Sydney: Qantas First Class Lounge

BEYOND THE FROSTED GLASS DOORS

After all those hours of flying with Qantas you finally have reached the highest status of all…PLATNIUM…

Well maybe you have…I haven’t been so lucky yet

On a recent visit to Sydney Airport, I lived the life of a high flyer for a couple of hours and saw how a select few travel in style.

(NOTE: Just to be clear I wasn’t just visiting the airport- I WAS flying somewhere- even though I do love airports).

I had what the Golden Ticket is to the Willy Wonka Factory- access to the Qantas First Class Lounge.

The Qantas First Class Lounge surely is a little price of heaven and boy did I love it. For someone who can’t wait to board the plane as early as possible I was definitely content in hearing my name being called over the PA system as I perused around every last inch.

Once you have finally dodge the obstacle course of perfume and various alcoholic beverage testers that is Duty Free in Sydney Airport, ascend (I was floating) up the escalators towards the frosted glass doors…. yes it felt just like Heaven.

 

We were greeted by the concierge after passing the Golden Gates… I mean frosted sliding doors.

To the left was a hanging garden wall and to the right was a floor to ceiling glass window with views of planes taking off from the tarmac.

My tips for getting the most out of your time in the Lounge

First tip: Go Early.

You can check in 3 hours prior to an International flight. (Airbus A380 services to Los Angeles: check-in opens 4 hours before the flight)

This gives one plenty of time to see what all the fuss is about

Second tip:

First order of business when welcomed at the front desk is to book your spa treatment at the Payout Spa. Check with the front desk what appointments are available…yes they have a full functioning spa in the lounge that opens at 9am.

…. That was my draw card

They will offer spa treatments to first class flyers the day before. Guests will be fitted in on a first served basis. The earlier you arrive, the more time you will have to book in for longer appointments such a 50 min ” Full Body Massage” and “Intensive Hydrating Facial”

The spa is a wonder in itself…It has the same hanging garden wall in the waiting room and Cafe del Mar playing in the treatment rooms complete with a shower for your convenience.

 

As for where to “hang out”, take your pick of the various semi contained lounge areas, private meeting rooms, the business center fitted with printers and computers, the library or the marble bar for a cocktail. Take your pick of where to relax with WI-FI access through the lounge.

Or if you are like me head straight for the food.

Tip 3: Eat. I ordered one of everything

Head to the restaurant to sample the signature menu created by Rockpool owner Neil Perry and lap up the first class service it has to offer.

The Breakfast al le carte menu was the highlight for me which is served until 11am. Unfortunately we weren’t there pass that otherwise I would have been ordering lunch as well.

But why stop at one breakfast. I highly recommend the Salmon and Avocado on sourdough and Blueberry pancakes. I also highly recommend having a friend with you to share and sample all the different dishes.

For those not as excited by the thought of copious amounts of food, you may help yourself to the self-serve bar of fresh buffet nibbles and drinks.

Access

The Lounge is open to all passengers flying First class on a Qantas flight and its Oneworld partners such as British Airways. Platinum Members and Oneworld Emerald members may enter regardless of what class they may be flying. They may also bring in 1 guest who is also travelling on Qantas/Oneworld flights.

My 2 cents

So I wonder how on earth I will ever be able to travel again. I have had a taste of the high life. I have been spoilt and I don’t know if I will be able to join the common folk again down on level 1 of the International Airport…mmm…McDonalds…

I’d been lying if I said my alter ego didn’t slink out just a little during out little escapade because she did. Miss Moneypenny is not one to ever miss an opportunity to lap up the luxury.

 

 

 

 

Miss Moneypenny orders the Moet filled Bellini at breakfast and calls everyone Darling.