First time in Qantas MEL FLounge

[AustraliaPoochie]

The main doors to the loos (not the individual cubicle/stall doors) in/at/to the QF's MEL F lounge are auto sensor doors.
While the QF SYD F lounge doors to the loos are chocked open, the ones to the loos at QF MEL F lounge are always closed, not locked, just closed.
So, as you approach, a sensor will open the door for you.
Its wooden, with glass panels so you can see the inside a bit, and from the inside, you can see outside a bit.
Nice "special touch"... interesting thing though.
In Aust at least, QF MEL and SYD F lounges are both the same, more or less, as to standards, yes, the SYD one is larger, but the MEL one also has touches that will set it apart.
Much better than the QF MEL J lounge in the "basement"!
Enjoy the QF MEL F lounge when you get to it.

 

[RichardMEL]

I think this is such a subjective thing really and even individual experiences - such as an overfull MEL F lounge (yes, I have seen reports of this - as strange as that seems), or rude service in SYD (seen both and had some odd interactions at times) to if you use the spa or not...

... and it can also depend on what you do in the lounges - and this can change from trip to trip - eg: using a room to do work? going to drink (half pours ) of bubbles? looking out the window and relaxing? dealing with a delayed flight? taking family/frends as a treat or there alone etc?

I like them both though I find SYD much busier and it can be sometimes tough to get a table and/or fast service.. MEL is smaller and usually no issue with tables or service. However I once spent nigh on 6 hours there once with a delayed EK flight and it was so *@)#@*#)@*!@)! boring

Also I think it can depend on time of day.. eg breakfast items very different to the full menu of options, and even if you're half asleep or ready to go etc

If I had a choice though all things being equal I'd take MEL. I like looking down on 380's at gates 9/11 and it's size makes it really just a nice space IMHO and the service is pretty good.

And come on folks - no love for LAX F?

And I don't care about the loo doors. (I could have written don't give a cough, but somehow that seems somehow a contradiction )

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

But Richard, it was my first visit, and my first view of the place!
I mean, having been in Aust for a long time, and flying QF for 20 years, and EK for about 2.5, SYD many more times, that was my first wow factor.
Come on, first impressions count. Like for eg, not knowing that within the doors to the SYD F lounge, there is another set of escalators.
I pay for the flight, so notice things like that. I do not have WP/P1 status, so things do stand out.

 

[njba]

Also the lounge was very quiet, and to me, lacked atmosphere.

That sounds like how it should be. In my somewhat curmudgeonly way of thinking, a lounge isn't a bar or a pub: it's a place to relax before a flight.

The various JAL longues are the apotheosis of this and I love them for it.

 

[NoName]

Very limited F lounge experience but here goes:

Enjoyed the MEL lounge. Visited prior to QF93 in Aug last year. Was wished happy birthday by the guy on herring desk which was a nice touch. Dining room was quiet and was shown to a seat quickly. Order taken and food out pretty quick. Girl at the bar was more than happy for me to try all three champagne offerings. Liked the lift downstairs straight into the boarding line.

LAX lounge was also great although lacking a view. Had breakfast there and experience was similar to MEL. Quiet with food brought out pretty quickly. Showers weren't the best would be my only criticism. My ongoing flight was significantly delayed so ended up back there for dinner as well. Really liked sitting at that long bar and eating/drinking there. Was a very nice feature IMO.

No experience with SYD but here's hoping for the opportunity soon.

 

[Travelqueen]

That sounds like how it should be. In my somewhat curmudgeonly way of thinking, a lounge isn't a bar or a pub: it's a place to relax before a flight.

The various JAL longues are the apotheosis of this and I love them for it.

Hi njba,

yes, I agree about not being a pub.
But, this was so quiet. There were about 10 people there.
I do like the anticipation prior to boarding, and the atmosphere of a few more people around.

Haha....but totally agree, as I have had times in a lounge where it has felt like Friday night at the bar !!

TQ