There is little better than starting out a long awaited holiday in the airport lounge.
Especially on this, our first trip flying Qantas Business Class.
Qantas
At Melbourne International Airport, there are two lounges, firstly a Business Lounge, and secondly a First Lounge.
Arrival
As I was flying out of Melbourne on a morning / breakfast / brunch time Business Class QF coded flight, we were granted access into the Business Lounge.
Friendly staff scanned our boarding passes, advised us that there would be boarding announcements made in the lounge, and directed us inside.
Decor
Bright, clean and white, with dark carpet around the edge of eating areas to soften noise. There are bursts of colour with red and dark brown leather seats.
Plenty of space between seating, working, and eating zones. I didn’t notice dedicated quiet or sleeping zones, and didn’t have a shower on this occasion, because it was a morning flight.
Bright and comfy with a variety of seating options. Photo: Willunga Wino
Seating
From colourful bucket seats at the charging bar, to comfy lounges, armchairs, workstations, and booths, there are a variety of seating options and zones.
The chairs are remarkably similar to those in the Virgin Australia Business Lounge on the Gold Coast.
Seppelt makes for a great start to the day. Photo: Willunga Wino
Food
A breakfast / brunch offering was on display during our visit.
All food items were clearly signposted with what they were.
Qantas’ signature bircher muesli was on offer, and you could make it your own by customising your toppings. It’s always fresh and tasty, with hints of orange and apple in the flavour.
Customise your own bircher. Photo: Willunga Wino
Pastries, toasts, different cereals, and traditional hot options were also available.
Employees brought around trays of freshly made toasted sandwiches to hand out to passengers where they sat, without us having to move – a nice touch.
Beverages
A make your own Mimosa station! Qantas for the win. Breakfast (and the start of a holiday!) is always better with bubbly. The station was signposted, prominent, and stocked with Seppelt Salinger NV bubbles, as well as freshly squeezed orange juice and recipe cards for mimosas.
MYO Mimosa in the Qantas International Lounge Melbourne. Photo: Willunga Wino
There was a nice selection of red wines, including a Coonawarra Cab Sauv and Shiraz, and a Yarra Valley Pinot Noir. It was a bit early for me to taste them though.
Red Wine for Breakfast. Photo: Willunga Wino
A Make-Your-Own juice station was at the end of the buffet station, with a chute large enough to take whole fruit. There was a good selection of pre-cut fruit and vegetables, but no herbs or ginger to perk things up. The machine was easy to use and I enjoyed my carrot, apple and celery juice.
Employees brought around trays of freshly made berry smoothies to hand out to passengers where they sat, without us having to move – a nice touch.
Freshly made berry smoothies. Photo: Willunga Wino
Tea and barista coffee was also available to craft your coffee exactly how you like it.
Bathrooms
Fully equipped with showers. I didn’t use them as I was on a morning flight, so I can’t comment on the amenities or shower rooms.
Business
Meeting rooms, workstations, printing, photocopiers, phones, free wi fi throughout.
All the usual and all you could need.
Other Facilities
Magazines and newspapers.
Service
Flight announcements were clear, easy to hear, and well timed. I walked straight up to have my boarding pass scanned but was not late.
Food was regularly replenished and special food and drinks made to order were brought around on trays and given out to passengers in the lounge, a nice touch.
It was a nice environment to relax in before a flight.
Up…up…and away! Photo: Willunga Wino
Overall I was really impressed. It had a calm, clean atmosphere and was not crowded or noisy.
Food and beverage options were great, as were seating and business facilities. Service was sparkling, like my wine.
I look forward to my next visit!
Pinnable Image
Comments make my day, so tell me, what was your experience of the Melbourne Qantas International Lounge? Have your say below!