QP layouts, time for a rethink?

[elbarto]

Some observations I've made in the QP of late have made me think that a rethink is needed in order to better accommodate the amount of people being crammed in there. The seating is laid out in groups of two or four seats, yet these groups, will be occupied by a single person. The pairs being occupied by a single person isn't a big deal, but it is the groups of four that are. You will see people walking around on their own looking for seats, either two afraid to ask for a seat or unwilling to share while there is one person and their baggage taking up four seats. Despite there being solo options in the QP, is there really enough?
A few years back I used the Eurostar lounge in Brussels and many of the seats where a pod style seats oriented towards the solo traveller. Now I understand that the arrangement can provide opportunities to network and there certainly is a need for it with groups traveling together. But I usually only travel with one person, so a pair of seats is all we need and when I'm on my own I'd prefer to be somewhere on my own as I'm not someone who goes and strikes up conversations with random people.

So what are your thoughts? Is it time for a rethink or am I just being a weirdo?

 

[thewinchester]

When I had a chance to talk with SYD DOM Lounge Manager Malcolm back in October, the total floor space for a QP is calculated at 3sqm for the number of members the lounge can handle (conversely, it's 12sqm in the CL but I have no idea on this number for the JL).

The long and the short of my view is that I can't see how they can possibly do better in the current operating environment.

Seating layouts are a matter of making the most efficient use of space, trying to provide as much seating and working room as possible without feeling like your stepping on others toes. I do note that all the QP's at AU DOM hub ports provide a wide array of seating options, from the long computer benches, couches, single seats, groups of four, booth like seating and stand-up bar tables and stools. They do make a real effort to offer a seating arrangement that's as comfortable and inviting to everyone.

I can understand at times you do want to sit by yourself, I'm like this as well. When lounges are packed this can be a challenge. Having said that, if a lounge is at capacity I don't mind at all sharing a space of four seats and a table with others - and it can often lead to meeting new people and good conversation.

In any case, crowded lounges won't help this - but they are par for the course. Space at an airport and construction is quite expensive and they just can't build new lounges at the drop of a hat. There's strategy and balance sheets at play here, and it's half the reason why the upgraded PER lounge already gets quite full at peak (because it only has a limited shelf life for it before DOM and INT ops are sighted together at Horrie Miller Dr) yet why in ADL they have lounge space to last them well into the next few decades (planning ahead).

 

[oz_mark]

In any case, crowded lounges won't help this - but they are par for the course. Space at an airport and construction is quite expensive and they just can't build new lounges at the drop of a hat. There's strategy and balance sheets at play here, and it's half the reason why the upgraded PER lounge already gets quite full at peak (because it only has a limited shelf life for it before DOM and INT ops are sighted together at Horrie Miller Dr) yet why in ADL they have lounge space to last them well into the next few decades (planning ahead).

Adelaide is interesting, as not only is it large, there are elements in its design that make it look as though it was originally designed to have two lounges - presumably a separate J lounge.

 

[medhead]

I had been in ADL when it has been packed. I'm not sure how regularly that happens, but I'm not sure how having wide variation between max and mini guests would impact on life span of the lounge.


Sent from my iPhone using Aust Freq Fly app so please excuse the lack of links.

 

[Simo]

Some of the QP's or should I say most are running over capacity at peak times generally every day.

QF need to look at average people per flight that would be entitled to QP access and then put enough seating for general load.

I travelled out of Mky once and we filled the QP, not a hard job but will still did it.

People was walking out because of about 30 of us we had either guested or we where members in our own right, we where all flying jet*

 

[JohnK]

I tend to agree that there is not enough seating for single travellers.

I have lost count of the number times I have walked into BNE business lounge and all the 2 seaters around the outskirts by the windows are taken up by single travellers. Surely there has to be a way to make some of these single seaters and even if you lose 2-3 seats you will still end up on top as only ~50% are used at the moment.

 

[docjames]

A row of swivel seats with tables in between might be useful although there may be a few "excess" tables.

ie. Seat-Table1-Seat-Table2-Seat-Table3-Seat etc

THe seats between tables can be swivelled to make table for two, or table for one.

 

[JohnK]

That sounds like a good idea and can't be too expensive to have a few tables left over.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

you only have to look at lounges such as ANA at narita to see how things could be dine so much better... most of the seats there have a small rectangular table beside them... narrow enough for you to share if you are with someone, but wide enough to give personal space if travelling alone. the space is also just wide enough to place your cabin bag in front, so no bags sticking out into the aisles.

i think the current qantas lounge seating is not suitable for passengers who might be travelling alone, and I don't like sharing.

there are plenty of other lounges now following this example. time for qf to spend money. memberships are not cheap.