New lounge trial in DPS

[buckleyj]

Wanted to stop by and let my fellow AFF-ers know about the lounge trial Qantas has going on in DPS airport.

I've flown QF44 DPS-SYD and QF46 DPS-MEL a couple of times each, and each time the lounge experience at the "Premire lounge" has been sub-par. Thankfully apparently Qantas has been listening to feedback, and is trialling a "pre flight service" (lounge) alternative, at the Novotel next door.

On Sunday night I was flying on QF44. I arrived later than I normally would, expecting the usual (poor) lounge experience. From the check-in counter I was offered the option to follow the very friendly Qantas chap, who turned out to be the Qantas manager for the airport. I was then directed out through to the Novotel, and handed off to a few helpers positioned strategically along the way. After around 2 minutes of walking, I entered a Qantas-branded area, with enough seating for approx 50 pax in total. I was told that the trial will be limited to the first 30 passengers, although didn't get into the details of "per flight"/how that would be managed at peak times.

In comparison to the "Premiere" lounge, the food on offer was much better (and looked much less likely to poison), there was much less crowding, and the feeling of a crowded space was almost entirely absent. There was also a view of the runway, to my approval.

I later saw the manager as I was boarding, and he was keen for feedback. I passed along my glowing review, so hopefully future passengers get the smoother experience I had. If you're offered the option of the 'trial lounge', I recommend it!

I've attached some pics.

 

[eminere]

Thanks for sharing! I'm assuming this Novotel lounge is located pre-passport control and security? Was your lounge eligibility based on class of travel or frequent flyer status? I wonder if QF would preference the former over the latter if the trial is limited to 30 pax (per flight?).

 

[motef]

I am QF Gold and travelling in J on DPS-SYD (status run)

I would expect to be redirected to this lounge.

The current lounge is just abysmal. Travelling in 2 weeks so will provide feedback.

 

[levelnine]

Very interesting concept. Thanks for sharing. Food looks very good.

 

[Matt_01]

@buckleyj thanks for posting. I have never been through DPS but will do so for the first time next week, I am WP1 travelling in J, if not offered I may ask about this. As an aside and so I would not be disappointed I had already set my lounge expectations very low. Let’s see what happens.

 

[snabbu]

Flew MH852 on Sunday night and spent a few minutes in the Premier lounge. As described above it's nothing to write home about.
Flying QF44 this week and will update the thread with any useful new information.

 

[Pushka]

That would be a huge improvement. The DPS lounge is miserable.

 

[Mattg]

@buckleyj, were you travelling in business class?

This whole concept does look pretty good, compared to the usual lounge offering!

 

[Hvr]

Is there an escort through immigration noting the lounge is land side? Or at the least a reminder to proceed to immigration?

 

[Matt_01]

@Hvr does it take long to get clear immigration at DPS?

 

[Hvr]

@Hvr does it take long to get clear immigration at DPS?

No idea, never been there.

 

[Matt_01]

No idea, never been there.

Neither have I but will be arriving around mid day and was looking at the day rate at the Garden Inn at the airport rather than hang out in the airport for 10 hours.

 

[The man with no name]

@Hvr does it take long to get clear immigration at DPS?

Immigration at DPS is pot luck. There have been times when I've breezed through in a few minutes while there has been other times when there's been a queue going past the check in area and out the front door of the terminal.
Some airlines (GA,SQ) have priority lanes for J pax however I'm not sure QF do

 

[jase05]

@Hvr does it take long to get clear immigration at DPS?

Like everything in Indonesia it’s luck of the draw unfortunately. Plenty of times I’ve got through in a matter of minutes and then occasionally you will be stuck for ages and even the Priority lines are long. I’d estimate about 7 out of every 10 visits are smooth and efficient. Doesn’t seem to matter what time either.
Some airlines do have priority lines but I’ve never come back from there with QF so not sure if they do or not

 

[buckleyj]

Thanks all. To answer questions:
1. This was before immigration. I left with 30 mins to board and ended up waiting around at the gate lounge for a while, as the flight ended up delayed. Would've been right on time, but obviously ymmv. This was the one aspect I was iffy about, as there were no boarding announcements, or escorted convoys. I provided 'could improve' feedback only on this, and the aforementioned airport manager (I believe his name was Dean) understood the need for better clarity around boarding timelines.
2. WP flying in J, so not sure about the criteria.

 

[motef]

Neither have I but will be arriving around mid day and was looking at the day rate at the Garden Inn at the airport rather than hang out in the airport for 10 hours.

Check with your accom as most have half day rates

 

[jase05]

Neither have I but will be arriving around mid day and was looking at the day rate at the Garden Inn at the airport rather than hang out in the airport for 10 hours.

We have used the Harris Hotel Tuban before in transit. Free 24hr shuttle to/from airport and only about 5 minutes away. Last visit was $41 for 7 hours. Clean, comfortable rooms and they have a small but quiet pool at the hotel. I normally just have a quick shower, freshen up and go for a wander to the the beach or down the street to kill time

 

[SOPOOR]

Wanted to stop by and let my fellow AFF-ers know about the lounge trial Qantas has going on in DPS airport.

I've flown QF44 DPS-SYD and QF46 DPS-MEL a couple of times each, and each time the lounge experience at the "Premire lounge" has been sub-par. Thankfully apparently Qantas has been listening to feedback, and is trialling a "pre flight service" (lounge) alternative, at the Novotel next door.

On Sunday night I was flying on QF44. I arrived later than I normally would, expecting the usual (poor) lounge experience. From the check-in counter I was offered the option to follow the very friendly Qantas chap, who turned out to be the Qantas manager for the airport. I was then directed out through to the Novotel, and handed off to a few helpers positioned strategically along the way. After around 2 minutes of walking, I entered a Qantas-branded area, with enough seating for approx 50 pax in total. I was told that the trial will be limited to the first 30 passengers, although didn't get into the details of "per flight"/how that would be managed at peak times.

In comparison to the "Premiere" lounge, the food on offer was much better (and looked much less likely to poison), there was much less crowding, and the feeling of a crowded space was almost entirely absent. There was also a view of the runway, to my approval.

I later saw the manager as I was boarding, and he was keen for feedback. I passed along my glowing review, so hopefully future passengers get the smoother experience I had. If you're offered the option of the 'trial lounge', I recommend it!

I've attached some pics.

Sorry, I need to pull myself off the floor from shock!
I might recover and get to the end of the article

 

[chickentalon]

Pre-immigration is a PITA, I've had to go back into lounges a few times in Indonesia due to delays etc. Makes it impossible to chat to gate staff about what's going on.

Slightly related, but the lounge in the new CGK terminal is also vastly improved on the old terminal.

 

[aaspro]

I wish I had read this thread a few days ago. My wife & I both WP and flying J to SYD on QF checked in at DPS 2 days ago but were not offered any alternative to the Premier Lounge. May be we were not in the first 30 to check in? Did not even bother to go to the Premier Lounge after reading various reviews.