International Business Lounge vs QP

[ljbarry]

Hi, my first post.

Not sure if this has been discussed (sorry if it has, I couldn't find anything)

I travel fairly often between Melbourne and Sydney and have bought myself QP membership (sorry, i'm one of those people) and am considering next time I fly up booking on the JQ flights that depart the international terminals. However, to assess if this is worth the trouble I am curious as to what the comparison is between the Domestic QP and the International Business lounge I would be able to go into- are they pretty much the same? or is one better than the other (eg. is the Int. Bus lounge like the Domestic J lounge?)

if they are similar in terms of service which lounge specifically is better at Melbourne and Sydney Airports?

 

[medhead]

Welcome to AFF.

No need to be sorry for buying QP membership, it is the original and, IMO, only true way to gain lounge access.

I'm afraid I don't frequent international lounges enough to answer your question. But it couldn't hurt to give it a try and decide for yourself. In terms of which lounge would be better, as qantas focuses on Sydney I would guess that lounge would be slightly better. But I think the Melbourne lounge service might benefit from being less crowded.

 

[markis10]

I would say there is little difference to justify the effort, especially as the international flights have the tendency to be more flexible with their schedules and as a result are often late.

 

[chris-syd]

Hi I'm new here too but I have QP Life.

International Business lounge is a smaller but there are a lot less people.
It's self service for most of the food and drink (open bar) with usually a steward offering a meal.

Last time I was in the lounge was Sept last year in Syd.

 

[Fantic125]

I fly fairly frequent international flights in and out of Sydney from my home base in Adelaide, so have seen a lot of the SYD QP (was there last Friday) and international business lounge and would have to say in my opinion there isn't much difference between the two.

The F lounges on the other hand.....

 

[harvyk]

I'm going the other way,

Int J Lounge's are much nicer than the QP's... IMHO about the only thing a QP has which the Int J doesn't is a bar service, that said they do have the self serve bar.
I've found that Int J Lounges are quieter, more relaxed and much better food than in a QP... (I have been known to head out into the main terminal to escape the hustle and bustle of the QP)...

So yes if I had the time (and didn't need to transport a great deal of liquids as carryon) I'd chose a domestic flight from international terminal every time, it is worth the little bit of hassle for a much nicer experience

Of course neither have a patch on the F Lounge, but that's another story...

 

[tallie]

I would say that the Int Business lounge is comparable to the J lounges in domestic. Def worth it for something different. When we were in the Int lounge in May around lunch, we were heading to coughet *class. They had a very yummy Salmon plate service, the usual help yourself curries and rice. Great views over the tarmac, self serve bar and a very nice pinot. Feels a lot newer and nicer. Also the Whiskey tasting session with Chivas going through duty free was worth it too. Tried some really nice 23 yo single malt. I think i was tipsy before I even got to the lounge.

 

[OverrideServlet]

I have spent a lot of time in both the Qantas Club and International Business lounge in MEL & SYD. I think the International lounges are way better but I am usually short on time when I travel and the extra effort to go through customs/immigration isn't worth it.

So, if it's something you're curious about and you have some spare time, just do it! You've got nothing to lose.

If you do decide to try it the only thing I'd suggest is to try to pick a flight that departs around lunch or evening dinner times so that there are more meal options available.

 

[ozmille]

I must say I prefer the int J lounge as well. A lot lighter then the dom J lounge. But now I have Flounge access which I am very eager to try next month!

 

[dk4]

From the bubbles to the hot food, it's all a little bit nicer International. If you haven't been to SYD T1 Qantas Business Lounge before, here's a brief look inside - http://www.australianfrequentflyer....ific-new-business-class-30331.html#post440899

But as with many things on AFF, if it is something that you haven't done before (in regards to flying) then that alone is usually sufficient reason to do it! (And then post about your musings.)

 

[ljbarry]

Well I think that is a challenge! If only those pesky people from Customs didn't mind me just waltzing through immigration at my leisure....!

I'm flying up tomorrow but haven't been able to get on an Int terminal flight because of scheduling this time- but have gotten myself an Exit Row in economy tomorrow and flying Business back on monday, so i'm sure getting to see the J lounge will make up for it!.

There isn't any way to get on a QF sector between MEL-SYD is there? (assuming there are such sectors?) is JQ the only airline now offering these flights?

 

[tuapekastar]

Another + to the International J lounge vs. QP/domestic J, in MEL at least.

Better driinks, food, bar (self-serve, which frankly I prefer) is open at all times the lounge is open, and usually less crowded. No windows (bit of a dungeon) is the only drawback I can think of.

Not sure I'd fly a Dom leg of an Int flight just to access it, but as some have said, why not give it a try? Can't hurt.

 

[ljbarry]

Yeah, I must say that does look to be a bit of a design oversight having all the lounges (except QF F and EK) surrounded by arrivals concourse so they can't have any windows. I suppose in terms of the overall functionality of the airport it makes sense though. I do always find it nifty how the aerobridges at Melbourne rise and fall to send passengers to the correct floor