Sydney J lounge Opinions QF vs NZ

[2muchplastic]

Ok, there are many serious questions to be answered in the world at the moment - the global fight against terrorism, the future of the world economy, how Barack Obama is going to manage his first year in office and whether the Californian economy is officially bankrupt yet.

But more important than these very important questions, but only just more important than whether Britney Spears' new album is worth buying, is which is the best lounge at SYD?

I've got three flights on VS SYD-HKG in the first 5 weeks of the year, and I believe I have the choice of the Air NZ lounge (flying Upper Class on VS gives entry) or the QF Int J lounge (as a QFF WP).

I've seen piccies of the Air NZ lounge and it looks pretty nice, and I've been in the QF J lounge, and that was okay, but there's nothing like seeing it in the flesh.

So, opinions please.....

 

[Evan]

Cant answer that since i have not been in the NZ lounge but next time i could hint that if you buy a OW (eg QF) ticket as a WP you could be in the Flounge which is rather nice
Now lets not ignore the fact that the VS fare was probably half the price i would guess the lounges are probably similar (I can only speak from the NZ lounge in AKL as a comparison)

E

 

[dajop]

QF probably has a little more modern decor, NZ's is fine though (as always with QF style over substance )

I've only ever been to QF J lounge in SYD once and NZ once - both at breakfast time. NZ's food offering was much better.

Been to NZ MEL lounge many times and food and wine there is much better than QF lounge at MEL (particularly if fond of NZ wines).

 

[serfty]

I believe the catering will be far better in the NZ lounge - especially if you are into beer.

By all accounts on FT, SYD is among the best of the AirNZ lounges around.

Best/Worst lounges on NZ network - FlyerTalk Forums

What time of the day are you travelling?

 

[2muchplastic]

Cant answer that since i have not been in the NZ lounge but next time i could hint that if you buy a OW (eg QF) ticket as a WP you could be in the Flounge which is rather nice

Didn't have a choice for these three flights, it was a commandment from Great God Travel Budget (but week 2 January is a different matter - someone else's budget is paying so I made every effort to fly via SYD to PVG on QF so that I can use the Flounge!)

Now lets not ignore the fact that the VS fare was probably half the price i would guess the lounges are probably similar (I can only speak from the NZ lounge in AKL as a comparison)

E

VS $5300, QF $8300. Big enough difference for someone to notice.

 

[2muchplastic]

I believe the catering will be far better in the NZ lounge - especially if you are into beer.

By all accounts on FT, SYD is among the best of the AirNZ lounges around.

Best/Worst lounges on NZ network - FlyerTalk Forums

What time of the day are you travelling?

I think catering may be the deciding factor, as I'll be arriving at 0930ish in the morning, so will want to fill up a little before departing at 1100, as I understand that the service offering on VS can be a little 'variable'.

Not a big beer drinker, but very fond of NZ wines (or pretty much any wines really!)

Not so worried about coming back, as the VS Clubhouse in HKG is supposedly well worth a visit, or more so than the QF/BA lounge at least.

 

[Travel Guru]

I've only been in the SYD NZ lounge once, but from a catering and ambience factor it's one of my favorites, would definately be heading there over the QF lounge who's catering always leaves alot to be desired at the best of times.

TG

 

[SFSC]

I'd go to the lounge that is closest to the gate the flight will depart from. Also, I seem to remember that the passage between Pier B and Pier C was closed for alteration work at some stage. Don't know if it's available now though.

 

[2muchplastic]

I'd go to the lounge that is closest to the gate the flight will depart from.

For me, a 10-15 minute walk is welcome, knowing that I'm going to be welded to a seat for 9 hours straight.....

Also, I seem to remember that the passage between Pier B and Pier C was closed for alteration work at some stage. Don't know if it's available now though.

....but this is important. If I can't get between the two piers, then there is no debate really.
Anyone know for sure whether the "back passage" is open now or not?

 

[sng1971]

I definately wouldn't bother with the HKG QF/BA lounge if you have another option. That has to be one of the worst QF lounges I've been in.

 

[Evan]

I definately wouldn't bother with the HKG QF/BA lounge if you have another option. That has to be one of the worst QF lounges I've been in.

I was going to say you haven't been to many lounges outside of the big airports then but you did say QF lounges and your probably right i guess but still its a lounge, compared to the terminal its bliss
E

 

[ANstar]

I definately wouldn't bother with the HKG QF/BA lounge if you have another option. That has to be one of the worst QF lounges I've been in.

I agree. The QF lounge is pretty ordinary.

The CX lounge is nicer IMHO. If flying Virgin they also have a club house with some good views of the apron.

At SYD I would say the NZ lounge is better than the new QF lounge. I found the QF lounge to be a little to grey and bland.

 

[Evan]

CX lounge is much nicer, actually its much larger with much better food.
But the real bad thing about the QF lounge is its so tiny.
Not often i go there but have done it when i have had no rights to CX lounge due to status or flights selected.
E

 

[Adelaide_Matthew]

I definately wouldn't bother with the HKG QF/BA lounge if you have another option. That has to be one of the worst QF lounges I've been in.

Yes, a terrible, pokey little hole with awful food and beverage service to boot!

The obvious comparator is the OW J lounge in TBIT at LAX. Perhaps its the CX influence, but the food and beverage service is much better there. And the lounge is much larger and more comfortable (even if it gets as crazily busy at peak times because of the huge night-time load of QF big birds).

Seeing a NZ best/worst lounges thread got me thinking - is there a QF equivalent? I've started one at:
http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/com...er-program/best-worst-qf-j-lounges-16283.html