My significant other is a newly minted Oneworld Emerald and I'm hoping to get some help with planning a first class lounge run!
I've booked an itinerary BNE-SYD-HKG-LHR with a 9hr layover in SYD and 18hr layover in HKG so that we can experience the Qantas and Cathay Pacific first lounges. That is definitely a long time to spend in any lounge though, so we're hoping to get out and explore the city a bit in both Sydney and Hong Kong.
Since HKG is one big terminal, I think we'll be able to enter the lounge when we land, then leave the airport for a bit, and come back to the lounge again later. However, as we'll be transferring from Sydney Domestic Terminal to Sydney International Terminal, I'm guessing we'll have to do our exploring in Sydney before entering the International Terminal.
Is it possible to go through departures/security in Sydney International, use the lounge but then leave the airport without catching a departing flight and coming back later in the day to leave? I'm guessing, no. Thanks for your help!
For HKG, after going through transit security and entering the lounge there's no direct path back to immigration to exit the airport, you'll need to ask a staff member for assistance to get back to immigration
Most likely no for the Sydney idea, they won't let you leave the international departure area without a really good reason.
For HKG, I'm assuming her onwards flight is the next day? I'm not 100% sure on OW rules and CX lounge rules, but there's potentially a rule saying you need a same day boarding pass to access the lounges, which could mean no access on arrival.
But if it's a same day 18 hr transit, then it would be okay.
Most likely no for the Sydney idea, they won't let you leave the international departure area without a really good reason.
For HKG, I'm assuming her onwards flight is the next day? I'm not 100% sure on OW rules and CX lounge rules, but there's potentially a rule saying you need a same day boarding pass to access the lounges, which could mean no access on arrival.
But if it's a same day 18 hr transit, then it would be okay.
Cheers, I've booked same day arrivals and departures in both Sydney and Hong Kong, so lounge access immediately after landing shouldn't be an issue. It's just whether we can use the lounge, leave the airport, and then use the lounge again that's unclear. I'll probably be in trouble with significant other if we're stuck in the airport the whole time :)
Long time to wait but the HK lounges are magnificent. The QF lounge is not divided in First and other.. Its combined . The CX lounges are fabulous. The shower facilities are superb at CX. Also Pizza Express in the food court on Level 7. Wish they had that in Sydney as the HK one is my closest! Enjoy.
Is it possible to go through departures/security in Sydney International, use the lounge but then leave the airport without catching a departing flight and coming back later in the day to leave?
No.
You can, however, go to the Domestic Business Lounge in Terminal 3. They will happily take you in upon arrival from Brisbane on the basis of having status and an onward flight that day. You will not need to re-clear security. This lounge is, however, nothing terribly exciting (although it is perfectly serviceable for a shower, snack, and/or beverage).
Your best option would be to take the connecting bus to Terminal 1 on the International side, park your bags at the left luggage facility downstairs at Arrivals, and take the train into the City. You should have enough time to spend about three or four hours ambling around the City, which is enough to have a relaxed meal and a stroll along some waterfront.
If you know what you would like to see and eat in Sydney, I am happy to provide some suggestions on where you could go.
Last editedby watson374 at Jun 22, 2018, 05:24 PM.
You can, however, go to the Domestic Business Lounge in Terminal 3. They will happily take you in upon arrival from Brisbane on the basis of having status and an onward flight that day.
Thanks, I hadn't thought of that! Also, thanks for offering your advice on Sydney attractions, although we lived there for a few years so we have a few favourites on our list we want to go back and visit like the Bourke St bakery!
Most likely no for the Sydney idea, they won't let you leave the international departure area without a really good reason.
For HKG, I'm assuming her onwards flight is the next day? I'm not 100% sure on OW rules and CX lounge rules, but there's potentially a rule saying you need a same day boarding pass to access the lounges, which could mean no access on arrival.
But if it's a same day 18 hr transit, then it would be okay.
Cheers, I've booked same day arrivals and departures in both Sydney and Hong Kong, so lounge access immediately after landing shouldn't be an issue. It's just whether we can use the lounge, leave the airport, and then use the lounge again that's unclear. I'll probably be in trouble with significant other if we're stuck in the airport the whole time :)
For HKG, you'll need to find an airport staff (and explain your circumstance) to escort you from the departures area back down to arrivals to go through immigration to head into town - there is no "public" access once you've gone through transit security up to the departures level.
For SYD, I think the rules are stricter and you might find that you're stuck inside once you've cleared passport control and security....
Watson 374 is spot with their advice.Will your bags be checked to HKG at least to avoid pick up and drop off at Terminal 1 on arrival at SYD?
The Bourke St bakery is still there but surrounded by fencing, bollards and construction as the over budget and massively delayed Light Rail project goes right past. The Grounds in Alexandria is a good foody spot and not far from the airport to stop off on the way back.
For HKG, I'm assuming her onwards flight is the next day? I'm not 100% sure on OW rules and CX lounge rules, but there's potentially a rule saying you need a same day boarding pass to access the lounges, which could mean no access on arrival.
There’s actually a CX arrivals lounge, although it is quite small. It has showers, a lounge area and a small buffet and dining area. Quite adequate to freshen up.
You can, however, go to the Domestic Business Lounge in Terminal 3. They will happily take you in upon arrival from Brisbane on the basis of having status and an onward flight that day.
Thanks, I hadn't thought of that! Also, thanks for offering your advice on Sydney attractions, although we lived there for a few years so we have a few favourites on our list we want to go back and visit like the Bourke St bakery!
No worries!
As paulkaz has noted, the original one is currently surrounded by a construction site. There is, however, a lovely outpost in Barangaroo.
The only thing that comes close to seeing Sydney for the first time is seeing it again.
Last editedby watson374 at Jun 25, 2018, 10:49 AM.
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Oneworld first class lounge run
broleur
broleur
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
Member since 02 Sep 2016
Total posts 12
My significant other is a newly minted Oneworld Emerald and I'm hoping to get some help with planning a first class lounge run!
mrc82
mrc82
Member since 04 May 2014
Total posts 23
For HKG, after going through transit security and entering the lounge there's no direct path back to immigration to exit the airport, you'll need to ask a staff member for assistance to get back to immigration
bl5965
bl5965
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
Member since 13 Nov 2015
Total posts 82
Most likely no for the Sydney idea, they won't let you leave the international departure area without a really good reason.
broleur
broleur
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
Member since 02 Sep 2016
Total posts 12
Cheers, I've booked same day arrivals and departures in both Sydney and Hong Kong, so lounge access immediately after landing shouldn't be an issue. It's just whether we can use the lounge, leave the airport, and then use the lounge again that's unclear. I'll probably be in trouble with significant other if we're stuck in the airport the whole time :)
Nick Sydney 2
Nick Sydney 2
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 22 Jul 2015
Total posts 83
Long time to wait but the HK lounges are magnificent. The QF lounge is not divided in First and other.. Its combined . The CX lounges are fabulous. The shower facilities are superb at CX. Also Pizza Express in the food court on Level 7. Wish they had that in Sydney as the HK one is my closest! Enjoy.
watson374
watson374
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 17 Aug 2012
Total posts 1,285
Is it possible to go through departures/security in Sydney International, use the lounge but then leave the airport without catching a departing flight and coming back later in the day to leave?
No.
You can, however, go to the Domestic Business Lounge in Terminal 3. They will happily take you in upon arrival from Brisbane on the basis of having status and an onward flight that day. You will not need to re-clear security. This lounge is, however, nothing terribly exciting (although it is perfectly serviceable for a shower, snack, and/or beverage).
Your best option would be to take the connecting bus to Terminal 1 on the International side, park your bags at the left luggage facility downstairs at Arrivals, and take the train into the City. You should have enough time to spend about three or four hours ambling around the City, which is enough to have a relaxed meal and a stroll along some waterfront.
If you know what you would like to see and eat in Sydney, I am happy to provide some suggestions on where you could go.
broleur
broleur
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
Member since 02 Sep 2016
Total posts 12
Thanks, I hadn't thought of that! Also, thanks for offering your advice on Sydney attractions, although we lived there for a few years so we have a few favourites on our list we want to go back and visit like the Bourke St bakery!
lazblue
lazblue
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 20 May 2013
Total posts 22
Cheers, I've booked same day arrivals and departures in both Sydney and Hong Kong, so lounge access immediately after landing shouldn't be an issue. It's just whether we can use the lounge, leave the airport, and then use the lounge again that's unclear. I'll probably be in trouble with significant other if we're stuck in the airport the whole time :)
For HKG, you'll need to find an airport staff (and explain your circumstance) to escort you from the departures area back down to arrivals to go through immigration to head into town - there is no "public" access once you've gone through transit security up to the departures level.
paulkaz
paulkaz
Member since 01 Mar 2011
Total posts 32
Watson 374 is spot with their advice.Will your bags be checked to HKG at least to avoid pick up and drop off at Terminal 1 on arrival at SYD?
walterong
walterong
QF
Member since 15 Apr 2015
Total posts 2
There’s actually a CX arrivals lounge, although it is quite small. It has showers, a lounge area and a small buffet and dining area. Quite adequate to freshen up.
watson374
watson374
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 17 Aug 2012
Total posts 1,285
Thanks, I hadn't thought of that! Also, thanks for offering your advice on Sydney attractions, although we lived there for a few years so we have a few favourites on our list we want to go back and visit like the Bourke St bakery!
No worries!
As paulkaz has noted, the original one is currently surrounded by a construction site. There is, however, a lovely outpost in Barangaroo.
The only thing that comes close to seeing Sydney for the first time is seeing it again.