Mackay Lounge Access in Practice

[Lucky_man]

Qantas have an "Associate" or "Regional" lounge in Mackay.

I can not say that it is very celar on the website whether this means it is a Qantas Domestic lounge and what the differences are.

My flight is QF marketed (ie QF flight number) by JQ operated. So one world rules do not provide access. I am WP and wife is SG.

But it is a small lounge and the truth is the rules matter less than their practice. It is a morning flight which I understand is less busy for the lounge but there is also QF Dash 8 leaving the same time as our A32x.

Does anyone have recent pratical experience with this situation at Mackay.

I'd hate to miss out on the Mackay lounge experience.

 

[drewbles]

The Mackay lounge is a door. Walk in and you're in. There are no dragons or card checkers It's just to the left of the main check-in area. It is branded as a Qantas Club. It's tiny though, and all self-service. Last time I was there, I just walked in (as a QP member) and no one asked any questions nor stopped me on the way in. I'm assuming it's still pretty much the same now.

 

[markis10]

The Mackay Lounge is the best lounge in the world, assuming you like self serve snacks, a lounge that is the equivalent in size to a suite and your world does not go past 10km from the centre of Mackay, in short, you are probably better sitting outside in the garden looking at the barra in the pool.

Having said that, if you need to get in for a dose of instant coffee that you make, the door is locked and remotely opened by a button underneath the check in counter, so unless it has not been closed properly you will need to request access from the checkin people.You should not have an issue with access

 

[NeverEnoughLeave]

I was in the lounge last week. I agree with the previous statement that you are not missing much in the Mackay lounge. They have recently upgraded the furniture but six months ago it was very ratty and an undesirable place to wait for your plane. The one toilet for the lounge is usually a disgrace (especially for the females) and I have regularly used the main toilets as they are much cleaner.
I have had no problems going in and out of the lounge, in my experience the door is generally open and you are free to move in and out with nobody on the door
There are no computers supplied in the lounge but there are 2 desks and wireless. However wireless is still available in the miain airport (I'm guessing due to the size of the area).

Good luck!

 

[Lucky_man]

Thanks to every one for the answers. Especially NeverEnoughLeave who joined just to answer my question - thanks and Welcome.

So Marc Newson decor and Neil Perry didn't get this far North

 

[markis10]

Thanks to every one for the answers. Especially NeverEnoughLeave who joined just to answer my question - thanks and Welcome.

So Marc Newson decor and Neil Perry didn't get this far North

I might add that the people in Mackay are great, we got access a few years ago for a few hours of email when we should not have had access, and the toilet was only a relatively recent addition. I might also add its outside of security, so the time you get to spend there will be reduced by the need to join the masses for those checks prior to boarding.

 

[NeverEnoughLeave]

Thanks to every one for the answers. Especially NeverEnoughLeave who joined just to answer my question - thanks and Welcome.

So Marc Newson decor and Neil Perry didn't get this far North

Thanks for the Welcome.
You prompted me to get orgainised and join.

You are so on the money, the boys should get up there- however it is a huge improvement on what it used to be.

The outside secuity is also a very good point especially if there are a few flights leaving at once. Which was my case last week, no planes for hours then 3 leaving within 10mins and 1 security check.

 

[drron]

I was also going to comment on security-there is only 1 line,no elite line :shock:.The worst time is ~5pm when DJ,JQ and QF all leave within a few minutes.Not helped on friday afternoons with all the mines workers having to take off their steel capped boots.I never got time to visit the lounge

 

[Flying Fox]

I have always thought that the self serve snacks had a good & wide selection.

 

[drewbles]

I was also going to comment on security-there is only 1 line,no elite line :shock:.The worst time is ~5pm when DJ,JQ and QF all leave within a few minutes.Not helped on friday afternoons with all the mines workers having to take off their steel capped boots.I never got time to visit the lounge

The lounge is before security in Mackay.

Also as for the range of 'snacks', last time I was there it was cheese and crackers, or sweet biscuits. Not exactly a monstrous array

 

[Flashback]

The lounge is before security in Mackay.

Also as for the range of 'snacks', last time I was there it was cheese and crackers, or sweet biscuits. Not exactly a monstrous array

IME the regional lounges seem to have improved (ever so slightly), based on my sample size of 1: BME

 

[drron]

The lounge is before security in Mackay.

Also as for the range of 'snacks', last time I was there it was cheese and crackers, or sweet biscuits. Not exactly a monstrous array

As I was always flying out late Friday and the security line was to the entrance to the terminal it made no difference to me where the lounge was.I had intended to visit the lounge but on seeing the lines I gave up on the idea.I never had a long wait in the terminal,usually being amongst the last to board.
So if you want to visit the lounge on a later flight get there early.

 

[Flying Fox]

Also as for the range of 'snacks', last time I was there it was cheese and crackers, or sweet biscuits. Not exactly a monstrous array

Really? When I was there in Aug there was;

- Individual Tim Tams
- Small chip packets
- Crackers
- Cheese
- Muslie bars
- Individual packet short bread biscuits
- Tea & coffee
- Full height fridge (so not a small bar fridge) of beer & soft drinks

I think that there were a few other things too but I simply can't remember. With all these selections, I was really impressed. My expectations were really low.

I guess that things have changed.

 

[drewbles]

Really? When I was there in Aug there was;

- Individual Tim Tams
- Small chip packets
- Crackers
- Cheese
- Muslie bars
- Individual packet short bread biscuits
- Tea & coffee
- Full height fridge (so not a small bar fridge) of beer & soft drinks

I think that there were a few other things too but I simply can't remember. With all these selections, I was really impressed. My expectations were really low.

I guess that things have changed.

Must have improved. I've not been there in well over 18 months (nor do I wish to rush back there in a hurry )

 

[Flying Fox]

Must have improved. I've not been there in well over 18 months (nor do I wish to rush back there in a hurry )

I wouldn't recommend visiting Mackay just for the lounge!

 

[drewbles]

I wouldn't recommend visiting Mackay just for the lounge!

Nor much else I was there for other reasons, but I wouldn't be rushing back to that part of QLD regardless (Give me the colder weather anyday).

 

[k_sheep]

Nor much else I was there for other reasons, but I wouldn't be rushing back to that part of QLD regardless (Give me the colder weather anyday).

Freak! I love Mackay. But then again, I whinge about the cold in brisbane rather a lot. So that might have some bearing on it.

On topic, I'll be in MKY next month if there are any locals that way (doing a research trip, I'm considering moving there 2011, tossing up between there and Townsville).

 

[markis10]

I can confirm the snacks list has grown, in addition to that posted above there is also the preztzels and nuts, and the cheese selecoitn is cracker barrel & Bega. Drinks are xx_ Gold, New, Water, Scrubby Rise Chardy, a red, 4 different juices and a 5 different mixers/coke.

 

[Flying Fox]

Now that sounds like the extended snack selection that I remember.