MEL Dom. lounges refurb Completed October 2018

[wannabeinvestmentbanker]

I've seen people seated there often -- but it's of necessity if you want a seat at all..

I agree! Usually I am pretty lucky to nab a seat at about 4ish before my 5pmers back to SYD. There does not seem to have been a lot of forethought into the future state of the lounge as it is already at capacity at certain times. Clearly QF thinks there will not be a dramatic increase in Emeralds in the future or makes a lot of reactive rather than proactive decisions.

 

[Pushka]

I agree! Usually I am pretty lucky to nab a seat at about 4ish before my 5pmers back to SYD. There does not seem to have been a lot of forethought into the future state of the lounge as it is already at capacity at certain times. Clearly QF thinks there will not be a dramatic increase in Emeralds in the future or makes a lot of reactive rather than proactive decisions.

Makes me wonder how we all fitted into the original space.

Our SA government built a hospital to replace our old hospital with a smaller casualty area and same number of beds, so not planning for future population growth. I wonder if Qantas used the same planners as they did?

 

[Austman]

I initially didn't think too much of the new J lounge in MEL.

But now that I've been there a few times, I must admit I'm warming to it quite a bit.

It's certainly a much larger space than before so if more seating is actually eventually required, it doesn't seem to me to be too hard a task to accommodate that.

They need to fix the coffee situation however, pronto!

 

[wannabeinvestmentbanker]

I initially didn't think too much of the new J lounge in MEL.

But now that I've been there a few times, I must admit I'm warming to it quite a bit.

The food and sense of space is definitely a big plus to this lounge. I genuinely enjoy the dishes from the Asian bar and often find myself having seconds. Pumpkin curry and pork are the favourites so far.

Makes me wonder how we all fitted into the original space.

I think a lot of people just gave up and sat outside in the QP before the expansion.

 

[Pleb Status]

Makes me wonder how we all fitted into the original space.

I think a lot of people just gave up and sat outside in the QP before the expansion.

DSC promotions are three times a year now...

 

[kermatu]

Makes me wonder how we all fitted into the original space.

We didn't. If there was space in the QP I'd often just take that. Or skip the lounges altogether unless on a 30+ minute transit. If the lounge wasn't so conveniently right in front of security, I suspect I'd skip it more often.

 

[kermatu]

I initially didn't think too much of the new J lounge in MEL.

But now that I've been there a few times, I must admit I'm warming to it quite a bit.

It's certainly a much larger space than before so if more seating is actually eventually required, it doesn't seem to me to be too hard a task to accommodate that.

They need to fix the coffee situation however, pronto!

My first couple of visits to the refurbed BNE and new PER J lounges I found quite disappointing. Yes, better than what existed, but still underwhelming. However, after my third or so visits I have actually grown to like them in their own right.

MEL J not so. Yes there's more room and it is brighter, but it is just as hard to find a seat, the bathrooms are lacking, it is very noisy even when not full, and the food station is a huge disappointment (all 8 of my visits so far the options were noodle soup or noodle soup - not exactly ideal for a business pax crouching on a seat with no table). It is better than before but I'm calling it a fail. If it wasn't for the spirits I'd actually prefer the VA lounge.

 

[wannabeinvestmentbanker]

Interesting, in all 8 or more of my visits I have not encountered a single soup option. What time and days do you typically visit?

I think the seating situation could be improved but on the whole it still beats Sydney

 

[Austman]

In all of my 5 or 6 visits, the food has been fine and I've always found a table (or choice of table) each time.

I was in PER and BNE J lounges recently and while I loved them in the beginning I now find the new MEL J lounge much better!

Odd, isn't it?

 

[Pushka]

In all of my 5 or 6 visits, the food has been fine and I've always found a table (or choice of table) each time.

I was in PER and BNE J lounges recently and while I loved them in the beginning I now find the new MEL J lounge much better!

Odd, isn't it?

I’ve only been in twice. The first time I couldn’t get a seat. Had to eat standing next to the staff servery area. Not a great first impression.

 

[kermatu]

Interesting, in all 8 or more of my visits I have not encountered a single soup option. What time and days do you typically visit?

I think the seating situation could be improved but on the whole it still beats Sydney

I only ever really use the lounge coming off an international flight then waiting transit back to Canberra. All 8 (approx) have been mid to late arvo, any given day, which may explain it.

I am in a minority but I like the SYD J lounge. Always get a seat at one of the desks (where the computers used to be). Space to eat or work, quiet, powerpoints and a reasonably comfortable seat. Dark though, but almost always in the arvo this is how peaceful it is:



One instance where I'm happy for QF to go slow on one of their announced improvements. Take as long as you want.

 

[Austman]

I’ve only been in twice.

Mmmm. And if I recall correctly at least one of them was during massive SYD weather issues?

I've been in the MEL J lounge about 500 times. Anyone who says the new one is smaller than the old one needs needs to a have a "fact check".

Even CBR is staring to look a bit stale now. Don't even mention SYD!

 

[Pushka]

Mmmm. And if I recall correctly at least one of them was during massive SYD weather issues?

I've been in the MEL J lounge about 500 times. Anyone who says the new one is smaller than the old one needs needs to a have a "fact check".

Even CBR is staring to look a bit stale now. Don't even mention SYD!

Well, the Sydney weather issues and other issues have been the norm for a few weeks now. The lounge isn’t smaller of course but as others have pointed out, they avoided going to the original lounge and just gave up.

 

[Austman]

Always get a seat at one of the desks (where the computers used to be). Space to eat or work, quiet, powerpoints and a reasonably comfortable seat. Dark though, but almost always in the arvo this is how peaceful it is:

I know, I've been there too so many times. But people love windows and plane watching...

 

[Austman]

Well, the Sydney weather issues and other issues have been the norm for a few weeks now.

I seem to have avoided them many times then. Even in the past few weeks. Lucky me! They are certainly not the norm, year round.

I wouldn't expect Qantas to plan a lounge space around them.

Well, at least not yet!

 

[wannabeinvestmentbanker]

I know, I've been there too so many times. But people love windows and plane watching...

I generally do try and get a seat as close to the window as possible as well.

In the spirit of Melbourne, perhaps the SYD J lounge could be one strip all the way along the windows and enhance the QP to a restful and ambient interior facing lounge

 

[Ekka]

First time in the Business Lounge. It’s like Adelaide new Hospital. Cost a motza and is just jam packed. Wednesday at 4.40pm. I’m sitting on a bar stool perched like jakky!

I think the issue is that you can see everyone. No quiet areas at all.

Motzer. We're not yanks.

 

[Ansett]

I had my first visit on Friday Mid Morning and have to say I found it far better than the old lounge and I liked the decor and set up.

 

[Hvr]

Motzer. We're not yanks.

motser
motza

noun
Australian informal a large sum of money, esp a gambling win

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

Motzer. We're not yanks.

Good for a p*ss up though, if its that open.