Changes to QF BNE Int lounge?

[awilcockson]

Flying out of BNE for the first time in a while (always try and go through SYD for FLounge so usually leave BNE domestic).

I was surprised to be pointed towards a door to the left (and not left and behind but 90 degrees to the desk) of the lounge checkin desk.

I'm in the Lounge now and it is tiny, even smaller than the old lounge that overlooked the concourse with the shops and gates (this one has a stunning view of the car park )

So does anyone know the story? Are they renovating? Pretty sure I was in the "old" lounge 6 weeks ago when I took my family on holiday ...

 

[oz_mark]

I think your in what passes as the First Lounge in brisbane. http://www.australianfrequentflyer....ntas-lounge-brisbane-international-20429.html

 

[awilcockson]

I think your in what passes as the First Lounge in brisbane. http://www.australianfrequentflyer....ntas-lounge-brisbane-international-20429.html

Wow I think you're right. I think calling it an F lounge is over stating things just a bit!

 

[markis10]

Wow I think you're right. I think calling it an F lounge is over stating things just a bit!

It's been there for at least 10 years, I prefer the main one with apron views myself.

 

[serfty]

It's a bit like AKL really.

At least there's a better class of bubbly.

 

[juddles]

I think your in what passes as the First Lounge in brisbane. ...

Yep. It may not be the world's sexiest Flounge, but it is a very quiet and private one. Might be my travel patterns, but I can't recall there ever being more than two or three other pax in there. And very nice staff.

 

[NM]

In BNE, sometimes the FLounge is a quiet, but sometimes it can be really crowded. When quiet, its a nice place to await the flight, when busy, the JLounge can be a better option.

By the way, QF8 as the BNE-SYD connection can be a good option to experience both BNE and SYD FLounges. The only problem is the 5am check-in :shock:

 

[awilcockson]

Yep. It may not be the world's sexiest Flounge, but it is a very quiet and private one. Might be my travel patterns, but I can't recall there ever being more than two or three other pax in there. And very nice staff.

More than half the seats were taken, it was very full.

 

[juddles]

More than half the seats were taken, it was very full.

Yes, I imagine it would not be half as pleasant then. (and I would go the J lounge then - it's nice to have a choice!)

 

[JohnK]

I was guested into the BNE F Lounge on Boxing Day 2005 by a very kind AFFer who is now a moderator or was a moderator then as well. Yes very small lounge but the gesture was still muchly appreciated.

 

[fall502]

All going well I will become WP after leaving BNE flying to NAN and returning to MEL. Just wondering if it is worth becoming WP before arriving at BNE so I can access the Flounge? Reading from the above posts it seems that this Flounge is not the best????

 

[awilcockson]

It is definitely nothing like the F lounge in SYD or MEL.

However, I did notice this morning that the spirit selection has grown considerably, and the woeful Jim Beam has been accompanied by Wild Turkey

 

[NM]

All going well I will become WP after leaving BNE flying to NAN and returning to MEL. Just wondering if it is worth becoming WP before arriving at BNE so I can access the Flounge? Reading from the above posts it seems that this Flounge is not the best????

I would not go out of your way to get there. You will still have access to the Business Class lounge and apart from being smaller (and often crowded), the F Lounge does not offer much advantage in my opinion.

 

[MarcB]

In BNE, sometimes the FLounge is a quiet, but sometimes it can be really crowded. When quiet, its a nice place to await the flight, when busy, the JLounge can be a better option.

By the way, QF8 as the BNE-SYD connection can be a good option to experience both BNE and SYD FLounges. The only problem is the 5am check-in :shock:

I did this very thing on the way to DFW before Xmas last year. It made for a very early start...but lots of extra time in the F lounge in Sydney. IMHO the Brisbane F lounge is OK. It's certainly no SYD or MEL.

Does anyone know why QF don't take over the vacant space above the J lounge? I've often thought that would be a much nicer lounge arrangement.

 

[NM]

Does anyone know why QF don't take over the vacant space above the J lounge? I've often thought that would be a much nicer lounge arrangement.

Considering there are no OneWorld F services ed-BNE, its really just an Emerald lounge and probably does not justify the costs to change its location or caliber.

 

[amaroo]

This lounge is nothing to get excited about.....IMO, not worth the hassle to earn early status to gain access.

 

[samh004]

Does anyone know why QF don't take over the vacant space above the J lounge? I've often thought that would be a much nicer lounge arrangement.

Considering there are no OneWorld F services ed-BNE, its really just an Emerald lounge and probably does not justify the costs to change its location or caliber.

This was discussed with the 'Manager Queensland Lounge Experience' at the FT AGM IIRC, but I can’t recall the reasoning for the space not being used yet. Slips my mind, but the lack of F services is probably a reason.

If they did move it, the QP could be expanded too allowing for a greater capacity. Perhaps if A380’s ever fly from BNE, regardless of F cabin and/or unexpected stop offs.

 

[Awesom Andy]

If they did move it, the QP could be expanded too allowing for a greater capacity.

And that's something they'll need as well. I've been there 3 times (although all 3 were on QF51 to SIN), and all 3 times, they ran out of seats.

 

[fall502]

Thanks awilcockson, NM & amaroo for your replies, much appreciated. Unless I have some unexpected trips will not bother with trying to reach WP to gain access.

 

[JohnK]

All going well I will become WP after leaving BNE flying to NAN and returning to MEL. Just wondering if it is worth becoming WP before arriving at BNE so I can access the Flounge? Reading from the above posts it seems that this Flounge is not the best????

I first visited this lounge in 2005 thanks to Lindsay Wilson and would have to say it is definitely not worth it. Very small and limited choice.