Qantas Domestic J Lounges - Downgraded F & B?

[Auzzieflyer]

Has anyone else noticed that in the Melbourne Business lounge.. they have removed all the usual Business grade wines and spirits and replaced them with ‘club’ wine and spirits. So while all the gold members may feel excited about being upgraded when they visit the business lounge.. they are really only getting the club product.. and all the platinum members are forced with a downgrade in product.

 

[AIRwin]

Supply chain issues?

 

[Mal P]

I’m in the Sydney First Class lounge right now about to head to LA and noticed the same. Only coughtails they’ll make are mimosas and Bloody Mary’s… terrible

 

[AIRwin]

Only coughtails they’ll make are mimosas and Bloody Mary’s… terrible

Same in MEL when I was there a few weeks ago...

 

[RichardMEL]

I noticed this in a very small way in SYD a few weeks back. Dom J lounge. Earlier in December cider was James Squires as per usual.. two weeks later, 5 seeds (which is the QC standard). Now definitely could be supply chain as much as a conscious decision, though that day the actual QP was also open so did not make much sense so I am going to go with supply chain.

hardly major, but I did notice.

 

[downtheback]

I noticed this in a very small way in SYD a few weeks back. Dom J lounge. Earlier in December cider was James Squires as per usual.. two weeks later, 5 seeds (which is the QC standard). Now definitely could be supply chain as much as a conscious decision, though that day the actual QP was also open so did not make much sense so I am going to go with supply chain.

hardly major, but I did notice.

That's a massive downgrade. 5 seeds, may as well serve distilled vinegar.

 

[clifford]

Never been too impressed by those lounge wines, self serve or not.

The ones in the photo don't look too bad.

Never look a gift wine in the mouth...

 

[Port Melb Cowboy]

Never been too impressed by those lounge wines, self serve or not. There are usually much better options on the flight itself which is one of the few redeeming factors still of flying Qantas J.

Very much appreciate the James Squire Orchard Crush cider though that most lounges have on offer. One of my favs

Just saw that. Koonunga Hill? That’s a $14 bottle? Not expecting Grange or Hill of Grace but if we’re going Business (and maintaining Penfold’s range) wouldn’t a Max’s Shiraz be about the right price point for wines offered?

Even the 1976 Koonunga Hill Shz Cab which is about $20 would offer something slightly more premium?

Or is the lounge offering subdued somewhat because there are avenues for entry to people who maybe haven’t earned their way in, and the onboard offer in business. is superior?

Or is it just post-COVID cost cutting?

 

[Daver6]

I think those wines on offer are a disgrace. Honestly, a sub $15 cough red in the J lounge! Could they possibly go any cheaper? What red are they serving in the QP? Goon?

 

[RichardMEL]

I think those wines on offer are a disgrace. Honestly, a sub $15 cough red in the J lounge! Could they possibly go any cheaper? What red are they serving in the QP? Goon?

but I think that's part of it.. when the lounge is being used as a combined QC and J lounge the lower standard seems to be used.

and Goon.. don't give 'em ideas for enhancements....

 

[Matt_01]

I think those wines on offer are a disgrace. Honestly, a sub $15 cough red in the J lounge! Could they possibly go any cheaper? What red are they serving in the QP? Goon?

Whilst I get your point and if paying for J one would expect to J quality wine what ever that may be in the lounge. I would just put it out there and in no defence of QF the hotel chains are no better or maybe worse. IIRC the free plonk (pre covid) served in the Hilton lounge (MEL, SYD) was Whispers which has a retail value of around $5.00 across most varietals. A sub $15 bottle of wine in a QF J lounge is this better or worse than a $5 bottle of wine in a hotel executive lounge.

 

[Port Melb Cowboy]

Whilst I get your point and if paying for J one would expect to J quality wine what ever that may be in the lounge. I would just put it out there and in no defence of QF the hotel chains are no better or maybe worse. IIRC the free plonk (pre covid) served in the Hilton lounge (MEL, SYD) was Whispers which has a retail value of around $5.00 across most varietals. A sub $15 bottle of wine in a QF J lounge is this better or worse than a $5 bottle of wine in a hotel executive lounge.

Wow. Whispers is a home brand for Coles Liquor. And they were serving that up? Jeez

 

[Austman]

I think those wines on offer are a disgrace. Honestly, a sub $15 cough red in the J lounge!

I don't think they've ever been much better in the domestic J lounges. Maybe a $20 one at times?

 

[Daver6]

I don't think they've ever been much better in the domestic J lounges. Maybe a $20 one at times?

I have to say, you're probably right. I don't think I've actually ever been tempted to have a glass of wine in the QF domestic lounges. I wish they'd have Riesling. At least at the $20 mark with Riesling you can get a really decent wine.