MEL QC and J lounge getting much needed overhaul!

[Pushka]

No anytime access was access even if you're not flying on that day, a very different thing to arrivals access. Years ago, I believe WP could access the lounge even if not flying on that day.

Ansett allowed anytime access. I miss Ansett.

 

[serfty]

Ansett allowed anytime access. I miss Ansett.

Qantas used to allow anytime access - even for Qantas Club members.

 

[Pushka]

Qantas used to allow anytime access - even for Qantas Club members.

Maybe when the competition ceased Qantas took advantage to cancel

 

[serfty]

Maybe when the competition ceased Qantas took advantage to cancel

It was before that actually.

Around 1995 both QP and Golden Wing were changed to same day - a year or so later this was "enhanced" to "departure" access (although enforcement seemed minimal until about the turn of the century).

 

[RichardMEL]

CL includes access to the international F lounge regardless of which airline they're flying with.

yup, but since one has to officially "leave the country" to be in international to use the F lounge, it's not exactly "anytime access" in the original sense of that benefit... or rather you'd have to be pretty desperate to do it internationally

 

[RichardMEL]

As a Melbourne based QFF, I think we should all be focusing on the REAL priority of any lounge refurbishment in this city and that is training the baristas to make better coffee. How can we be expected to fly from this city and continue to have to endure the Gloria Jean-esque experience we currently face in the QF J lounge. We all must rise up and march on this matter, for our city's reputation is at stake. One must have priorities.

LOL Well the beans are not the barista's choice. I think they do a pretty good job, and just quietly one or two of them know me on sight (embarassing tbh) and remember my order and I find the coffee very good. Sure, the coffee blend could be better, but that's a corporate choice, not the fault of the staff.

 

[RichardMEL]

I was in the MEL J lounge on Saturday morning (enjoying a coffee )and it was the morning after the torrid night before (heaps of flights cancelled to SYD because of the weather there) and a young lady who I think was a first timer there ordering a coffee innocently asked the barista "So is this a busy time here?" (it wasn't) and the barista, myself and someone else waiting all chuckled knowingly. I noted she should try a Friday evening between say 5-7pm and the Barista said the place was wall to wall people on the floors and everything the night before with all the delays and cancels.

point being - more space needed at peak times

 

[JohnK]

Ansett allowed anytime access. I miss Ansett.

Qantas used to allow anytime access. I miss anytime access.

 

[njba]

As a Melbourne based QFF, I think we should all be focusing on the REAL priority of any lounge refurbishment in this city and that is training the baristas to make better coffee. How can we be expected to fly from this city and continue to have to endure the Gloria Jean-esque experience we currently face in the QF J lounge. We all must rise up and march on this matter, for our city's reputation is at stake. One must have priorities.

Put it this way: it's the best coffee in the airport. It's no Market Lane, but it's a lot more drinkable than anything else on offer.

 

[GoldCanyon340]

I'm usually in MEL J on a Sunday afternoon/evening connecting from NZ to ADL. I try to find a quiet spot and zone out. The window seats are usually taken by the time I get there so it's good we will have more glass to choose from. I've been in there when it's a zoo but my opinion of the lounge depends on the dinner. If it's a good meal then I'm happy. If the slop comes out then not so happy camper. So the rumoured noodle bar is good news.

 

[Pushka]

Standing room only in J lounge last night around 4pm and QP similarly packed. How will they handle this?

 

[mviy]

I don't know how they'll handle that, but I try to avoid flying at the busiest times of the week (i.e. early Monday morning and late Friday afternoon) where possible.

 

[Pushka]

I don't know how they'll handle that, but I try to avoid flying at the busiest times of the week (i.e. early Monday morning and late Friday afternoon) where possible.

Sure. Doesn't work so well for business travel though.

 

[ric_melb]

Overall capacity of the two lounges will increase by 150 people to 880. Business Lounge will increase by 100 to 350 people. Qantas Club by 50 to 550 people.
It would seem Qantas are doing the best they can within the current building envelope. Provision has been made for a considerable increase in capacity for the Business Lounge so hopefully there will not be standing room only going forward.

 

[Pushka]

Overall capacity of the two lounges will increase by 150 people to 880. Business Lounge will increase by 100 to 350 people. Qantas Club by 50 to 550 people.
It would seem Qantas are doing the best they can within the current building envelope. Provision has been made for a considerable increase in capacity for the Business Lounge so hopefully there will not be standing room only going forward.

I am more thinking of what is going to happen while they are upgrading the lounges. Maybe they will have to use the Chairman's Lounge for Business?

 

[mviy]

More likely if there is a major plane delay and things are getting very crowded they may let Platinum One members use the Chairman's Lounge and let the rest put up with the crowding.

If the QANTAS Club is crowded they can refuse to accept one off lounge invitations.

 

[mannej]

More likely if there is a major plane delay and things are getting very crowded they may let Platinum One members use the Chairman's Lounge and let the rest put up with the crowding.

If the QANTAS Club is crowded they can refuse to accept one off lounge invitations.

I doubt that will occur. During previous lounge renovations, QF have limited capacity and provided those who are denied entrance with a F&B voucher for use in the terminal. Not ideal but better than a kick in the teeth.

 

[mviy]

I was meaning if there was say a weather delay affecting most/all flights on top of the reduced capacity.

 

[Pushka]

I doubt that will occur. During previous lounge renovations, QF have limited capacity and provided those who are denied entrance with a F&B voucher for use in the terminal. Not ideal but better than a kick in the teeth.

That might be interesting for those with paid membership.

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

If you put in the capacity for more people in both QFd MEL lounges, something has to give.
So while they can fit more people in after this upgrade, does that mean that there will have to be less personal space?
Its not like as if they are expanding the whole building outwards or upwards.
I await this wait with baited breath.
And no, I don't like it.