What's behind the glass doors? Qantas Domestic Business Class Lounge-Brisbane
Qantas Domestic Business Class Lounge, Brisbane
LOCATION
Brisbane, Australia
VENUE
Airport Lounge
TREND
Pre-flight lounging
MAPPING
Food & Beverage
A precinct for lounge lizards
Access to a lounge prior to your flight is a luxury available only for the lucky few. In many cases; access is granted based on a paid membership, but frequent flyers are invited in based on their status. With benefits such complementary food and beverage it's not surprising that lounge access is sought after and the sweet spot for loyal frequent flyers. At Brisbane's domestic airport; the airline has brought their three lounges together into one precinct.
The Qantas Club: Paid membership, complimentary to Gold Qantas Frequent Flyers and One World Sapphire members
The Qantas Business Lounge: Complimentary to Qantas Platinum Frequent Flyers and One World Emerald members
The Chairman's Lounge: Exclusive and invitation only
Qantas domestic business class lounge
Departures Level
Airport Drive, Brisbane Airport
Brisbane, Australia
Web: www.qantas.com.au
Two ways in, one way out
On the ground floor of the Brisbane Domestic Terminal, departing Qantas members bypass the main security screening area, by veering left and entering the Qantas premium entry area. It offered/s private security and direct access up an escalator to the lounge precinct. There was also another entrance located airside on the departures level near gate 22. This entry point also doubled as the precinct exit for all passengers heading to their flights. Let's take a ride on the escalator and I'll show you around the lounge.
The other side of the sliding doors
I loved the Brisbane Qantas lounge! Once past the sliding doors, there was an instant calm with relaxing music playing, soft light and a warm ambience. There was a lounge room feel with a large book case that offered a selection of magazines, as well as the Qantas inflight magazine. In the past; guests would have been able to pick up The Courier Mail or Australian newspaper here. As technological trends advance organisations have modernised and adapted to change. Qantas has embarked on a relationship with The Australian granting all lounge visitors with complimentary access to "The Australian" newspaper online.
A long corridor defined a path to various zones that were tailored to different traveller's needs. There were comfortable armchairs with small side tables ideal for the traveller to read, relax, and enjoy a coffee or wine. Bench seating was the go to for lap top warriors that also had ample power points to keep their battery charged. Large boardroom style tables were stationed in various areas that were perfect for spreading out. At the quiet end of the lounge was the second bar and coffee area that only opened in peak periods. The male and female amenities were also located in this area, along with shower suites. Members could collect a bathroom kit that came with towel and bathmat towel, the suites were prepared with body wash and shampoo.
Large board style tables allowed for individuals and groups to work and chat.
Charging stations were positioned in the table to accommodate power leads and USB A ports.
Carpet and comfortable lounge seating created relaxing spaces, all zones provided flexibility for traveller needs.
There was always a barista on hand to make your favourite coffee.
Is the bar open?
I was departing on a morning flight so the bar was not open, the bar doubled as the place to order barista made coffee, and there was a selection of croissants and pastries. As well as enjoying coffee in a ceramic cup, which I prefer, passengers could also request a take away to go. Now, not that I'm a minute counter, but the bar opened at 12 noon. The fully stocked bar served up beer on tap, selected spirits, red, white and sparkling wines along with a choice of soft drinks. The bar was complimentary to all members and guests, so it's quite a popular meeting point in the lounge, however it's important to note that staff like all other licensed venues follow responsible service of alcohol protocols.
What's on the menu?
Each business lounge in the Qantas network promotes a different culinary theme. In Perth it's Italian, you can always find a pizza there. In Melbourne, spicy asian delights like laksas are the go. In Adelaide, the newest business lounge offers a market kitchen focusing on South Australian food and wine, and in Brisbane it's Mexican, where the dish of the day always includes something spicy. But on this visit it's early in the morning so the choice was limited to breakfast favourites. The lounge offered a selection of hot and cold favourites and a menu was on show to outline the food allergy and dietary choices available.
Allergy disclosures have become common place.
Dietary requirements were available.
Small portions were a strategy for high demand.
Passenger hydration and wellness was an important consideration for Qantas and the lounge network.
Bickford's was Qantas's choice brand for cordials used to lightly flavour the water at the quench station.
Stephen's Take
Qantas's Domestic Business Class Lounge in Brisbane was spacious offering various zones to relax while waiting for a flight. A variety food and beverage service is offered throughout the day and into the evening, catering for breakfast, lunch and dinner along with various snacks in-between. The lounge is a high turner over venue that effortlessly transitions between meal periods. Teachers visiting this venue would be provided a window into seamless high volume operations.
Stephen
Unit of Competency Mapping
Operate a bar
Prepare and serve non-alcohol beverages
Serve food and beverage
Source and use information on the hospitality industry
Please note; the purpose of this article is to introduce current hospitality trends. The content broadly applies to the units of competency listed. It is not intended that all content in this article maps directly to all performance evidence and knowledge evidence in the unit of competency.
Article and photos original by Stephen Duncan