Access to a Qantas lounge on a long-haul route is usually a great first destination for a taste of Australia!
Plus the good news is that access to Qantas lounges is not restricted to Qantas business or first class ticket holders only, it extends to premium ticket holders on other oneworld airlines, or those with status from oneworld airlines (even if you’re flying in economy).
What I like about Qantas lounges is not only the premium service, but the sense of Australia that they try to show, from Aussie design to chilled professional service.
I’ve been flying Qantas for over 20 years, and this is my whistle-stop review of the Qantas lounges at three key locations: London Heathrow, Perth, and Melbourne, coincidentally the route of Qantas QF10 and QF9 from London to Melbourne via Perth. Here’s what to expect.
Qantas Lounge at Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Location and Access
The Qantas London Lounge at Heathrow, which opened in 2017, is located in Terminal 3. After security, the Heathrow lounges are well-signposted, so head towards Lounge B to find the reception for Qantas. You’ll find it near Gates 13-22.
Whether you’re flying first or business class, or you hold a Qantas Club International Lounge membership, I’d go straight to the lounge after security. Read more about my experience with Qantas on the QF10 from London to Perth.
Source: Qantas - gin bar at Qantas London Lounge
Ambiance and Design
From the Qantas sign carved into the wooden wall at reception to the clubby decor in the main lounge upstairs, the design of this lounge is classic warmth.
The star is the central bar, formed out of what looks like stone and surrounded by a cool range of seating options (some more private than others) from leather sofas to dark bar stools. The lounge can hold 236 passengers.
Unlike some of Heathrow’s lesser lounges, this layout feels properly premium, a hat tilt towards the first class and business class passengers who can use this lounge.
Facilities and Amenities
Depending on the time of day, you may be blessed with a serviced table in the dining space downstairs, or ‘just’ the buffet.
The à la carte menu is the star of the show in this lounge, with a decent selection of freshly-prepared options. The buffet is good but doesn’t have the cachet of the waiter service. Expect a couple of hot options, salad bowls and prepared desserts.
To drink, try out Qantas’ decent coffee options or use the bar upstairs for general beer and wine choices.
However, the star of the show is the gin bar downstairs which has a really wide selection of premium gins, meaning you’ll definitely find something new to try (I’m a fan of gins from the Scottish Islands and there’s a few on offer here).
If you need to freshen up, the lounge has high-end private shower facilities, and sparkling toilets. If you really need to work (how could you at a gin bar?), there are dedicated workstations but the wi-fi speeds are not amazing. Jump on the free Heathrow wi-fi if you need to download something ahead of your flight.
Access
The Qantas International London Lounge is accessible to Qantas passengers flying in business or first class as well as frequent fliers holding Qantas Gold, Platinum and Platinum One or Chairman’s Lounge. Only Platinum One (1) and Chairman’s Lounge (2) offer guest access.
However, access is not restricted to people flying Qantas. Anyone flying in business class or first class with another oneworld airline can use the Qantas London Lounge, or frequent fliers holding oneworld Sapphire or Emerald status.
If you hold a Qantas Club membership, you can use this lounge with one guest. Anyone with a Qantas one-use lounge pass can also access this lounge.
Overall Experience
The Qantas London Lounge at Heathrow is a top-tier two-storey facility, on a par with the Virgin Clubhouse lounge, getting your trip going with a clubby bang.
Qantas Lounge at Perth Airport (PER)
Source: Qantas - Qantas International Lounge Perth
Location and Access
This lounge has a slightly confusing location. Check in is at Terminal 4, then go through domestic security at Terminal 3 (Qantas staff will explain this), head for International Departures and the secondary security process. Now you’ll be able to find the lounge (back in Terminal 4) on the right hand side.
When it opened in 2018, the Qantas International Lounge at Perth Airport was designed specifically for passengers on the London to Melbourne route via Perth. Passengers like me (I took the London to Melbourne route but stopped over in Perth) also had access.
The QF9/10 leg from Perth to Melbourne, considered an “international leg” of the London to Melbourne route was cancelled in July 2024. Read my review of QF10 from Perth to Melbourne.
Qantas has dropped the ‘Transit’ part of the lounge’s original name and now a wider range of international passengers can use the route, including those flying direct from Perth to Rome, Singapore, Paris, and Sydney.
Like all Qantas lounges, access is for eligible premium ticket holders, plus those with status from Qantas or oneworld airlines. Happily, Qantas Club members can also use this lounge.
Ambiance and Design
The lounge formerly known as the Qantas International Transit Lounge has a more laid-back vibe than the London or Melbourne lounges, with earthy tones and natural materials that Qantas says reflects the local Western Australian landscape.
The space is still open and airy though, a good place to recharge between flights, particularly needed if you’ve hopped off at Perth en route from London to Melbourne.
Facilities and Amenities
Dining in the Qantas International Transit Lounge is fairly informal, with a choice of lighter bites at the buffet. Think grain salads, hummus and fresh veggies and a fruit plate.
The bar offers a range of beverages, including Australian wines (not the higher end, sadly) and craft beers. If you have a longer layout, there are shower facilities, relaxation zones, and even a yoga room to help ease the travel stress.
Source: Qantas - Wellness Studio at Perth Lounge
Unique Features
The standout feature of this lounge is the outdoor patio, a rare find in airport lounges. Here, you can enjoy fresh air (or possibly aircraft fumes) and sunshine before your next flight. The extra special feature is that roof, which self-closes when it starts to rain.
Look out for that Wellness Studio, where guided stretching and meditation classes are the mainstay and fill up your water bottle at the hydration station.
Overall Experience
The Qantas Lounge at Perth Airport is more of a nice ‘refresh stop’ than a seriously big international lounge, but that’s not a criticism. The focus on key elements of Western Australia is what makes it a win for me.
Qantas Lounge at Melbourne Airport (MEL)
Photo: Patrick Hughes
Location and Access
The Qantas International Business Lounge in Melbourne is located in Terminal 2. It has a bit of a depressing darkroom reputation, because it’s downstairs, but has most of the facilities you might want before a long haul flight. (I understand the lounge will be fully redeveloped by the end of 2024 - read the Qantas press release).
The lounge serves business class passengers, Qantas Club members, and eligible frequent flyers.
Ambiance and Design
Melbourne’s Qantas International Business Lounge is designed to be ‘modern corporate inoffensive” with fewer of the Aussie design elements than I’ve encountered at other Qantas international lounges.
Saying that, the seating options have some variety with functional spaces if you need to work and some newer seating that makes the leatherette banquettes look seriously out of date.
Facilities and Amenities
This lounge has a decent hot dish buffet service with main meals, sandwiches and (sometimes) burgers or toasties.
The bar serves a range of premium drinks, including locally sourced wines and beers. The wines are decent, but don’t expect the highest of the high end in the limited by-the-glass options.
Showers and private rest areas are available for those needing a quick refresh, and business travellers will appreciate the dedicated workspaces equipped with decently fast Wi-Fi (Qantas London Lounge, take note!).
Overall Experience
The Qantas Lounge at Melbourne Airport is modern in a bit of a tired way. I’m interested to see how they redevelop this lounge as the Qantas Melbourne Lounge is surely one of the most used Qantas lounges, given Melbourne’s diverse international departures list.
Comparison and Recommendations
Quick Comparison Table
Feature
Heathrow Lounge
Perth Lounge
Melbourne Lounge
Ambiance
Elegant and clubby
Relaxed, local feel
Bit dim
Dining
À la carte and buffet options
Fresh, light produce
Hot buffet, toasties
Unique Features
Gin bar, runway views
Outdoor patio, wellness options
It will be replaced
Best For
Business and first-class travelers
Was transit, now growing international destinations
Business travel
Final Thoughts
Even though Melbourne is not the winner (this is not a competition), each of the Qantas Lounges has its own charm. I like the route that Qantas is going with the Perth lounge, focusing on lighter food options and wellness. This kind of service makes long haul travel seem a little less onerous and is a trend I hope continues with other airlines.