Worst Domestic Qantas Lounges & What Can be Done About It?

[kangarooflyer88]

I really can't understand how anyone could rate the SYD Q Pub worse than the MEL one.

In terms of catering I can absolutely see it.

 

[clifford]

In terms of catering I can absolutely see it.

Don't they have the baked potatoes in both lounges? Maybe food was the one thing I missed, as I didn't eat in MEL.

But, FWIW, I did find the BNE Q Pub lounge to be much better than the bus lounge there, drinks wise. Food wise, no.

 

[Berlin]

Is it definitely gone ?
The last time I was in BNE J early evening (earlier this month) they were serving chili and nachos from that Cantina bit.
I didn’t have any but the group beside me were tucking in. Didn’t look that bad.

Oh- maybe it’s back, that would be awesome news! Last time they had really awful chicken wings which were definitely not “Cantina”. Will travel through Brissy in three weeks time so keen to check it out!

 

[Cognac]

BNE J has been pretty good the last couple of times I've been through there. They even appear to be doing a late-afternoon run-around with some special for lunch being offered to everyone as if it was seated service. The only issue I have is it's a cold lounge. The AC has never not been on max-power when I've been there.

As for the hi-vis keeping the gremlins away from PER J? I wish. Instead it means that if you have an early-morning flight to anywhere the lounge is absolutely packed, and it takes ages to get a coffee (well, what passes for a coffee in the Qantas lounges, with the "baristas" pouring shots into cups with abandon until that cup just happens to get used). But the lounge definitely has things not working on a regular basis, and goes through wear-and-tear just like everywhere else. Maybe even more so. I'm certain those chairs haven't even looked clean for at least a couple of years now.

Having said all of that, Perth is definitely not high on the list of lounges that need refurb.

 

[Berlin]

Having said all of that, Perth is definitely not high on the list of lounges that need refurb.

Who needs a refurb if you can get a slice of hot cheesy pizza? Okay, I admit it. I’m quite obviously obsessed with it

 

[SYD]

I really can't understand how anyone could rate the SYD Q Pub worse than the MEL one.

MEL is a dungeon (elevated) with no windows, pitiful seating and surly staff (and no doubt other shortcomings).

SYD is bright and airy, has nice views, reasonable seating and the staff are no worse than MEL.

The dodgy voting system is skewing SYD because lots of WPs want a refurb to the J lounge (not necessarily the QP).

If and when the SYD Dom lounges get a makeover, I’d expect the QP to be relegated to the space over Gate 1 and the J lounge to the QP and maybe the air space over the round bit - that would be cool!

 

[docjames]

Is it definitely gone ?
The last time I was in BNE J early evening (earlier this month) they were serving chili and nachos from that Cantina bit.
I didn’t have any but the group beside me were tucking in. Didn’t look that bad.

It opens subject to staffing. I had a long wait for a late flight and spoke tot the staff - bartender (x1) was doing her first week of shifts as they couldn’t get staff. Was enjoying it and hoping for more.

Cantina was closed - I enquired and expressed disappointment and noting it hadn’t been open the last few time did been there.

Apparently Cantina is now only open subject to staffing - so I assume the lounges are having similar staffing issues to the rest of Australia.

Post automatically merged: Feb 24, 2023

State of the Mel J Dom lounge showers (all) this morning.

Love how they’ve thrown MEL AP under the bus on that one.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Don't they have the baked potatoes in both lounges? Maybe food was the one thing I missed, as I didn't eat in MEL.

Excuse me is this a recreation of the Great Irish Famine or the Qantas lounge? If I wanted bland food, I wouldn't be at an airport lounge!

 

[clifford]

If I wanted bland food, I wouldn't be at an airport lounge!

So I guess you don't go to the Qantas domestic lounges...

 

[tassie6]

On the HBA redevelopment, I happen to know there is currently a tender out for the early works including road realignment and service relocations right now, to start in probably April ahead of a main contractor starting on the main terminal in the latter end of this year. The tender is real and full design a fair way there for the terminal

 

[kangarooflyer88]

So I guess you don't go to the Qantas domestic lounges...

Not all Qantas domestic lounges are potato heaven, I can think of a couple (like MEL) where there is a noodle bar, lollies and other treats. Internationally, I maintain that QF J lounges (operated by Emirates) feature great dining. Here's what the QF INTL J lounge at SYD looks like:

 

[SYD]

Not all Qantas domestic lounges are potato heaven, I can think of a couple (like MEL) where there is a noodle bar, lollies and other treats. Internationally, I maintain that QF J lounges (operated by Emirates) feature great dining. Here's what the QF INTL J lounge at SYD looks like:
View attachment 317444

Slightly misleading to refer to EK lounges as QF lounges. Not all QFi is eligible for access.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Slightly misleading to refer to EK lounges as QF lounges. Not all QFi is eligible for access.

Fair point in that two things must be true for you to access these lounges:

1. The flight is to anywhere except the Americas
2. Your flight departs during the limited times the lounge is open

With that being said, I will continue to yell from the rooftops about the lounge given the number of QF Golds/J passengers in the SYD INTL J lounge who could've taken a few extra steps to go to what is a FAR superior lounge!

-RooFlyer88

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Just checked the QF lounge website and see the following announcement made regarding Hobart:

Hobart Qantas Club

Plans for a relocation in 2024 into a new Hobart Qantas Club with a larger premise in line with the overall terminal redevelopment.

So it looks like there is a tentative time set for development!

-RooFlyer88

 

[docjames]

BNE Dom J lounge was a zoo yesterday afternoon.

2 staff behind bar. Service times good despite it being busy.

No cantina although at one stage a staff member did come around with a tray - it appeared to be the last one on the tray but all they said was “do you want the fish”?

I’m like “what fish”? It appeared to be two battered fish bites on a salad.

 

[docjames]

Oh and the priority lounge entry was slow, and the non status line boarded faster / shorter than the priority line after starting concurrently (dumb). Saw a SG BP for row 22.

 

[AIRwin]

BME is fairly pleasant actually albeit very small, definitely better than HBA. Im guessing BME is also related to increased space from the current terminal development (in progress)

Enhanced BME lounge opening December:

https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/qantas-unveils-new-broome-regional-lounge/