What is the attraction of lounges?

[TomVexille]

It's not Lifetime Gold. It is the constant double SC and 50% SC offers that Qantas send out. Some targetted the majority open to all. The person that only ever flies enough to fall short of Gold all of a sudden has Gold easily and goes out of the way to earn Platinum.
....

Sorry but that's a bit of a fallacy. If someone isn't flying enough to make SG, that same flying certainly won't earn them WP even entirely on DSC. If they fly more to earn WP then QF have gotten what they want. Revenue. And if they don't actually fly that often, they won't be in the lounges taking up space.

 

[Sluggo]

A very valid point!

 

[TonyHancock]

Disagree actually, we had a lunch a few years back with QF loyalty and data clearly shows lifetime golds as a whole fly significantly less, that's really the purpose of the benefit

mmmm that is interesting.

I have been QF LTG for four or five years now and my flying has actually increased during that time considerably.......however QF sees me flying an awful lot less.

 

[Natalie Z]

Disagree. (Most) of us are so used to heading straight for the lounges after check-in that we've forgotten that they are still pretty special places to be.
For most of those people whom sit firmly on the other side of the glass doors there is always an air of mystery about how the other half fly.

If you ever want proof of that simply spend a few hours sitting outside the lounges without going in. Although not quite the same as being unable, you soon remember just how nice they really are, and how ordinary out in the main terminal is.

Sorry to dig this up from last year, but I have a few things to add.

I viewed this post when I was contemplating becoming a member of the Qantas Club. I'm young and I'm a full time student. So far in my life, I've never been able to afford business class. To put it in perspective, the most special experience I've ever had when I've flown is being handed a complimentary glass of wine and a snack.

A few weeks ago I was shouted a business class ticket by a large company. I flew VA. I was in shock. I was so excited the night before that I nearly didn't sleep. I had always known of the Qantas and V Australia lounges, but I never quite knew what was inside. I didn't care too much...until I used one. It was so special. I mean, *so* so special you guys. No noise. No waiting in the line for a coffee and croissant. No line for the bathrooms. Nice hand wash. Comfortable chairs. No flights being called at such a loud volume that you can't hear the person who you're on the phone to and have to say "sorry about the noise". I understand that for most of you this would be the norm but it isn't for me. I looked into joining the qantas club immediately after the flight, which is why I'm now here on AFF (discounted QC membership with a gold account)

As a gift to myself, I went ahead and joined the QC. Adelaide is my home base. I was so thrilled with my experience yesterday. What a luxury it is to arrive at the airport, walk through those glass doors and be greeted with a smile and a "Good morning ma'am." To have a lovely fruit salad, bacon and eggs, any coffee I pleased. I'm really not used to it. I was so excited that I took a photo of my breakfast LOL. I'm also very excited to be able to bring a guest in with me (none of my friends use the lounge) Eventually it'll probably become the norm to me, but I just wanted to point out how special the lounge is!

Nat

 

[Hvr]

Eventually it'll probably become the norm to me, but I just wanted to point out how special the lounge is!

Just wait until you try the MEL/SYD F Lounge.

Enjoy the experience and long may it last.

 

[leadman]

It is really great to hear a newbie speak with excitement on the lounges, well done Nat Z. For us oldies, maybe we take them to much for granted and become a bit blasé in our attitude, even picking on the smallest of faults.

We should all read your post and seek that passion again. (and typing this in the Admirals Club LAX, Terminal 52)

 

[Denali]

......I had always known of the Qantas and V Australia lounges, but I never quite knew what was inside.....

Same with family or friends of mine so I post "Whats behind the doors" photos on my social media to share - most couple of times per year travellers (like me) dont have a clue. I remember one lounge visit there was Red Balloon massages in the lounge, heaven.

enjoy!

 

[Cult of one]

Same with family or friends of mine so I post "Whats behind the doors" photos on my social media to share - most couple of times per year travellers (like me) dont have a clue. I remember one lounge visit there was Red Balloon massages in the lounge, heaven.

enjoy!

I took a friend not long ago who had never been in a loungeand I recount the conversation below.

Him: How much is the beer here?
Me: Free mate
Him: No the crown largers not the tap stuff
Me; Free
Him: really wow. What about the food?
Me: Free
Him: No not the nuts the whole buffet thing?
Me: yeah mate all part of it, free
Him : I am never leaving here ever. if I miss my flight I just don't care.
Me: grab me a beer please while you are there
Him on return: I reckon I should have my daughters 21st here, would save me a fortune, the guests could come in one at a time with the extra pass.
Me: It doesn't work that way
Him: sigh, its a shame, I am off to get some of those cheese and salami things. Say isn't that the bloke off the TV? Oh wow I love his show

and on it went for the next hour and 6 beers later. It was like seeing my kids open their Xmas gifts

For non lounge people it is awesome and I remember those days.

 

[henleybeach]

I was like you Nat Z five or six years ago, like a deer in headlights when I first went into the QF and VA lounge. Thought it was all amazing and being from Adelaide as well I used to book indirect flights to Perth via Melb or Sydney just so I could drink a few wines and beers in the VA lounge. I’ve been VA gold for about six years now and the novelty has worn off , I used to get to the airport 2-3 hours before so I could relax in the lounge , now I’m in the lounge about 45 min . I still like to get there early for international flights like the Etihad lounge in Melb or Sydney and have coughtails and al-carte menu and dining. The lounges are the start of the addiction , wait until you learn about buying points for business class for international flights , you’ll never look back , I haven’t flown long haul Y in five years . It’s a great community this forum and people are always willing to help and have unbelievable knowledge, stick with the forum, read and before you know you’ll be a FFer!

Sorry to dig this up from last year, but I have a few things to add.

I viewed this post when I was contemplating becoming a member of the Qantas Club. I'm young and I'm a full time student. So far in my life, I've never been able to afford business class. To put it in perspective, the most special experience I've ever had when I've flown is being handed a complimentary glass of wine and a snack.

A few weeks ago I was shouted a business class ticket by a large company. I flew VA. I was in shock. I was so excited the night before that I nearly didn't sleep. I had always known of the Qantas and V Australia lounges, but I never quite knew what was inside. I didn't care too much...until I used one. It was so special. I mean, *so* so special you guys. No noise. No waiting in the line for a coffee and croissant. No line for the bathrooms. Nice hand wash. Comfortable chairs. No flights being called at such a loud volume that you can't hear the person who you're on the phone to and have to say "sorry about the noise". I understand that for most of you this would be the norm but it isn't for me. I looked into joining the qantas club immediately after the flight, which is why I'm now here on AFF (discounted QC membership with a gold account)

As a gift to myself, I went ahead and joined the QC. Adelaide is my home base. I was so thrilled with my experience yesterday. What a luxury it is to arrive at the airport, walk through those glass doors and be greeted with a smile and a "Good morning ma'am." To have a lovely fruit salad, bacon and eggs, any coffee I pleased. I'm really not used to it. I was so excited that I took a photo of my breakfast LOL. I'm also very excited to be able to bring a guest in with me (none of my friends use the lounge) Eventually it'll probably become the norm to me, but I just wanted to point out how special the lounge is!

Nat

 

[Mattg]

I'll never forget the first time I took a couple of Brazilian friends into the Qantas Club. They asked me how much the food and coffee was and couldn't believe it when I told them everything was free. They'd never visited an airport lounge before but were hooked by the time we finished our trip around Australia & New Zealand!

Thanks for the delightful post, Nat Z.

 

[Hvr]

Him: How much is the beer here?
Me: Free mate
Him: No the crown largers not the tap stuff
Me; Free
Him: really wow. What about the food?
Me: Free
Him: No not the nuts the whole buffet thing?
Me: yeah mate all part of it, free
Him : I am never leaving here ever. if I miss my flight I just don't care.

Not related to Kath and Kim is he?

 

[kookaburra75]

As a gift to myself, I went ahead and joined the QC. Adelaide is my home base. I was so thrilled with my experience yesterday. What a luxury it is to arrive at the airport, walk through those glass doors and be greeted with a smile and a "Good morning ma'am." To have a lovely fruit salad, bacon and eggs, any coffee I pleased. I'm really not used to it. I was so excited that I took a photo of my breakfast LOL. I'm also very excited to be able to bring a guest in with me (none of my friends use the lounge) Eventually it'll probably become the norm to me, but I just wanted to point out how special the lounge is!

Nat

Like the others who have posted, it's good to hear the enthusiasm and excitement about going into the lounges - something I remember from getting into the Flight Deck and Golden Wing lounges for the first time, when I started travelling a lot. Plus my kids thought it was a real treat to go there and get unlimited soft drink and chocolates. They are a really good set up, and while I might grumble from time to time, it's really not that bad. Hopefully we might bump into each other in the Adelaide Lounge.

 

[daft009]

I think I might be the odd one out, my first time in a lounge I was totally underwhelmed, I had a "is this it" feeling.
Even my first business class trip it the same "is this it" feeling.

It was not until my second time and then every time since mind you, that I've really enjoyed them & stopped reading reviews
I think it was reviews that did the damage for me lol.

With a SQ suites trip coming up and access to the TPR/F lounge, I've ensured I know how to get there and find the place, but that is it

 

[Denali]

.....Even my first business class trip it the same "is this it" feeling.is it

Similar on my first visit to the Etihad Syd lounge, I was wondering if there was a secret room elsewhere hiding the good stuff that others seem to post good reviews about. But alas, there is not...

 

[Natalie Z]

I think I might be the odd one out, my first time in a lounge I was totally underwhelmed, I had a "is this it" feeling.
Even my first business class trip it the same "is this it" feeling.

I kind-of had that feeling when I was up in the air, bear in mind it was a domestic flight though. I'm sure that if I was flying business on Emirates or Qantas international then it would have been much nicer. I felt like the lounge was the best part of it all, and the lounge was really special for me

 

[flying_duck]

I kind-of had that feeling when I was up in the air, bear in mind it was a domestic flight though. I'm sure that if I was flying business on Emirates or Qantas international then it would have been much nicer. I felt like the lounge was the best part of it all, and the lounge was really special for me

I loved reading your excitement. I still get that way about my favourite lounges and my favourite bartenders, but the regular BNE VA lounge doesn't cut it so much anymore. Wish I could go back in time! Hope to run into you (I'll be in ADL VA lounge 27/5 if you're wanting to check out the other side )

 

[Natalie Z]

I loved reading your excitement. I still get that way about my favourite lounges and my favourite bartenders, but the regular BNE VA lounge doesn't cut it so much anymore. Wish I could go back in time! Hope to run into you (I'll be in ADL VA lounge 27/5 if you're wanting to check out the other side )

Thanks Flying duck! And thank you for such a generous offer I live only ten minutes away from ADL airport, so I was quite keen on taking you up on your offer until I realised that I'll be in Queensland at that time. What's the VA lounge like in Adelaide? Do you think it's just as good as the Qantas Club?

 

[flying_duck]

Thanks Flying duck! And thank you for such a generous offer I live only ten minutes away from ADL airport, so I was quite keen on taking you up on your offer until I realised that I'll be in Queensland at that time. What's the VA lounge like in Adelaide? Do you think it's just as good as the Qantas Club?

Haha no, club is probably better. I've not been in it, so I can't comment. But I'm sure someone else here can It's been a long time since I flew the kangaroo...

 

[Natalie Z]

Here was my breaky the other day. It was so yummy you guys! I didn't see a barista and I was there at 7 AM, however the barista may have been around the other side? I think there's a bar and stuff around the other side. I didn't think to look as I wasn't sure if I was allowed to access it..but it looked like you could just walk right over there. I wish I had been able to spend longer than 15 minutes in the lounge but oh well. It all felt so fancy! After that I had an entire row to myself on the Jetstar flight to Cairns. I know that some of you are probably frowning at Jetstar, but at the moment I'm not really in a financial position to fork out the extra couple hundred that other carriers cost. Jetstar fly direct too. I'd probably hate flying Jetstar if I was accustomed to QF to VA though..ignorance is bliss I suppose

 

[JessicaTam]

Thanks for your enthusiasm @Nat Z. Keep an eye on the lounge meetup sub-forum and there is a good chance you can share your enthusiasm with other AFFers. Lounge Meetups

Oh, I haven't been to the ADL VA lounge, but I hear it is very underwelming. So best to stick with the QP.

Good luck with the study, and see you in a lounge somewhere.

Edit: The ADL barista* is at the other end of the long bar away from the windows.

*Not to be confused with an ADL AFFer.