QF Club vs QF J Lounge @ SYD - What's the difference?

[kangarooflyer88]

I have been critical of ADL airport as when flying in or out it never seems to be the same and often seems complicated even today with what has to come out of or stay in the bag. IIRC there was a period when domestic arrivals were in one terminal and departures in a different one and near on impossible to transit between. Since moving back (2011) things seemed normal for a while, then the airport chopped off the dropoff/ pickup departure ramps and moved the dropoff and pickup further away. Also within the past couple of years road bollards seems to be here to stay and made things worse. I get there are some who will defend ADL but it is basically a domestic airport with limited international connections that caters to the punters.

Have been to ADL a number of times now, I frankly don't see the issue with the airport. IMHO, they're leagues ahead of both MEL and SYD in the sense that there is one domestic terminal to serve all airlines which means when I'm flying JetStar I can use the QF lounge without having to do the JetStar shuffle as is the case in SYD and MEL.

As some others have noted there's some comparing of apples and oranges going on here. You simply can't compare international grade lounges (ie: UA Polaris, UA Club @ LHR, SQ lounges, LH etc) You need to compare, if one must, domestic with domestic - the closest, imo, are the AC MLL on domestic sides of various airports, NZ domestic lounges (NOT int) and so on. Standards, services, F&B etc are usually different.... sometimes better and sometimes worse (I note the QF int J lounge at MEL - the dungeon - as a pretty poor int J lounge tbh).

If we are comparing QF domestic lounges to AC and UA domestic lounges, then I would say that QF domestic lounges are slightly ahead of AC and significantly ahead of UA overall. In particular, QF lounges have functioning showers at most domestic lounges whereas AC continues to keep their showers shuttered due to COVID (whatever that is). Food sometimes can be better at AC domestic lounges versus Qantas (i.e. quesadillas) but sometimes Qantas has the upper hand. In terms of United domestic though, Qantas is leagues ahead. No United domestic lounge offers showers, and in most cases you're lucky if you can find more than cheese and crackers at a domestic Untied club.

I will however point out that there are some dynamics that are unique to North American aviation. For instance, travelling domestically in the US, you have access to many priority pass lounges, AmEx Centurion lounges and lounges of major international airlines like Lufthansa, SAS, British Airways, etc., since the United States does not segregate International and domestic flights the way Australia does. This is also true (to some extent) in Canada where some airports don't segregate international and domestic travel either (i.e. terminal 3 at Pearson where you can access the KLM/Air France lounge while flying WestJet to a Canadian destination).

-RooFlyer88

 

[dairyfloss]

Might have missed this up thread, but one advantage the J lounge used to offer was that the bar service opened up earlier, for those so inclined. I haven’t been into the QP in so long I don’t know whether the bar times are maybe just aligned now?? It can be nice when travelling on leisure and you want a beer to go with your lunch slop.

Cheers,
Matt.

 

[RichardMEL]

If we are comparing QF domestic lounges to AC and UA domestic lounges, then I would say that QF domestic lounges are slightly ahead of AC and significantly ahead of UA overall. In particular, QF lounges have functioning showers at most domestic lounges whereas AC continues to keep their showers shuttered due to COVID (whatever that is). Food sometimes can be better at AC domestic lounges versus Qantas (i.e. quesadillas) but sometimes Qantas has the upper hand. In terms of United domestic though, Qantas is leagues ahead. No United domestic lounge offers showers, and in most cases you're lucky if you can find more than cheese and crackers at a domestic Untied club.

Yes. Agree.

I will however point out that there are some dynamics that are unique to North American aviation. For instance, travelling domestically in the US, you have access to many priority pass lounges, AmEx Centurion lounges and lounges of major international airlines like Lufthansa, SAS, British Airways, etc., since the United States does not segregate International and domestic flights the way Australia does. This is also true (to some extent) in Canada where some airports don't segregate international and domestic travel either (i.e. terminal 3 at Pearson where you can access the KLM/Air France lounge while flying WestJet to a Canadian destination).

-RooFlyer88

Ah, but other lounge options at airports are irrelevant when discussing any comparision of the QF J domestic lounge vs other domestic lounges. One usually needs diferent eligibility criteria to access those - ie a specific Amex card, airline status or what have you. The major difference imo with the US is that, unlike QF, status in the home carrier's FF program does NOT give access on domestic sectors only (so for example, as a United 1K, if I am flying SFO-DEN, I can't access the club based on my status OR class of travel if in domestic F (a.k.a. J). However if I am, say, SQ*G, I can. The only exception I am aware of are 1> transcon F pax on AA get Flagship F lounge access.. and I think they expanded this to HNL flights from DFW iirc and Alaska allow lounge access to pax in domestic F. Point being that while there are no other lounge options in QF domestic terminals in general, it obviously precludes access to anything else, but by the same token it's not relevant to the comparison if I need a priority pass or specific high grade CC to access those lounges-and those are irrelevant of carrier flown - so they are very handy in places like LAS for sure, but I don't think very pertinent to this discussion.

It would be a bit like me as a QF P1 saying well I'm flying EK in J so I can use the EK lounge.. but I ALSO have access to the F lounge (QF in MEL/SYD or EK in DXB) due to status. Would I prefer Flounge to the J lounge - yes I would... but if I was evaluating the EK lounge experience that's not really relevant is it?)

(interesting sidenote, apparently one CAN access the LAX Star Alliance Lounge (in TBIT, run by NZ) on purely domestic itins - which if one is willing to, or be able to, walk the 20-25 mins from T7/8 airside to TBIT and back can make for a fantastic lounge experience before a domestic flight. That may also hold for LH and SK as you note, but I'm uncertain about those).

However access policies are a difference for sure. While QF and the US majors all have club memberships (but QF's do not get on into the domestic J lounges of course, unless QP is closed) some of the US domestic lounges allow access to preferred CC cardholders and heck some I think are also PP lounges etc. Something QF doesn't partake in iirc.. but OTOH they do allow Gold+ access (and WP/P1 to the J lounge) so that is a benefit not accorded to the same level of "local" elites on AA/DL/UA based on status or CoS alone. So that is a benefit for QF pax and possibly a factor when considering comparisons.

Certainly the lounges based on the CoS alone offer that experience which one doesn't have in the US without some other method of entry to the airline operated lounge (except, as noted above, AS). in this instance Air Canada is probably the closest analogy.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Ah, but other lounge options at airports are irrelevant when discussing any comparision of the QF J domestic lounge vs other domestic lounges. One usually needs diferent eligibility criteria to access those - ie a specific Amex card, airline status or what have you. The major difference imo with the US is that, unlike QF, status in the home carrier's FF program does NOT give access on domestic sectors only (so for example, as a United 1K, if I am flying SFO-DEN, I can't access the club based on my status OR class of travel if in domestic F (a.k.a. J). However if I am, say, SQ*G, I can. The only exception I am aware of are 1> transcon F pax on AA get Flagship F lounge access.. and I think they expanded this to HNL flights from DFW iirc and Alaska allow lounge access to pax in domestic F. Point being that while there are no other lounge options in QF domestic terminals in general, it obviously precludes access to anything else, but by the same token it's not relevant to the comparison if I need a priority pass or specific high grade CC to access those lounges-and those are irrelevant of carrier flown - so they are very handy in places like LAS for sure, but I don't think very pertinent to this discussion.

Well at least in Canada if you are an elite member of Air Canada or any other Star Alliance program you can visit the Maple Leaf Lounge at any Canadian domestic airport travelling on a strictly domestic fare, no exception so at least the Air Canada to Qantas comparison is fair. As for the US, you are right that there are a number of access rules depending on frequent flyer status, type of itinerary, whether you hold a co-branded card, etc so maybe the comparison is not so apt there. I suppose what I was saying is that even if you climbed through those hurdles you would find that the United Clubs in the US are a cut below anything Qantas has to offer, despite the high walls they put up in terms of access restrictions.

(interesting sidenote, apparently one CAN access the LAX Star Alliance Lounge (in TBIT, run by NZ) on purely domestic itins - which if one is willing to, or be able to, walk the 20-25 mins from T7/8 airside to TBIT and back can make for a fantastic lounge experience before a domestic flight. That may also hold for LH and SK as you note, but I'm uncertain about those).

It has been my experience travelling on US domestic flights as a United Premier Gold that I could always visit any Star Alliance lounge not operated by United. Some examples which come to mind include the Lufthansa lounge in Detroit, Washington Dulles and Newark, the Star Alliance and AC Maple Leaf lounge lounge at LAX, the SAS and AC Maple Leaf Lounge lounge at Newark. Indeed, the Star Alliance website points this out:

If you are a United MileagePlus Star Alliance Gold customer, you may only access the United Clubs within the U.S. when departing from that airport on an international Star Alliance flight, not when departing on a domestic flight with United.

Certainly the lounges based on the CoS alone offer that experience which one doesn't have in the US without some other method of entry to the airline operated lounge (except, as noted above, AS). in this instance Air Canada is probably the closest analogy.

It has been my experience, at least on United that the Polaris Lounge (reserved for those travelling on an inter-contintental business flight with United or Star partners, or arriving or connecting on a inter-continental itinerary with United) are WAY better than any United Club I've been to including the United Clubs overseas like those in LHR, HKG, or NRT, as it had spa services, sit down dining, showers, etc.

-RooFlyer88

 

[RichardMEL]

Yes, the Polaris lounges are fantastic and rival MANY international J and some F lounges - specially with the dining options etc. No question. As you say though they are limited to actual J customers on UA on longhaul international sectors (and those on Star Alliance flights in J - ie I accessed with a NZ J BP one time). Totally agree, really nice efforts. Probably AA flagship F dining rivals this (better champagne).

Anyway back to QF SYD J, which I'd rather be in a Polaris lounge than...

 

[Assassin]

J used to have much more interesting, and often very good, wines. For me it was the J lounges' best feature. Now they're the same as the QP (which I suspect has also dropped)... generally undrinkable. Sad.

A bit off topic but on my last few visits to the MEL J lounge they’ve had a few of the Glen Garvald wines (only one option each time but a different one each time) from Levantine Hill in the Yarra. They’re not awesome, but a massive step up on the other plonk they serve. I haven’t looked to see if there is an equivalent in the Sydney lounge.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

A bit off topic but on my last few visits to the MEL J lounge they’ve had a few of the Glen Garvald wines (only one option each time but a different one each time) from Levantine Hill in the Yarra. They’re not awesome, but a massive step up on the other plonk they serve. I haven’t looked to see if there is an equivalent in the Sydney lounge.

Bringing this discussion back on topic, and as someone who didn't interrogate the wine selections at both the J and Club lounges at SYD, is there much of a difference between those lounges in terms of wine, beer, spirits selection?

-RooFlyer88

 

[Beano]

Has anyone seen the Mexican Cantina at BNE QFd J lounge open, of late, post pandamic.

Yes, was open when I was there a couple of months ago. Back in two weeks so will give it a try.

 

[justinbrett]

Yes, was open when I was there a couple of months ago. Back in two weeks so will give it a try.

No, it closed years ago - documented by my thread here: No Más Nachos - Brisbane J Lounge

It's now "The Oven" and lacks a theme. Just a generic hot food station. Hasn't been open much this year.

 

[PERLHR]

Used the J lounge showers at SYD on Monday. Only two on operation that I saw and let's put it this way, they certainly are no match to the Qatar lounge at Doha! Don't seem to be cleaned between various visits so up to the user to do their best, used towels all in a plastic bag outside the showers and not been cleaned up, fresh towels readily available. I could.not help but think "third world" to be honest. (When I think about saunas and lovely showers at Helsinki and even the BA showers are rather better than this "prime SYD lounge" for let's face it QF major domestic airport of operation?

Don't get me started on the food, last time I used it was back in May, what a surprise, the same rubbish offerings.

 

[Daver6]

Used the J lounge showers at SYD on Monday. Only two on operation that I saw and let's put it this way, they certainly are no match to the Qatar lounge at Doha! Don't seem to be cleaned between various visits so up to the user to do their best, used towels all in a plastic bag outside the showers and not been cleaned up, fresh towels readily available. I could.not help but think "third world" to be honest. (When I think about saunas and lovely showers at Helsinki and even the BA showers are rather better than this "prime SYD lounge" for let's face it QF major domestic airport of operation?

Don't get me started on the food, last time I used it was back in May, what a surprise, the same rubbish offerings.

Someone needs to take one for the team and try the SYD QP showers to see if they're any better.

 

[Kefci2000]

I know we are commenting on QF J lounge versus QC which I agree with comments, apart from the view at MEL and BNE food and drink is basically the same.

I must say I have been very impressed with food and beer choices at the BNE Virgin lounge, much better choices of food, although it is always packed.

And yes the F lounges in SYD, MEL and LAX are well worth the visit

 

[justinbrett]

I know we are commenting on QF J lounge versus QC which I agree with comments, apart from the view at MEL and BNE food and drink is basically the same.

No, nobody ever said the beverages are the same. Not at all.

Most of the spirits are the medium shelf version (ie, Beefeater 24 instead of Beefeater) and the wines are higher range. In fact I think BNE QP has gone down to Gordons from Beefeater which is a further decline. J lounge still has Beefeater 24.

 

[kpro]

Used the J lounge showers at SYD on Monday. Only two on operation that I saw and let's put it this way, they certainly are no match to the Qatar lounge at Doha! Don't seem to be cleaned between various visits so up to the user to do their best, used towels all in a plastic bag outside the showers and not been cleaned up, fresh towels readily available. I could.not help but think "third world" to be honest. (When I think about saunas and lovely showers at Helsinki and even the BA showers are rather better than this "prime SYD lounge" for let's face it QF major domestic airport of operation?

Don't get me started on the food, last time I used it was back in May, what a surprise, the same rubbish offerings.

But again we're comparing a flagship international Business or First lounge with a domestic one.
A better comparison to the QR lounge in Doha would be the QF First lounge in Sydney.

 

[Daver6]

No, nobody ever said the beverages are the same. Not at all.

Most of the spirits are the medium shelf version (ie, Beefeater 24 instead of Beefeater) and the wines are higher range. In fact I think BNE QP has gone down to Gordons from Beefeater which is a further decline. J lounge still has Beefeater 24.

Are they serving wine out of a box in the QP then? The J lounge wines are dire. QF must be spending under $10/bottle on those wines.

 

[Lynda2475]

All I know is SYD J has Rose (it wasn't very good) but SYD Q Pub does not have anything pink.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Used the J lounge showers at SYD on Monday. Only two on operation that I saw and let's put it this way, they certainly are no match to the Qatar lounge at Doha! Don't seem to be cleaned between various visits so up to the user to do their best, used towels all in a plastic bag outside the showers and not been cleaned up, fresh towels readily available. I could.not help but think "third world" to be honest. (When I think about saunas and lovely showers at Helsinki and even the BA showers are rather better than this "prime SYD lounge" for let's face it QF major domestic airport of operation?

My bar for lounge showers has remained low ever since I visited the TK and LH lounges at IAD, and various AC lounges in Canada, pre-COVID. In the TK lounge not only were the shower stalls not cleaned but no towels were provided for the single shower stall they did have. Combine that with the fact it is chock-a-block with Priority Pass members and others plebs and it's easily one of the worst TK lounges in the whole network. At the LH lounge, towels were provided but the soap was of the dispenser variety with the top of the dispenser open to the elements. Ugh! And for AC, they are often uncleaned with some reports on FlyerTalk even stating members entering a shower stall only to find a broken champagne flute on the floor!

Don't get me started on the food, last time I used it was back in May, what a surprise, the same rubbish offerings.

Variety is the spice of life. Sadly, Uncle Alan doesn't like spicy food!

Someone needs to take one for the team and try the SYD QP showers to see if they're any better.

I guess I'll be the guinea pig here and give that one a shot tomorrow when I fly to CBR from SYD!

No, nobody ever said the beverages are the same. Not at all.

Will need to more carefully inspect the drinks on offer!

Most of the spirits are the medium shelf version (ie, Beefeater 24 instead of Beefeater) and the wines are higher range. In fact I think BNE QP has gone down to Gordons from Beefeater which is a further decline. J lounge still has Beefeater 24.

Some of us would argue Gordons is an upgrade from Beefeater!

Are they serving wine out of a box in the QP then?

Only out of Perth and Port Hedland, when they re-open I hear! Hopefully that doesn't spread to other lounges in the QF network.

The J lounge wines are dire. QF must be spending under $10/bottle on those wines.

No doubt bought by Uncle Alan from Qantas Wines during a sale and double QF points promotion!

All I know is SYD J has Rose (it wasn't very good) but SYD Q Pub does not have anything pink.

For me the lack of Dom Perignon at the Dom business lounge at SYD was jarring. How can the lounge be called QF Dom J when there's no Dom on offer?

 

[Daver6]

I guess I'll be the guinea pig here and give that one a shot tomorrow when I fly to CBR from SYD!

Please do post some pics of the showers. You don't even need to use it

 

[justinbrett]

Some of us would argue Gordons is an upgrade from Beefeater!

Gordons is the Bundy Rum of the Gin world.

And is why even the J lounge has Bundy - as some old folks aren't open to new things. Thankfully, they also have the much better Havana Club Añejo Especial.

Not that I'm a particular fan of Beefeater, but Beefeater 24 is pretty good for a house spirit (retails for $65 at Uncle Dan's).

 

[PERLHR]

You can't compare QF Domestic with BA. BA is predominately an international airline.

If you want to compare BA LHR lounges, compare them with QF SYD T1. I found BA's F lounge in T5 pretty terrible. Much prefer an AA Flagship or QF F lounge.

And yeah, nobody ever said any QF domestic lounge was a flagship lounge. That would be the SYD T1 F lounge.

I think you can compare, bearing in mind that quite a number of BA flights (international or not) with much more throughout are less flying time in duration than many Australian domestics. Ok it may not be a flagship lounge at SYD, but it is no better than the Glasgow BA lounge which is rather nice actually. (and it only serves the London airports and Ireland with BA).