After my wonderful flight from Dallas Forth Worth in Qantas First Class, I had a few hours until my next flight. Plenty of time to enjoy this great lounge in Sydney. After clearing transit security, I made my way upstairs to the lounge. The lounge entrance is located on level 3, one floor above the main departure level and then the lounge itself is on level 4.
As a reminder, this lounge is accessible to those departing Sydney on an international flight in first class on Qantas, Emirates or any Oneworld carrier, plus those holding platinum status with Qantas or Emirates or Emerald status on any Oneworld airline with an onward flight that day in any class of service. Travelers meeting the above requirements are allowed one guest traveling on the same flight. At busy times, the lounge could potentially host a lot of guests, but it is large enough to never seem too crowded, at least in my experience. If it seems busy near the entrance, try heading out to the far end on either side, those areas are rarely as popular.
First thing upon entry to the lounge is the large live green wall. On the opposite side is a panoramic view of the tarmac. I made my way upstairs to the 4th floor reception desk, where I was warmly welcomed. At this time I also asked about the availability of spa treatments. Advance booking is only available for passengers departing in First, but thanks to the early morning arrival of my flight, I had no issue getting a treatment scheduled.
Qantas First Lounge, Sydney
This is one of my favorite lounges I’ve visited. Up there with Cathay Pacific’s The Pier in Hong Kong, and the Etihad First Class Lounge in Abu Dhabi, and even the Thai Airways First Class Lounge and Spa in Bangkok. Top for me remains the Lufthansa First Class Terminal. Each of those lounges have made to order dining, spa services, and diverse seating options usually allowing for privacy if desired.
Back to my time in the Sydney lounge; I entered around 6:30am, and while it opened 90 minutes before I arrived, it was still pretty empty. That changed as the morning wore on, and the lounge got crowded with lots of outbound flights leaving mid-late morning, including my own to Auckland. I found a place to sit, and initially just relaxed and enjoyed watching the sun rise over Sydney city centre and the domestic terminal in the foreground.
Views from the lounge are excellent with floor to ceiling windows facing east. Food and drink is also outstanding in this lounge. At some point, I had an excellent latte, made with care at one of several barista stands in the lounge.
Qantas First Spa
Eventually it was time for my spa treatment. Spa services are available for any lounge guest, but the schedule is often full. At busy times it is often difficult to get an appointment. Only passengers departing in Qantas First Class can prebook a treatment. I had this opportunity on my return flight, although this proved more difficult than it should have been.
Comments on booking at the Qantas First Spa
Before the trip, I updated contact information in my reservation, hoping to make the arrangements easy. The day before my flight back to Dallas, I received a text message from Qantas concierge services who asked me to call a different number if I wanted to make any arrangements. Since car service is only for those on trips paid with cash. I did want to make a spa booking, so first I attempted to reply to the text, but there was no response. So despite the fact that I was traveling internationally, I had to call to this other (Australian) number make a spa booking. The person I spoke to was lovely, but this seems overly complicated. Definitely room for improvement here.
Not really spa person, but I do visit on occasion when traveling. Normally I would get a massage, but upon recommendation of a friend, instead I decided to get the Men’s Purifying Facial. I’ve never had a treatment like that before, but it was excellent. On the return trip through the spa I did the de-stress back massage, which was very nice as well.
20 minute treatments are complimentary, and I’m sure they all are great, but unfortunately there is only time for one. I selected my treatment when I made the booking, but it seemed like that option could be changed upon arrival, although presumably some rooms and therapists are dedicated to certain treatments. In any case, I highly recommend making an spa booking as soon as you can, which may well mean as soon as you arrive in the lounge. The reception desk will make the arrangements for you.
More views and a meal
After my spa treatment, I sat at the bar briefly, and perused the menu for some (more) food. Second breakfast as it were after my inbound flight from Dallas. I started with a raspberry lemonade kombucha.
And then an egg white omelet with spinach and feta.
On my second trip through the lounge, I sat in the area more dedicated to dining, and had some fried food. In this case, a half order of the corn fritters with bacon. Junk food on vacation. Who knew? In any case, dining in Qantas First lounges is great, and you can make a fantastic meal during a visit. If you don’t want to order off the menu there are various snack stations throughout the lounge. The offerings here change with the time of day. While there is a bar for coffee or cocktails, there are also self-serve drink options, mostly beer, wine and tea.
After my meal, I found another window seat, and had a glass of champagne and watched airplanes. I could see the A380 that would be taking me back to the US in the distance, as well as some other interesting planes.
Qantas First Lounge Sydney bottom line
This is an excellent lounge. I was fortunate to visit twice on this trip, as I transited Sydney both ways. There is a variety of seating options, excellent food, a lovely spa, and great views. Showers are good as well. Even when the lounge is busy, finding relative privacy shouldn’t be too hard, but I would suggest walking to either end. I’ve found that most guest tend to plop down near the entryway, and don’t move too far away.
While I was in first class on this trip, the ability to access lovely lounge when departing Sydney is one of the best benefits of oneworld Emerald status. Qantas lounges are nice worldwide, but this flagship lounge in Sydney is great. I’d love to also visit the Melbourne First lounge, but either way, I can’t wait to return.
How about you, did you enjoy your visit to the Qantas First Lounge in Sydney?
