Killing time at Sydney Airport

[kamchatsky]

My better half and I will be flying CX138 Y SYD-HKG (on CX award) departing this Wed night at 21:55. I finish work at about 5pm so I can easily get to the airport by 6pm if not earlier.

The only problem is how I am going to kill time for 4 hours at SYD? Is it possible to actually buy lounge pass for Qantas club lounge for the day? I am a OW NB.

What other ways can I kill time at the airport for almost 4 hours? Or should I just hang around the city instead with my luggage?

Finally, can I actually check in with bag drop for CX at the airport 4 hours before takeoff?

 

[thewinchester]

On the lounge question: Nope, QF don't sell lounge access to the QP. There's also no paid lounges at SYD T1, so you're out of luck there too.

 

[mannej]

Even with QP membership, I don't think it entitles you access as a NB flying CX y.

 

[Leumas]

I don't think you can check bags more than 3 hours prior, so you may as well take your time in the city before heading to the airport.

Once airside, Macquarie Airports have invested millions to transform the airport into a giant shopping mall, there're plenty of shops and eateries to take your money.

 

[moa999]

Check-in normally only opens at 3hrs before.

Plenty of new food and shopping places.

 

[medhead]

If you're anything like me you'll get to 4:30 and still have 4 jobs that you want to get done before leaving, which will take you until 5:15 to 5:30 to finish.

 

[kamchatsky]

Oh well, my better half suggested that we watch a movie at George St cinema before going to the airport, but it is almost pointless given I will be watching even more on StudioCX once on the plane, not to mention that it is not long enough to watch it then get to airport on time (hardly any movies starts around 5 pm).

Are there any decent bars with good view of Sydney harbour that my better half and I can spend time on? Whilst there are new restuarants and shops in the airport I am generally not that keen to spend time there (unless it is lounges), their shops are not that exciting to me.

Given I live in Sydney, I just realised how little I know about Sydney bars and other hang out places .....

 

[Leumas]

Lots of options at Circular Quay/Opera House, e.g., the Opera Bar, and then just catch the train from there straight to the airport.

Alternatively, track back slightly to Wynyard for places like the Ivy, GPO or the Establishment...

It all depends on where you start off at in the CBD.

 

[NM]

Why not just find a nice restaurant for dinner together, then head to the airport when check-in opens about 3 hours before departure. Probably cheaper than any pay-as-you-go lounge access would be if it was available to you.

 

[k_sheep]

Even with QP membership, I don't think it entitles you access as a NB flying CX y.

Really? I thought you could get access whenever flying with OW.

 

[NM]

Really? I thought you could get access whenever flying with OW.

No, Qantas Club membership only permits access to Qantas, BA and AA lounges when your next departure on one of those respective airlines. Qantas Club membership does not bring any OneWorld benefits.

 

[Grooba]

Head up to the Blue Bar on Level 36 of the Shangri-La. Awesome views of the city. After a few drinks wander down to the station and jump on the train and 15 minutes later your at the airport.

Hotel Bar Sydney | Blu Bar on 36 | Shangri-La Hotel Sydney

 

[medhead]

I'm not sure about the Rocks end of town. But from the other end around central station, if there are 2 of you, it might be cheaper to get a taxi. The train will cost at least $30.

 

[harvyk]

If it was me, I'd go to darling harbour and have dinner at one of the restaurants on the water front, and then depending on the amount of luggage your taking, either wander upto Town Hall station and catching the train in a couple of hours prior to leaving (if you aim to be at town hall between 7:00 and 7:30pm it'll give you more than enough time, or catch a taxi if you have too much luggage for the train.

For a couple of people, depending on where you go it would cost between $50 to $100 (excluding taxi \ train), and it would be nicer than sitting at the airport.

 

[JohnK]

If you happen to get to the airport early as originally suggested the Observatory Bar landside is quite nice place to spend an hour or so.

Also once airside there a couple of nice bars to sit down and people watch. Should not be too difficult to find.