AusBT Awards 2011: Best Airport Lounges

Best Australian Domestic Airport Lounge: Qantas

Many Australian business travellers spend as much time at airport lounges as they do in the air.

Our panel voted unanimously in favour of the Qantas Business lounges – open to business class passengers and Qantas Frequent Flyer Platinum members – especially now that the vexed issue of wireless Internet has been addressed and the barista service runs into the afternoon.

Best Australian International Airport Lounge: Qantas

Qantas’ flagship Sydney International First Lounge is world-class in every respect, and it’s a prized perk of Qantas Frequent Flyer Platinum members.

Marc Newson’s stunning architecture includes dramatic wooden spars cambered like the inside of an airplane wing, which square off against full-length windows overlooking the boarding gates and tarmac, with the Sydney skyline as backdrop.

The gourmet food, wine and service are what you’d expect from an up-market bistro, many dishes sharing ingredients from the restaurants of Qantas’ consulting chef Neil Perry.

That’s topped off with a Payot day spa offering a free range of treatments – facials, massages, even foot and leg wraps – and superbly personal service.

Best Australian International Airport Business Lounge: Emirates

With the Qantas First Lounge being such an exclusive affair, the Australian Business Traveller Awards panel felt that recognition should also be made for a more conventional and accessible business lounge.

Most of the leading international airlines at Sydney and Melbourne airports maintain business lounges but there’s little between them – until you get to the Emirates Lounge at Sydney International Airport.

The decor admittedly needs a refresh but there’s plenty of space, top-notch food (including a raft of lighter options such as European-style deli plates) and drink – pretty much all you need to count down the pre-flight hours in comfort.

Click here to see all winners in the Australian Business Traveller Awards 2011.

The Australian Business Traveller Awards are judged by an independent panel of business travellers and frequent flyers plus the AusBT team, and provide a uniquely Australian perspective on the best products and services for Australia's estimated 2.6 million business travellers.