As airport facilities improve...

[Marko]

The value of lounge access decreases as the level of public facilities in the airport increases. For domestic travel if had not qualified for membership, I would not now pay for the Qantas Club. Today, I can meet colleagues for pre-flight chat over better coffee and breakfast than available in the lounge in most Australian airports. As for the Friday return, I would rather get to the airport at the right time for a flight that left on time than stand around a crowded lounge for free beer.

 

[Sprucegoose]

The value of lounge access decreases as the level of public facilities in the airport increases. For domestic travel if had not qualified for membership, I would not now pay for the Qantas Club. Today, I can meet colleagues for pre-flight chat over better coffee and breakfast than available in the lounge in most Australian airports. As for the Friday return, I would rather get to the airport at the right time for a flight that left on time than stand around a crowded lounge for free beer.

Less crowded outside the lounge !!

 

[harvyk]

I have to admit, I don't always spend my time in the lounges. However there is nothing worse than being outside the lounge wanting to get in (as what happened to me earlier this year in both HKG and PVG)

Yes some lounges can get very full on a Friday afternoon (eg MEL), but nothing is forcing you to stay.

 

[simongr]

Noise is a big factor for me.

Also I think the Int'l lounges are the big differentiators rather than the DOM lounges.

 

[ric_melb]

I am not sure airport facilities have improved that much. Give me a Qantas Club at non peak hours, and I love it. One thing I also find is that the toilets are much better in the QP than outside.
Agree its when you travel overseas that QP comes into its own.
Use Bangkok as an example. Entering the QP with decent toilets and aircon, as opposed to the crowded hot airport; what a difference.

 

[bossreggie]

I could not imagine not having lounge access. I try to avoid peak periods but even when the lounges are busy they are better than sitting at a gate.

I also agree about the whole toilet situation being generally cleaner.

As for international..... OMG. Not a comparison.

 

[nlagalle]

The value of lounge access decreases as the level of public facilities in the airport increases. For domestic travel if had not qualified for membership, I would not now pay for the Qantas Club. Today, I can meet colleagues for pre-flight chat over better coffee and breakfast than available in the lounge in most Australian airports. As for the Friday return, I would rather get to the airport at the right time for a flight that left on time than stand around a crowded lounge for free beer.

I think that is also a bit of a generalisation too. There are other benefits the lounge provides aside from a seat and a few drinks. shifting flight times and ODU's are a couple of things. Personally I would hate to lose lounge access and some of those benefits.

I've had no issues with the Barista coffee either - except it needs to operate longer!

 

[Timba-Jet]

Marko, you do raise a fair point, some of the newer airports/terminals are bliss (eg HKIA, Changi) and plently to keep you entertained for a couple of hours.

However lots of int aiprorts have a long way to go, and having access to a lounge is a relaxtion haven for me. I'm a very impatient person and hate 'waiting', so to relax in lounge, glass of wine some food/nibblies adds to my travel experience.

As others have said, a hot shower is priceless, and extra helpful staff is handy incase of issues.

 

[Oneworldplus2]

Use Bangkok as an example. Entering the QP with decent toilets and aircon, as opposed to the crowded hot airport; what a difference.

I found BKK (Suvarnabhumi) airport very good (left SYD for dead IMO!). Miles ahead and only a few years old too. Sure you weren't thinking of HKT?

 

[flyer4703]

Food, drink and ODU's are not the only benefits of lounge access.
I know it's boring but some of us catch up on work at the airport so access to internet, printers and faxes and a desk to work can be invaluable.
I certainly find it more comfortable working in the lounge than sitting in the terminal with my laptop on my lap.

 

[ric_melb]

Thanks Oneworldplus2, perhaps I should have been more specific. Was thinking of Don Muang. The Qantas lounge there was a haven from the heat and crowds.

 

[drewbles]

Whilst airport facilities have gotten better over time, for those people who travel a lot (ie, real frequent flyers), lounge access is something that's pretty essential, especially in international travel.

Being able to grab a desk, wifi, catch up on work, have a cold one, use relatively clean bathroom facilities, a hot shower and not have to pay extra for the benefit, is really a godsend. It also negates the need to carry small amounts of foreign currency for buying a coffee at a café, although the world is slowly adopting credit card/paypass/paywave.

Also, most airports will bend tenants over and do nasty things to them in the rent department, meaning your less-than-average-quality brown hot caffeinated water may cost you as much as the GDP of Zimbabwe (hey at least the lounge coffee is gratis ).