Jetstar Gold Coast Airport Lounge - Comments?

[AngieP]

I will be travelling to and from Japan on Jetstar via the Gold Coast in October and have purchased the $5 special lounge entry each way - we are travelling in a mixed group of teenagers and adults. Comments on the facilities please!

 

[serfty]

Travel Guru did a mini report just over month ago:

http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/community/open-discussion/jq-lounge-ool-18320.html

 

[file51]

Was there last weekend for 2 hours as we got sick of the trade show we were visiting and decided to call it a day.

Several Beers (sadly had to contend with Tooheys New on tap), loads of sushi rolls, and even a fresh pancake or 2 (great idea having the self serve pancake machine on the service counter) later, and I would say it was a fantastic deal. The red wine wasnt half bad either

Had we of frequented one of the bar's/cafe's in the departure area, between the 2 of us we would easily have spent close to $50 on food and mainly beverage.

Tip: Make sure you visit the cart just near the childrens TV room and grab some bags of popcorn - great for mid-flight snacks, and a great way to get more value for money out of the visit.

Given that I have status with QF free entry would have been great, but hey, $5, is nothing in relation to airport food and drink pricing

 

[samh004]

I was there at the end of July too. It's very nice and very spacious, though if it got busy, you'd run out of chairs before open areas to stand.

The food selection is good, and I'd recommend taking a few packets of miso soup for on board the flight (just add water) or another occasion. Alcohol is served all day, so if you want a beer in the morning, you're in luck.

Unfortunately, the internet (wifi) was not operational when I was there due to a dispute with Optus. They said it should have been installed, but wasn't, and should be soon. Who knows if it'll be there when you arrive?

 

[file51]

Unfortunately, the internet (wifi) was not operational when I was there due to a dispute with Optus. They said it should have been installed, but wasn't, and should be soon. Who knows if it'll be there when you arrive?

WiFi was working last weekend, however I could get better speeds on 3G for what I needed (checking emails)

 

[hardya]

Is the lounge accessible by both Int'l and Domestic JQ PAX?

 

[samh004]

Is the lounge accessible by both Int'l and Domestic JQ PAX?

It is, but international PAX need to allow time to pass immigration and customs. Also, transiting international PAX cannot use the lounge as they'd need to clear immigration and customs to get to it.

 

[hardya]

So the StarClass customers with supposed complimentary access transiting SYD-OOL-KIX and SYD-OOL-NRT using JQ19 (ie: Immigration processing ex-SYD) have no way of using the facility.

Another half-baked dumb idea from JQ.

 

[samh004]

So the StarClass customers with supposed complimentary access transiting SYD-OOL-KIX and SYD-OOL-NRT using JQ19 (ie: Immigration processing ex-SYD) have no way of using the facility.

Another half-baked dumb idea from JQ.

AFAIK, yes.

From Jetstar's website on QP access:
StarClass passengers have access to Qantas Club in Australia and at destination ports, where available, on day of departure when travelling on a Jetstar operated flight with a JQ flight number, or QF flight number for Qantas passengers travelling codeshare. Lounge Access is only available at the port where your StarClass flight commences.

From Jetstar's website FAQ on the Gold Coast Lounge:
Q. Can I access the Gold Coast Lounge if I am departing on any Jetstar flight from the Gold Coast?
A. Due to international terminal restrictions, entry is not available for;
• Passengers connecting from an international flight to another international flight; or
• Passengers transiting through the international terminal.

Q. What is an example of a transit flight that restricts passengers from accessing the Gold Coast Lounge?
A. Passengers transiting through OOL on JQ20 (Kansai OOL SYD). The reason is that these passengers are in the international departures area and are separated from the lounge by customs and lags (whilst transiting). Note, however, that domestic passengers joining this service at OOL (for the SYD connection) can access the lounge but would need to leave the lounge 45 mins before departure to allow time to clear customs and lags (since this is treated as an international flight).

 

[hardya]

Thanks for the clarification. Yet another convoluted balls-up from Jetstar.

That is just the time when people want to use such a lounge, in transit.

For example, quite a few times in the past when I flew back Osaka-Cairns-Sydney, I would use the 1.5/2hr transit time in the Qantas Pub to have a shower and freshen up, have a coffee, juice etc.

Does the JQ-pub have showers/towels?

 

[serfty]

... Does the JQ-pub have showers/towels?

Nup!

FAQ - Gold Coast Lounge - Travel Services - Travel Information - Jetstar Airways

The old QP used to - I used the showers many a time.

 

[AngieP]

I made an enquiry about our group using the lounge as we are departing from Melbourne, arrive at Gold Coast, then onto Tokyo on the way over and departing from Osaka on the way back again via Gold Coast and return to Melbourne.This is the Jetstar response:

The group can use the Lounge as they are transiting and clearing customs in Coolangatta. Not all flights transiting in Coolangatta are able to use it but we have checked the group's flights and the group can use it.

Maybe helpful to some of you!

 

[anat0l]

Seems that according to the latest Qantas Points Balance & Members News for Platinum members, WPs will get access to the JQ lounge for free starting "mid September":

Exclusive complimentary access to the Gold Coast Jetstar Lounge
As you know, Jetstar opened its Lounge at the Gold Coast domestic airport in July. Since then, we have received great feedback about it from our members. As a result, commencing mid September 2009 Qantas will offer Platinum Qantas Frequent Flyers ongoing complimentary access to the Jetstar Lounge.‡‡

‡‡ Subject to Jetstar Lounge terms and conditions of entry. Complimentary access to the Gold Coast Jetstar Lounge is only available to Platinum members. Complimentary access is not given at all Jetstar Lounges. Annual Qantas Club guest passes may also be used at the Gold Coast lounge.

 

[oz_mark]

Seems that according to the latest Qantas Points Balance & Members News for Platinum members, WPs will get access to the JQ lounge for free starting "mid September":

Yes, I heard about this last week. Doesn't help me though

 

[moa999]

What is meant by the
"Annual Qantas Club guest passes may also be used at the Gold Coast lounge. " ??
Does this mean paid QC members? or the free one-off pass that you get with PS? but not with SG.

 

[samh004]

What is meant by the
"Annual Qantas Club guest passes may also be used at the Gold Coast lounge. " ??
Does this mean paid QC members? or the free one-off pass that you get with PS? but not with SG.

The one off-passes you get with PS and I'd assume the ones you get with credit cards too. Seems a little odd that the QP wouldn't be included too. Hopefully eventually.

 

[anat0l]

What is meant by the
"Annual Qantas Club guest passes may also be used at the Gold Coast lounge. " ??
Does this mean paid QC members? or the free one-off pass that you get with PS? but not with SG.

Yeah that part of the fine print didn't make a lot of sense to me either.

 

[oz_mark]

Complimentary access is not given at all Jetstar Lounges.

Which Jetstar Lounges would this be referring to?

 

[anat0l]

Which Jetstar Lounges would this be referring to?

Possibly the new ones being installed across the Tasman.

 

[markis10]

Which Jetstar Lounges would this be referring to?

Upcoming NZ ones?