Melbourne International Lounges Advice

[AirKat]

Hoping to tap your collective wisdom. Mr AirKat and I are travelling with my brother and sister-in-law to NZ at the end of April. He is SG, they are NB.

We've never been to the int J lounge, only the F lounge. What is the J lounge like? Is it just like the domestic J lounge? Or is it nicer? What drinks are available? We'll be there at breakfast but given my brother's excitement at being in a lounge I'm expecting him to drink and eat anything he can find. The flight is mid morning so we'll be there around breakfast.

Appreciate your advice and insights, I'm trying to work out if I should try and acquire some F lounge passes or if the J lounge will suffice.

 

[tuapekastar]

Been a few years (2010) since I've been in there (been using F lounge since) but on that last visit there was a noticeable improvement in the services available - finger food served at your seat, a 'plate of the day' (not large or extravagant but pleasant nevertheless).
It is downstairs and has no windows. Full range of drinks (self service) and whenever the lounge is open, the bar is open. IIRC there is some hot Bain-Marie food available along with the usual ham, tomato etc. I guess breakfast items if you are there early enough.
In short, it's no F lounge, but I found it quite satisfactory as a J lounge.
Hopefully it is as good or better now as in 2010.
Edit to add: not sure OTTOMH but maybe you'd be able to access the EK lounge. I've not used it, so don't know what it is like.

 

[RooFlyer]

Was in a similar situation end of '12. Two friends NBs, no Flounge access for 2 guests, so to MEL J lounge.

Its a bit dim, as it has no outside windows, but perfectly adequate as a lounge and pretty big. Good buffet selection, and also at least eggs cooked to your liking available by order at the tables. We did that and it was a very nice brekky.

Didn't notice drinks, but I'd be surprised if they weren't available even early. Most things you might want, except Champagne.

Anyone not used to lounges will be very impressed by the J lounge. If you take them to the Flounge, they owe you big time.

 

[harvyk]

There is nothing wrong with the int J-Lounge, it's a perfectly acceptable place to wait.

The only real difference is the bar is self serve (aka it's a drinks fridge rather than an actual bar with bartender). IMHO the food is sometimes better than the dom J offering.

 

[AirKat]

Thanks for your help. J lounge sounds like the way to go. Shame about no windows though!

 

[Welsh-Kiwi]

I am an SG with Qantas. When I was in MEL recently, flying Qantas in Y, I was able to access the QF and EK lounges. EK is far superior in terms of food, bubbles and view.