QF F lounge Closures in '06 (Sydney & Melbourne)

[Kiwi Flyer]

that be Koru Club

 

[jasonja3]

QC staff in the first lounge last week told me it was going to be at least late May before they move back upstairs...........

EDIT

In Sydney that is.

 

[serfty]

There's an article about the SYD Fist lounge in May's Australian Way Magazine.

Among other things, the following quotes are pertinant:

• "... opening this month ..."
• "... with a restaurant, spa, library, five-star bathrooms, concierge and up to the minute business facilities ..."
• "... overseen by Marc Newsom ..."
• "... overlook the boarding agtes for Qantas' new A380 aircraft ..."
• "... restaurant serving a comprehensive meny by Niel Perry ..."
• "... day spa run by ... Sofitel, using product from Payot Paris. ..."
• "... chairside waiter service ..."

A Sample menu is presented:

BreakFast (until Midday):

• Organic Egg;
• Smokehouse Bacon and Tomato Relish Sourdough ROll;
• Organic Egg Omelette with Leg Ham, Leek and Gruyere;
• Organic Eggs White Omelette with Tomato, Ricotta and Chives;
• Whole Grain Toast with Avocado, Snow Pea Sprouts, lime and Cracked Pepper;

All-day lounge Dining(From Midday):

• Seasonal Soup;
• Organic Egg Omelette with Leg Ham, Leek and Gruyere;
• Salad of Poached Chicken and Leeks Vinaigrette;
• Manna from Heaven Mushroom and Parmesan Tart;
• Veal Schnitzel and Italian Coleslaw Toasted Pannini with Aioli;
• Fusilli Pasta with roasted Butternut Pumpkin, pine Nutes, Spinch and Feta;
• Cheese, served with accompaniments.

 

[serfty]

There is more information on the Spa:

Relax
French cosmetic and skincare company Payot provides product and expertise in the spa. Begun by Dr Nadia Payot on Paris in 1927, Payot is at the forefront of skincare development. The complimentary treatments in the new first lounge day spas ensure you will board your flight pampered, relaxed and rejuvenated.

20-MINUTE TREATMENTS

• Hand Treatment
• hydrating massage
• Eye contour and lips - hydrates and firms

30-MINUTE TREATMENTS

• Express energising facial
• Foot and leg wrap
• Neck, shoulder and arm massage
• Foot massage
• Back Massage
• Mens hot-towel facial

50-MINUTE TREATMENTS

• Full body massage
• Intensive hydrating facial

 

[serfty]

There will be a premium check-in:

First and Chairman's lounge customers will be checked in prior to their arrival at the airport with the majority of their departure documentation completed. On arrival. the will be greeted at the kerb by a First host and porter ... escorting them though security and immigration.

 

[Kiwi Flyer]

The May magazine is out already? I couldn't find it yesterday.

Anyway, latest from SYD lounge staff is new F lounge due to open 21st May. They seemed sceptical that will happen on that day, which I'm not surprised about.

 

[serfty]

The May magazine is out already? I couldn't find it yesterday. ...

There were a few pristine copies on the book shelves in the AKL FLounge yesterday.

On the front cover, it does have printed:

YOUR'S
  TO
 KEEP

 

[Kiwi Flyer]

They weren't there on Saturday (at least not early am)!

 

[simongr]

I assume (perhaps incorrectly) that when they talk about the concierge service that they are only talking about F class travellers rather than OW emerald?

What a bitca that if it does open it will be the day after I am travelling F to China Perhaps I should elay my trip by a week...

If these changes pan out (and are actually as good as they seem) this will be a quantum leap better than the current F lounge and will rival - if not exceed - the F Pier. mrssimongr will enjoy the facial when she flies next year with me

 

[Kiwi Flyer]

I assume (perhaps incorrectly) that when they talk about the concierge service that they are only talking about F class travellers rather than OW emerald?

I assume the same.

What a bitca that if it does open it will be the day after I am travelling F to China Perhaps I should elay my trip by a week...

These things always seem to be delayed to just after I visit (except LAX which just before changed to the horrid interim lounge). I bet MEL will also be delayed to after my trip there.

 

[serfty]

There's an article about the SYD Fist lounge in May's Australian Way Magazine. ...

The article is now available online on the Inflight Magazine -

Inflight Magazine - New lounges

 

[Mr_Gimlet]

Are we just waiting for the Sydney F now - is Melbourne done?

 

[serfty]

- is Melbourne done?

Possible, but reports on FT indicate a May 23rd opening for both.

 

[Optics]

I assume (perhaps incorrectly) that when they talk about the concierge service that they are only talking about F class travellers rather than OW emerald?

What a bitca that if it does open it will be the day after I am travelling F to China Perhaps I should elay my trip by a week...

If these changes pan out (and are actually as good as they seem) this will be a quantum leap better than the current F lounge and will rival - if not exceed - the F Pier. mrssimongr will enjoy the facial when she flies next year with me

I don't know about the concierge, it definitely says "First and Chairman's Lounge customers", which implies it is customer's of the First lounge, including OWEs, but I won't hold my breath. If I don't get the concierge service next month when I am there I will have to mention the Trade Practices Act and misrepresentation .

Edit. No wrong interpretation, it is likely to be either First customers or Chairman's Lounge customers. Oh well, still looks good.

Even if without the concierge, I am greatly looking forward to my first visit .

 

[simongr]

Same - but will have to wait until after my next DONE4 when I will OWE - the online brochure was quite impressive (even if it did print a little small) - I think the reclining seats - seems like they are getting you ready to be on board already. It really looks a quantum leap beyond the current FLounge - does this mean though that they will redo the J lounge and put all the J/OWS pax downstairs in the interim F lounge whilst they redo the J lounge (he he at least I will be OWE by then).

 

[jasonja3]

The reclining chairs look great, finally a chair for those long stopovers where you don't sit bolt upright!!

Pity I live in Sydney.............

 

[Dave Noble]

Possible, but reports on FT indicate a May 23rd opening for both.

The agent at Sydney Int ticket desk told me May 23rd when I asked on monday

Dave

 

[vt01]

The agent at Sydney Int ticket desk told me May 23rd when I asked on monday

Dave

Great! I'll be able to use in June on my way to HKG...

 

[Optics]

Great! I'll be able to use in June on my way to HKG...

So who here is going to be the first to experience one of the new lounges, and provide a report on that experience?

I will get to the MEL Flounge on June 11. Only issue is that is Queen's birthday, so SWMBO will pressure me to leave for the airport as late as possible, preventing me getting there nice and early to take full advantage, such as trying one of the massages and fully enjoying the new dining experience .

 

[Shano]

I'm a possibility for May 29th or 30th, either SYD or MEL, depending on which flight I end up booking to HKG.

Only travelling Y so will not get the full "F" experience