Frequent flyers rejoice! Qantas has announced that international First Lounges in Sydney and Melbourne, along with its Premium Lounge in Brisbane, will soon reopen.
Qantas will roll out the red carpet for these flagship spaces from Monday, April 19, providing a luxurious start to the Australia-New Zealand bubble.
Who can access the Qantas First Lounges?
If a visit to the Qantas First lounge has long been on your bucket list, here’s your chance!
In exciting news, passengers who would usually only be able to visit lower-tier lounges will gain access to the two First lounges when travelling across the Tasman, until the airline’s other international lounges reopen. This includes:
- Qantas business customers
- Qantas Club members
- Gold and above Qantas Frequent Flyer members
- Equivalent oneworld and partner airline elite members
Qualifying Australian and New Zealand-based members of other airline programs can also register for Qantas’ limited-time Gold Status Fast Track offer, unlocking lounge access during the 90-day qualifying period.
Hold a single entry Qantas Club Lounge pass? A Qantas spokesperson advised The Champagne Mile that unfortunately complimentary invites won’t be accepted for the first few weeks, however, the airline is looking to provide an update in the near future.
What to expect on a visit to the Qantas First Lounge
The Qantas flagship First Lounges in Sydney and Melbourne have consistently ranked amongst the best airline lounges in the world. Prior to the pandemic, these exclusive spaces pampered guests with a range of indulgent services and high-end amenities.
Boasting top-notch a la carte dining, bottomless Champagne, and even an on-site spa, a visit to the incredible Qantas first-class Lounge was a highlight for many travellers. Personally speaking, pre-Covid, access to the First Lounge was a major motivation for my yearly Platinum status runs!
Qantas has confirmed that both the Sydney and Melbourne first-class lounges will continue to offer an a la carte menu featuring signature dishes such as salt and pepper calamari and pavlova (but sadly no corn fritters!).
However given the expanded access list, it remains to be seen whether some of the more exclusive experiences like the First Lounge Spa or on-tap Champagne will be on offer.
Take a trip down memory lane with our First Lounge reviews
To find out more about what makes these spaces so special, you can read my pre-Covid review of the Qantas Sydney First Lounge here. I’ve also published a post on how to spend a full day (yes, it’s worth it!) in the Lounge here.
You can also read all about the Qantas First Lounge Spa here.
Lounge access in New Zealand
Qantas lounges in New Zealand will remain closed. Instead, Platinum and Gold Qantas frequent flyers, and Qantas Club members will gain access to Air New Zealand international lounges in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown.
Conclusion
Qantas’ decision to expand access to flagship First Lounges is a logical and shrewd move that is likely to re-ignite interest in elite frequent flyer status and lounge access.
Will you be looking to take a trip to the Qantas First Lounge?
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