How long is too long in the (F) Lounge?

[justinbrett]

Thanks to a few schedule changes I’ve now got a 7.5 hour layover in SYD tomorrow (D-I), from around 10am until 5.30pm (heading to the US).

I’m torn as to what I’ll do. I know I can spend the entire time in the lounge, but I’m not sure I should. I’m debating about heading into the city for a few hours in the morning and then heading back for around 4 hours in the lounge.

If I were to just stay at the airport, I might just make it in time for the end of breakfast, which might make it more interesting, but it’s going to be pushing it (land at 10.05am)

I’m curious what others would do in this situation. I think 4 hours is a good amount of time. 7.5 seems to be pushing it.

 

[Cloud9]

Honestly? I'd take in a new novel and intersperse chapters with a dish and a large cognac.

Not that I don't love a weekend in Sydney, but going in for a few hours throws open all manner of variables and unknown unknowns that could stop me getting back and through immigration and security before a flight.

 

[AIRwin]

At least no rain forecast in SYD

 

[sudoer]

I’m curious what others would do in this situation

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[Cloud9]

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Now if they had an option for those of us who are allergic to beer...

 

[SYD]

Lucky it's not today. Apart from the e-Gate meltdown, it's miserable and cold weather (I haven't left the house nor likely to today). Tomorrow is supposed to be clear but still relatively cold for Sydney.

If you have work to do, you could try and nab one of the private rooms and set up camp for the duration?

 

[justinbrett]

Ah, seems I messed up my perception of time; I'm leaving Monday morning, not tomorrow.

I'm not concerned about getting in and out of Sydney, I lived there not that long ago so know my way around and won't have trouble killing a few hours (and it's not doing the touristy things).

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One of the motivations of leaving the airport is to have some sober time so this isn't entirely helpful! I don't think I'd pay for alcohol when I've got free champagne waiting for me at the airport.

I'm leaning towards leaving the airport just to avoid sitting down for 7 hours before a 14 hour flight (and domestic connections on either end).

 

[elanshin]

If you like a whisky, you could visit Archie Rose distillery for a bit (opens at 12 i believe on Sunday) before heading back. The canary it's located in also has some reasonable food.

 

[justinbrett]

Sorry thanks for the suggestions but just to clarify, I'm not looking for ideas of what to do in Sydney. Just whether you would leave the airport.

 

[Ade]

Reading this thread with interest - I'm going to be in a similar situation next week. Flying on the 1600ish UL to CMB, but will be arriving at MEL around 1000ish.

 

[elanshin]

Sorry thanks for the suggestions but just to clarify, I'm not looking for ideas of what to do in Sydney. Just whether you would leave the airport.

Ah, personally depends on a couple things 1) do i have stuff to do to work wise etc. If not heading out for a bit is nice.

2) weather and mood. If its gloomy overcast or cold and rainy then im just going to find a cosy corner in the lounge.

 

[Princess Fiona]

No I absolutely would not leave the airport. Domestic flight lands at 1005 and Int departs at 1730?
I would probably get one of the private suites at the F lounge and do some work after a bit of brunch.
Book a Spa appointment and if really bored check out the shops.

 

[justinbrett]

No I absolutely would not leave the airport. Domestic flight lands at 1005 and Int departs at 1730?

1735, but yeah. OOL-SYD-LAX-LAS.

I would probably get one of the private suites at the F lounge and do some work after a bit of brunch.

I didn't even know they were a thing! Now you've piqued my interest, I might just have to give them a go. I did enjoy my time in the CX Cabanas earlier this year.

 

[SYD]

I didn't even know they were a thing! Now you've piqued my interest, I might just have to give them a go. I did enjoy my time in the CX Cabanas earlier this year.

There's at least two(?) towards the "library" (eastern) end of the lounge.

 

[Larko1]

There's at least two(?) towards the "library" (eastern) end of the lounge.

How to book a private suite at the Qantas first class lounge

Take advantage of these office suites to get some work done before your flight.

www.executivetraveller.com

 

[Sprucegoose]

Go into town and have lunch with a friend?

I've spent many hours in the lounge against my will, there is alot to do at an airport. Visiting the other lounges, shopping and working can fill up time

 

[Quickstatus]

+1 just slumming in FLounge
Even if sector 1 is on time, just the time it takes to go to FLounge, I would not bother...

If sector 1 is late, your question becomes moot.

 

[Matt_01]

I would probably get one of the private suites at the F lounge

Off topic, years back when our daughter was a lot younger we were proactively offered these and I assumed it was due to a combination of status and more likely the lounge staff being worried our daughter would have had melt down.

 

[tdimdad]

Not that I don't love a weekend in Sydney, but going in for a few hours throws open all manner of variables and unknown unknowns that could stop me getting back and through immigration and security before a flight.

I've done many of these kinds of outings. In a well-organised city, it's easy and Sydney would be the same. I'm +1 for going to the city and getting some movement and daylight instead of remaining stagnant indoors before being stagnant on your allocated seat.

 

[DC3]

It’s not as if it will be 7.5 hours in the SYD FL, D-I. Maybe just a good 5+ hours.