Amex’s impressive new Lounge boasts luxe amenities, premium dining and variety of relaxation spaces.
There’s no better way to kick off a holiday with a pre-departure visit to a premium airline lounge, and for many American Express cardholders, that experience is now even better!
American Express has transitioned to a new and improved cardmember lounge which boasts three times the floor space of the original.
Located near Gates 50 to 63 at Sydney Airport’s T1 International terminal, the new Lounge delivers over 600 square metres of luxe space to dine, work or relax in.
It’s operated by global premium airport hospitality specialists Plaza Premium Group, which also manages the highly regarded American Express Lounge at Melbourne International Airport.
TCM was invited to take a peek at Amex’s spacious new Lounge, and we’re excited to share our feedback (and a range of exclusive photos) with you.
Inside the new American Express Lounge at Sydney Airport
Make no mistake – American Express has raised the bar with this impressive space, and it’s arguably set to deliver one of the best Lounge experiences in Sydney International T1.
Some of our readers have commented that the new Lounge looks to be a cut above the yet-to-be-refurbished Qantas Sydney International Business Lounge. And, based on our initial viewing, we’d tend to agree!
There’s lots to love about this new Lounge which boasts three distinct areas within its expanded 600 square metre footprint.
First up, there’s a relaxation zone which features a range of seating options and windows overlooking the tarmac action at Gate 58.
Moving into the middle of the Lounge, guests can perch at a pair of communal long-tables or take a seat at one of many banquettes positioned along the wall.
Heading to the dining area, a long bar traverses the far wall. A wide selection of beverages is served up here, including cocktails, quality Australian wines, craft and international tap beers, and decent coffee.
At the far end of the Lounge, there’s a spacious dining room, complete with a buffet area and live cooking station. Here, experienced chefs will whip up a range of cooked-to-order dishes, including a signature beef ragout fettucine and pizza.
Other amenities include showers stocked with L’Occitane toiletries, high-speed Wi-Fi, a selection of local and international magazines and newspapers and plenty of well-positioned charging stations.
Who can enter the American Express Lounge at Sydney Airport?
Entry to the American Express Lounge is a valuable membership perk that is offered on a range of cards, including the Qantas American Express Ultimate, currently boasting 120,000 Qantas Points for new cardholders (min spend, T&Cs apply).
The following cards have unlimited complimentary access to The American Express Lounge at the Sydney International Airport and Melbourne Airport):
- American Express Centurion Card
- American Express Platinum Card
- American Express Platinum Business Card
The following cards are entitled to two complimentary entries per calendar year to the American Express Lounge, located at Sydney International Airport (or Melbourne International Airport):
- American Express Platinum Corporate Card
- American Express Explorer Credit Card
- American Express Business Explorer Credit Card
- American Express Platinum Reserve Credit Card
- Qantas American Express Ultimate Card
- Qantas American Express Corporate Platinum Card
- American Express Velocity Platinum Card
- American Express Airpoints Platinum Card
- American Express Westpac Altitude Black Card
Things to note:
Additional Lounge entries are available for purchase at the reception desk for AU$55.
Card Members are entitled to bring their children between the ages of 0-17 and up to 2 guests into the lounge – this is a generous policy.
To enter the lounge, the Card must be current and issued by American Express Australia Limited with the exception of internationally issued American Express Centurion and American Express Platinum Cards, which are also eligible to enter the American Express Lounge Sydney.
For cards that offer two single entry passes each calendar year, the entry allocation may be used by the Basic Card Member, Supplementary Card Member, or a guest travelling with a Card Member. Additional Lounge visits are allowed but charges will apply.
American Express Lounge Sydney opening hours
The Lounge is open 6am to 11pm, 7 days a week.
The Champagne Mile visited the American Express Lounge at Sydney Airport as a guest of American Express.
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Is there an Amex arrivals lounge or is it just for departures? We arrive in Sydney very early so breakfast would be good.
Hi Ann, this lounge is located in the departures area. Unfortunately there isn’t an Amex lounge located in arrivals.
Hi, no entry for Amex Platinum Edge?
Hi May, no, lounge access isn’t a benefit included with the Platinum Edge Card. You’d need to upgrade to one of the cards included in the entry list.
Hi, if me and my husband go in using our 2 complimentary pass, how many guests can we take with us?
Hi Mimi, if you hold a card that offers two single passes each calendar year, these are each valid for one single adult entry – so while you could gift the second pass to a travelling companion, neither of the passes allow free entry of additional adult guests (each single entry pass admits one person only). However, you may be able to bring in children free of charge (more info towards the end of the post), and it is possible to pay for additional adult entries for other travelling companions. Enjoy the lounge!
Still not a lounge in the domestic terminal?
Hi Jean, not as yet 🙂
Are there any tarmac views from the new lounge?
Yes, there are good views to gate 58 from the relaxation / lounge area.
Hi Adele,
Any talk of an Amex lounge in Brisbane?
Hi Anthony, not as yet – but we’ll certainly provide more information if we hear about the possibility down the track.