4 bags on one BP. Far quicker at manned check-in in the past. Luckily a quiet time. Through security and up escalator which is fine - Lounge crowded at 1430 with a couple of delayed flights but eventually found a spot for two. There is no self serve soft drink - have to get from bar (will be interesting in school holidays), no quiet area and very open so quite noisy with incessant phone conversations - I hope his mum got the fish from the mate's freezer and I have a couple of share tips. Overall I found it satisfactory without being wowed.

 

[JohnPhelan]

I'm guessing you use one of the podiums for international connections?

If you look at the second pic in post #263 you will see a service desk for international connections on the far left. I'm hoping there is more than one agent doing this, though.

 

[drross]

Really enjoying the much bigger lounge. Entry is a welcome change. Friendly helpful staff everywhere. WiFi a little slow initially but working well now. The 'skip the line' coffee app not up and running yet. Very relaxing.

 

[keybo]

Just visited for the first time, overall great lounge. If you're transiting or accessing the lounge after your flight, access is kinda like in MEL how you go through the QC to get to the J lounge, this however is a much shorter walk where you immediately exit the lounge into the common area where there's another podium before you're admitted through.

The cantina changes menu every week according to the lady staffing it- today was soft tacos. Admittedly was let down a bit here, found it a little dry and tasteless. Nachos definitely seemed better. Buffet seemed like a slight step up from the usual at SYD/MEL, a bit more variety with the meats (roast chicken pieces) and cheese slices (3 types from memory?). The juices/lemonades are a nice addition. 2 bars available, and I really liked the way they set it up in the far end of the lounge (shower side).

Speaking of showers, the shower suites are stunning. I usually prefer having closed shower cubicles but they've implemented an open type quite well here. Usual Aspar products on offer, however an annoying thing was in the showers the tray only holds 2 products - shampoo and conditioner. No body wash, if you head to the basin you'll find hand wash and cream, but again no body wash. Offering no type of soap is a little bewildering and seems like a massive oversight here. As usual, great towels from Qantas, seems like it's taken for granted, but was in the VN lounge in Hanoi last month and you should've seen how ridiculously flimsy the towels there were. Also pretty cool, when taking a shower have a look up at the ceiling where the water reflection makes for a nice effect. Oh and the things that look like drawers below the basin are most definitely not drawers, I tried to open it and the whole piece of wood landed on my foot.

On a final note, the staff here are incredible. Very attentive and were offering drinks at your seat. Interesting how they've set it up, where the roaming staff have proper 'bases' at each of the seating areas for collecting dishes and keeping an eye out as opposed to the 'walk around with a trolley' approach. Everyone was also open for a chat and they all genuinely seemed proud of the lounge and the products on offer, which is always good to see.

Another 2 more visits lined up this week which I'm definitely looking forward to (also whoops, wasn't expecting this to be so long)

 

[eminere]

Usual Aspar products on offer, however an annoying thing was in the showers the tray only holds 2 products - shampoo and conditioner. No body wash, if you head to the basin you'll find hand wash and cream, but again no body wash. Offering no type of soap is a little bewildering and seems like a massive oversight here.

What an odd omission. Did you query it with the lounge staff? Perhaps QF expects the shampoo to do double duty now for both hair and body

 

[JohnK]

Just in the lounge now for first time. Big lounge. Similar food on offer in previous business lounge.

Would you believe the table I chose to sit at is wobbly? :mrgreen:

 

[boomy]

What an odd omission. Did you query it with the lounge staff? Perhaps QF expects the shampoo to do double duty now for both hair and body

Is there a problem in using shampoo as body wash?
(Genuine question, I do it sometimes and works fine).

 

[trippin_the_rift]

Is there a problem in using shampoo as body wash?
(Genuine question, I do it sometimes and works fine).

Mrs TTR says "maybe you can do this once or twice in your lifetime"

Personally I see no issue

 

[JohnK]

Is there a problem in using shampoo as body wash?
(Genuine question, I do it sometimes and works fine).

I do this quite a lot in hotels where I stay one night and don't want to open a new bar of soap.

 

[Katie]

Just in the lounge now for first time. Big lounge. Similar food on offer in previous business lounge.

Would you believe the table I chose to sit at is wobbly? :mrgreen:

Is it one of the high, bar type tables? If so, yes, I'd believe it! Storyteller and I noticed it wobbling, and chocked it, at the opening party.

 

[Katie]

Mrs TTR says "maybe you can do this once or twice in your lifetime"

Personally I see no issue

O/T - then I guess Mrs TTR wouldn't like the Philosophy products that are shampoo, shower gel, and bubble bath?
bath & shower gels | scented bubble baths, shampoos and shower gels | philosophy

 

[nodabs]

I went through last night and was impressed! in the whole operation. As i believe was mentioned before the only negative I could think of was the new security scanner being slow (as in the belt moves at a glacial pace) It would be great to see more premium entries start popping up!