Qantas First Lounge entrance, closed door
Qantas Sydney First Lounge entrance. Photo: Matt Graham.

The First Class lounge is supposed to be a luxury oasis away from the bustling airport terminal. But one member’s recent experience left them despairing at the lack of lounge etiquette displayed by other passengers. This member’s visit to Qantas’ First Lounge in Melbourne was spoiled by rude, noisy and downright inconsiderate lounge guests.

One passenger in the dining area spent an entire meal talking loudly on the phone. Meanwhile, by the television, a large group of blokes loudly cheered on the football as if at the local pub.

Hoping to get some work done, our member retreated to one of the private meeting rooms. Unfortunately, the walls of the meeting room were not thick enough to block the noise of a family in the neighbouring room. Our member was relieved to learn that this family was travelling on a different flight after the parents changed their baby’s nappy on the floor of said meeting room. Our member was particularly bemused when the father emerged from the meeting room holding the dirty diaper.

Some members say this would be okay if the parents used a baby change mat. Others believe bathrooms are the only acceptable place to change a nappy in any airport lounge, and not a place where guests eat meals.

Our member sees the humour in their lounge experience and fully understands that this is a first-world problem. But they despair at the lack of manners and lounge etiquette on display on that fateful evening at Melbourne Airport. With thongs now banned from some Qantas lounges, this member questions whether behaviour standards should also apply.

Join the discussion HERE.

The editor of Australian Frequent Flyer, Matt's passion for travel has taken him to over 70 countries… with the help of frequent flyer points, of course!
Matt's favourite destinations (so far) are Germany, Brazil & Kazakhstan. His interests include economics, aviation & foreign languages, and he has a soft spot for good food and red wine.

You can connect with Matt by posting on the Australian Frequent Flyer community forum and tagging @AFF Editor.
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