Qantas Lounges In 2023
Qantas is powering forward with ambitious plans to improve a range of its regional and international lounges. Rockhampton and Honolulu had a splash of paint in 2022.
However, Auckland International Airport (AKL) is set to benefit the most this year.
Qantas’ decision to introduce a direct flight from Auckland International Airport (AKL) to New York
John F. Kennedy (JFK) is critical in the lounge upgrade strategy.
Two business class
Auckland Airport will have its two business class, and first class lounges merged into one Premium Lounge for its travelers, hoping to cash in on the high-value customers the New York route will bring. Expanding its presence in Auckland and increasing the lounge’s capacity is vital, with the additional space increasing the current capacity from 244 to 340 seats.
New gastronomic experience
Qantas has promised visitors that they can look forward to a ‘new gastronomic experience’ with New Zealand’s finest food and wine, and menus will draw inspiration from local kiwi ingredients.
The airline also plans to include “a number of features specifically tailored for long-haul travel, based on positive feedback from other parts of its network.”
The redevelopment of the lounge is expected to be completed in stages so as not to entirely disrupt current travelers, with its official unveiling before the airline’s launch of its direct JFK service.
Alan Joyce said the new Auckland International lounge would be a steep change in comfort.
New Zealand has been waiting. Renovations to Auckland’s lounge have been in the pipeline since as far back as 2015.
Stalled past removations
Qantas noted that the pandemic had stalled past renovation plans.
As reported in Executive Traveller, Wellington and Auckland’s lounges were reviewed as some of the worst in its network.
As borders reopened, Qantas recommenced multiple trans-Tasman services, with its Qantas lounges reopening in June.
Auckland Airport’sQantas lounge operates from 04:00 to 19:00 daily, whereas Wellington’s lounge opens two hours before any Qantas international departure.
Upon reopening, Auckland introduced a coffee cart barista for a hot brew before takeoff.
Both lounges improved their offering of locally sourced cheeses, delicious Kapiti ice cream, and Neil Perry’s Bircher muesli.
Adelaide is next
A dedicated domestic business class lounge will be introduced in Adelaide once Auckland’s reno is complete.
The seating for 190 travelers will be complemented by local South Australian flair, food, and a range of local wines.
At Adelaide International Airport (ADL), the new Qantas Domestic Business Lounge will be next to the current Qantas Club.
As the airline builds the new business lounge, the present Adelaide Qantas Club is also expected to get a complete refresh.
Adelaide’s renovation is poised to commence in late 2023.
Once completed, the collection of lounges will offer seating for 570.
2025 for Sydney and Melbourne
Qantas is expected to announce a significant upgrade to its Sydney domestic and international business class lounges, with Melbourne’s to follow.