Solomon Air BNE Qantas Lounge

[PaulyB]

I posted about this, in part, elsewhere but realize this part of the question may be more appropriate here.

Does anyone have any knowledge or experience on whether the following is still accurate?.. I have a family member traveling to HIN. She is a member of QClub anyway but as the booking is direct with SolAir I wanted to confirm the access for J Travellers.. The site doesn't actually look as though it is updated too often.

Business Class passengers and Belama Plus members traveling with Solomon Airlines on a Solomon Airlines flight number are offered complimentary use of the Qantas Lounge at the Brisbane International Airport.

Thanks!

 

[henrus]

Does anyone have any knowledge or experience on whether the following is still accurate?.. I have a family member traveling to HIN. She is a member of QClub anyway but as the booking is direct with SolAir I wanted to confirm the access for J Travellers.. The site doesn't actually look as though it is updated too often.

It'll either be the Plaza Premium or the Qantas lounge (most likely QF lounge).

Prior to 2017 Solomon Airlines was using the Air New Zealand lounge in Brisbane, then they switched in 2017 to the Qantas Lounge. Just before covid in 2019 they started using the Plaza Premium but are now back to the QF Lounge post covid (although that could have changed again).

As a side point if booked on a QF flight number then those with QF Club and QF Gold or higher status also get access plus one guest.

 

[PaulyB]

It'll either be the Plaza Premium or the Qantas lounge (most likely QF lounge).

Useful. Thanks!

As a side point if booked on a QF flight number then those with QF Club and QF Gold or higher status also get access plus one guest.

Thanks! Even for an international lounge?

 

[henrus]

Thanks! Even for an international lounge?

The only Qantas lounge QF Club/Gold get access prior to Solomon Air (but QF marketed flights) is the Brisbane International lounge.

As a side point because booking direct with Solomon Airlines you're using their contract lounge which just happens to be the Qantas International Lounge in Brisbane. Those flying J with IE also get priority check in, boarding and should receive an express pass in Brisbane.

There was a period of time as I said in 2019 where IE was a QF partner and you could book the J cabin via Qantas meaning it was Solomon Airlines operated but QF marketed. At check in they would offer a voucher to the Plaza Premium lounge (due to J cabin - as the IE contract lounge) but due to being booked via a QF flight number access to the Qantas lounge was also granted.

Getting very off topic about lounge access but the IE partnership with Qantas is actually one of the better ones (on paper and mostly in practice).

If booked via Qantas operated by IE and holding Qantas status you're eligible for priority check in and boarding (in both Brisbane and Honiara) plus lounge access at both ports.

This 2018 document outlines the benefits but in short Gold/Plat/Plat One get access to to the Belama Lounge in Honiara plus the Qantas lounge in Brisbane when booked on a QF number.

https://www.qantas.com/content/dam/qac/network-flyers/new-zealand-south-west-pacific-and-east-timor.pdf

Interestingly at Honiara Airport there is Qantas Business Check in signage which has been sent to Honiara, I find this impressive as it's clearly been customised for this partnership with oneworld branding notably lacking.

Photo from this really good 2018 review: Flight Review: Solomon Airlines – Honiara to Brisbane

The airport was recently renovated and is also now air conditioned and a photo posted to Google shows the sign was still there 3 weeks ago (hard to spot but I've drawn a red arrow):

 

[PaulyB]

That is just fantastic and informative info @henrus . Thank you. Well and truly above the call of duty and fascinating to read.

 

[BNEFlyer]

QF will be flying BNE-HIR on an E190 soon.

 

[PaulyB]

QF will be flying BNE-HIR on an E190 soon.

Interesting. Solomon Air are already doing it. (At least will be on our July flight). I hadn't thought Qantas would be flying there enough. Or do you mean Sol Air?

 

[henrus]

QF will be flying BNE-HIR on an E190 soon.

This is slightly concerning. I wonder if it means QF is pulling away from the IE partnership and moving towards operating their own services instead?

It's not as if this hasn't happened before with TL?

 

[PaulyB]

Gosh - you are right @BNEFlyer!

Qantas unveils major shake up of its international network

The Qantas Group will return its international capacity to pre-COVID levels within a year as it adds new routes and boosts flights to existing destinations.

www.skynews.com.au

 

[henrus]

There is no way this is sustainable moving forward...

Either one of two things will happen, QF will drop the partnership with Solomon Airlines or Solomon Airlines will drop the flights and move the A320 elsewhere (operating to Sydney or more to Nadi instead).

 

[BNEFlyer]

There is no way this is sustainable moving forward...

Either one of two things will happen, QF will drop the partnership with Solomon Airlines or Solomon Airlines will drop the flights and move the A320 elsewhere (operating to Sydney or more to Nadi instead).

View attachment 329452

Those fares are unbelievable. But that’s what happens with a lack of competition,

 

[PaulyB]

Depending on the dates prices may also be reflective of the Sol2023 Pacific Games in Nov.

 

[ALH]

It’s usually under $ 500 each way when I book :