First look: Qantas Perth International Transit Lounge

By James Fordham, March 23 2018
First look: Qantas Perth International Transit Lounge

Qantas' much-touted Perth-London nonstop Boeing 787 flights will begin this weekend, taking passengers on a 17+ hour trek with no hops required on this new spin on the Kangaroo Route.

That journey will begin at Qantas' dedicated Perth transit lounge, located in the newly-built international wing of the Qantas T3 domestic terminal from which the Dreamliner will depart, rather than Perth Airport's T1 international terminal.

Join us as Australian Business Traveller explores the new Qantas Perth International Transit Lounge ahead of our flight to London on the inaugural QF9 service.

Please note: this is a preview article based on a short media visit to the lounge. We’ll be updating it tomorrow to a full review once we’ve had time to try the lounge in action.

Location and impressions

Qantas’ new Perth International Transit Lounge is located in the new international wing of the otherwise-domestic Terminal 3, which abuts Terminal 4 as part of what the airline likes to call its Qantas Terminal Precinct.

T3's international zone sports its own immigration and customs area, duty-free store, cafes and bars.

From March 24, all of Qantas' international flights – currently limited to Singapore and a seasonal service to Auckland – will depart from T3, although the Dreamliner-only transit lounge will be off limits to them.

The transit lounge is located towards the edge of T3, near gates 21-25.

It has a bright, airy feel with plenty of natural light, lush greenery and even an outdoor deck where you can get some fresh air and sunshine.

Shaped by design firm SUMU and David Caon, who also worked on other Qantas lounges including Singapore and Hong Kong, the transit lounge has a Scandinavian feel with light coloured tones said to be inspired by the “white sands of the WA coastline”.

There's a number of different seating and dining areas, geared towards solo travellers…

…as well as those travelling with colleagues.

You'll also find dedicated areas for everything from dining to relaxing, including shower suites and stretching exercises.

The outdoor barbeque area has got to be one of our favourite features: being outside on a pleasant day while travelling is very special and available only in a handful of airport lounges around the world.

In all, the lounge has room for 141 guests, who will also find plenty of AC and USB charging ports scattered throughout to keep their inflight tech juiced up.

Access

The bad news for many Qantas travellers is that this impressive lounge is only for Boeing 787 travellers – in fact, it's exclusive to the following

  • passengers travelling on QF9 from Perth to London, including passengers connecting onto QF9 from other destinations, such as Sydney
  • passengers transiting in Perth when travelling to London on QF9 from Melbourne (where the QF9 flight actually begins)
  • international passengers on the return leg QF10 from London continuing through to Melbourne

You'll also need to be flying in business class; hold Qantas Platinum One, Platinum, or Gold status (or their Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire equivalents); hold Emirates Skywards Platinum or Gold status;  be a Qantas Club member; or have a Qantas Club lounge invitation.

As we've previously reported, passengers booked solely on QF10 from Perth to Melbourne as a domestic-only trip (without flying London to Perth first) will not have access to this lounge, and will have to make do with the T4 domestic Qantas Business and Qantas Club lounges before boarding their flight.

UPDATE: A statement originally released by Qantas noted that QF9 passengers would only have access to this lounge when their journey began in Perth or Melbourne, which excluded access for those connecting in Perth from other domestic destinations and continuing their journey on QF9 from Perth to London.

Qantas has since clarified that as long as the passenger is departing Perth on flight QF9 to London, they'll have access to the lounge (subject to the normal eligibility rules) regardless of whether they began their journey in Perth as a Perth-based flyer; are travelling through from Melbourne to London on the full QF9 journey, or are connecting in Perth onto QF9 from a domestic flight, such as flying Sydney to Perth as a domestic passenger, and flying onward from Perth to London on QF9.

Dining

The longstanding Qantas-Neil Perry relationship continues with the dining options available at the Perth International Transit Lounge.

Because the lounge is exclusively for those travelling on the ultra-long flight between Perth and London (although Paris and Frankfurt are tipped to follow), Qantas has curated a seasonal menu focused on 'wellness' – but happily without neglecting more conventional comfort foods.

The standout dining option has to be the outdoor BBQ on the sun-drenched deck, where chefs will cook up gourmet sausages plus vegetarian options such as grilled mushrooms or corn on the cob.

There's also a hot and cold buffet serving lighter dishes including soups, healthy salad bowls, crudité and dips.

Those looking for a tipple will enjoy the full service bar with local beer and wines from the Margaret River region, with a barista on hand to whip up a latte or cappuccino.

Another wellness option is the ‘hydration station’ with healthier drinks from fruit-infused water to herbal tea.

Work

You can expect to find fast and free WiFi flowing throughout the lounge, although we'll run a full speed test tomorrow when the lounge is full of travellers.

That plus the plentiful AC and USB charging ports and wireless printing should see Qantas' Perth International Transit Lounge well-equipped for any last minute work you need to take care of before the flight, which – for better or worse – has no inflight Internet.

Relax

The lounge has 15 shower suites, which will prove especially welcome after the 17+ hour trek from London.

As part of its strategy to keep travellers feeling fresher and more comfortable when they land after the long flight, the showers also include bright LED lighting which can be run in 15 minute sessions to help re-adjust your body clock to the local time zone.

There's also a ‘refresh area’ with Aurora Spa products including a face cleanser, hydrating face mist and moisturiser.

In another nod to those ultra-long flights, a ‘wellbeing studio’ offers stretching and breathing classes held every 15 minutes.

Led by a local yoga teacher, the classes differ based on your direction of travel: passengers bound for London  will receive ‘calming and grounding sequences’, with those coming into Perth can look forward to stretches to loosen and invigorate their muscles.

Of course, the outdoor deck provides a great way to unwind – sunshine and fresh air goes a long way in getting you out of the stuffiness of the plane and airport.

Overall

The new Perth International Transit Lounge offers travellers a refreshing place to relax, unwind and recover before or after an arduous journey.

Because of the limited access, space is plentiful for now – but if Qantas’ long term plans for direct flights to other major European capitals from Perth come to fruition, that may not remain the case.

Siddharth Raja travelled to Perth as a guest of Qantas.

james_fordham

James has been interested in aviation ever since his first flight. When he’s not travelling, he’s still on the road indulging his motoring hobby, or trying a new whisky.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

13 Feb 2018

Total posts 8

"As we've previously reported, QF9 passengers coming from the likes of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane on connecting Qantas flights will have to make do with the T4 domestic Qantas Business and Qantas Club lounges before boarding QF9."

I'm now confused again... I'm flying ADL-PER-LHR in June, will I or won't I have access to this new international transit lounge in Perth? Your comments above seem to infer that I won't unless I flew ADL-MEL-PER-LHR..? OR started my journey in PER.


Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

10 Aug 2016

Total posts 64

matorm

, your fears are correct - you'd need to be on QF9 MEL/PER/LHR to access the Lounge. See the Access section:

Access

The bad news for many Qantas travellers is that this impressive lounge is only for Boeing 787 travellers – in fact, it's exclusive to the following

  • passengers beginning their journey on QF9 from Perth
  • passengers transiting in Perth when travelling to London on QF9 from Melbourne (where the QF9 flight actually begins)
  • passengers on the return leg QF10 from London continuing through to Melbourne

You'll also need to be flying in business class; hold Qantas Platinum One, Platinum, or Gold status (or their Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire equivalents); or be a Qantas Club member or have a Qantas Club lounge invitation.


Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

13 Feb 2018

Total posts 8

Thanks QF WP for the clarity - however even my booking in the qantas app lists that I can "Relax at the International Transit Lounge", only to add further confusion to things...

02 Nov 2017

Total posts 34

I wonder how the door staff will tell the difference between people starting their journey in Perth who can use the transit lounge, and people who connected from eg. Adelaide, who cannot.

Seems a bit unfair imo

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

13 Feb 2018

Total posts 8

For EK flights ex-ADL, the QF lounge staff have a printed list of accepted guests. Assume they could do something similar for this? Assume that if your name is not on it, no entry is granted...

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

10 Aug 2016

Total posts 64

That would be the best way for them to police it matorm. They need to run their Lounge under their T&C's.

However we would care to object :o

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

13 Feb 2018

Total posts 8

This is the definition on the qantas website of the international transit lounge:

 

Platinum/Platinum One Frequent Flyer

Customers travelling on that day to London on QF9 and customers transiting on QF10 between London and Melbourne.

Customers traveling on QF10 from Perth to Melbourne (on a Qantas Domestic sector) are invited to use Qantas' Domestic Business Lounge.

All other international customers travelling from Perth to Singapore or Auckland are invited to use Qantas' Domestic Business Lounge.

One guest allowed and must be travelling with the member on the same flight.

It's incredibly prescriptive about the QF10 domestic leg, but not prescriptive at all about the QF9 leg.
 
I think it all comes down to what the definition of "who are starting their journey in Perth" really means?

07 Oct 2012

Total posts 1250

@matorm - Having read the previous article, I think this article is a little incorrect and that you'll have access to the lounge as the Qantas App indicates.


I think the confusion here, highlights the poor lounge access policy that QF has created... It will annoy many customers and I don't see the benefit in QF doing so.

JKH
JKH

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

23 Sep 2017

Total posts 162

The above article states:

Qantas has since clarified that as long as the passenger is departing Perth on flight QF9 to London, they'll have access to the lounge (subject to the normal eligibility rules) regardless of whether they began their journey in Perth as a Perth-based flyer; are travelling through from Melbourne to London on the full QF9 journey, or are connecting in Perth onto QF9 from a domestic flight, such as flying Sydney to Perth as a domestic passenger, and flying onward from Perth to London on QF9.”
You should have access.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

13 Feb 2018

Total posts 8

Thanks @JKH, I've been following the discussion along and see that I can access as has now been confirmed a few times.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

14 Dec 2016

Total posts 42

Matorm, just to confirm. If you were flying from Adelaide - Perth - London, you would have access to the Transfer Lounge.


What this means "passengers beginning their journey on QF9 from Perth" Is that passengers beginning their journey on QF10 from Perth (to Melb), won't have access to the Lounge.

I trust that makes sense

23 Mar 2018

Total posts 1

The article is confusing. However confirming that you WILL be able to use the transit lounge when departing Perth on the London bound flight.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

10 Aug 2016

Total posts 64

Great article Sid (you get all the good inaugurals as we were on the QF/EK one together). Looking forward to the full run through article to see what you think when it's busy. Might be a while before I get to use it (as BNE/MEL/PER/LHR or vv might be a bit of a stretch for the kids, although the extra SC's would be handy!)

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

22 Jul 2015

Total posts 219

So a QFF P1 on a Sydney flight connecting to QF9 cannot use this lounge? If I came on Tiger Air and started out on QF9 then I can? Bizarre if true.

24 Aug 2011

Total posts 1205

If I was coming from SYD, I would've hopped on the very comfortable and quiet A380, headed to SIN and never given PER a second thought though I take your point.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

22 Jul 2015

Total posts 219

Thats my usual ride to London but since it goes via SIN, I now lose the excellent Emirates First Lounges in DXB. The QF Singapore lounge is fiine but not a paatch on DXB.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

28 Oct 2011

Total posts 467

....and hoped like hell the A380 didn't suffer one of its numerous delays/cancellations due to the never-ending technical problems with the aircraft.

25 Sep 2013

Total posts 1242

Exactly! This seems really short-sighted imo.

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1427

Nick,


"Qantas has since clarified that as long as the passenger is departing Perth on flight QF9 to London, they'll have access to the lounge (subject to the normal eligibility rules) regardless of whether they began their journey in Perth as a Perth-based flyer; are travelling through from Melbourne to London on the full QF9 journey, or are connecting in Perth onto QF9 from a domestic flight, such as flying Sydney to Perth as a domestic passenger, and flying onward from Perth to London on QF9."

I think this is clear

16 Feb 2016

Total posts 30

Has anyone asked QF exactly why they are restricting the lounge to 787 pax only? It doesn't really make sense; I wonder if its anything to do with separating pax for security. (ie, transit pax from MEL will not have to undergo a transit security check as this will have happened in MEL)

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

10 Aug 2016

Total posts 64

aturnbull

, most likely to do with capacity constraints - the lounge has room for only 141 guests. That's probably the likely fill rate of a daily flight from MEL/PER pax with the eligibility criteria.

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1427

Also opening it for the two 737 flights at other times of the day may not be worthwhile.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

10 Aug 2016

Total posts 64

Although I think I have an answer for matorm & Nick Sydney - as you'd come into PER domestically, you could clear arrivals and go to the International C&I (if you already have your BP would be handy), as your bags would be through checked. Voila, instant access. So just make sure you have built in sufficient layover time to enjoy the new Lounge

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

13 Feb 2018

Total posts 8

Completely agree QF WP - that is where my thoughts were going. Will be interesting to hear firsthand accounts of how tightly it is policed (if in fact it is policed at all?)

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

10 Aug 2016

Total posts 64

True enough - this is QF who can't even police priority boarding lines - but that's going OT. But I have always found the policing at the QC's to be more stringent.

Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards

13 Nov 2015

Total posts 36

No need to clear arrivals! The T3 International Departures zone is already airside domestically. When you get off your flight in T4, head to the left where the walkway to T3 is. Head down the walkway, and the entrance to the International Departures zone is to your right. If you 'clear arrivals', then you'd need to re-do domestic security before heading to the International Zone and doing another layer of security there.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

22 Jul 2015

Total posts 219

Thank you. All looks and sounds a bit complex but no doubt will sort itself out.

Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards

20 Mar 2018

Total posts 7

thinking the same as Matorm, but we are going Syd-Per-LHR in April. I was thinking that when I check in at Syd domestic I should get both boarding passes, so what is stopping me landing at Perth Domestic, going through to T3 and clearing int and then showing my boarding pass for QF9, who would know If I started Perth or Sydney?. And what difference would it make anyway there are only 42 (i think) business class seats on the 787 its not exactly going to tax the capacity of the lounge. (especially if they are baring everyother int flight)

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

10 Aug 2016

Total posts 64

Great minds think alike Flasheart ;-) [on your first point).

There are plenty of other pax (other than just J pax) that will gain eligibility to the Lounge for that flight.

25 Sep 2013

Total posts 1242

Might staff actually be instructed to look up PNRs?

20 Dec 2017

Total posts 16

Am too confused. Before i booked SYD-PER-LHR and return (just to give it a go next month) Qantas told me: I can use the new lounge before boarding QF9 to London but not when I'm transiting on the way home. Fair enough. They insisted it was only for the 9 heading north and the 10 heading east. But if that's the case, the article doesn't make sense....? Help us Sid.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

10 Aug 2016

Total posts 64

Robertybob

, I'd be trusting the information packs given to journalists attending the opening by QF Comms, against a CSA in SYD, whose training and understanding was probably cursory. Refer to the Access section above again for clarity.

20 Dec 2017

Total posts 16

no QF WP, in this rare instance you might just be wrong. QF Comms has since issued a correction (see a new edit in the article above) and the premium CSA team in Hobart was right after all. Domestic connections into Perth to join QF9 can use the new lounge. Phew.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

10 Aug 2016

Total posts 64

I'm wrong more than my fair share Robertybob and willing to admit it ;-). Seems that QF Comms were wrong or have done a backflip (not for the first time) on this rule because of lack of clarity or mounting negative press on the ruling. Now if they only checked with us first, we'd tell them what to write in the T&C's...

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

10 Aug 2016

Total posts 64

Where did it mention sausage in bread?? I'd be eating my freshly-cooked gourmet sausages with the varierty of salad (available indoors at the self-serve areas). Plus a beer and sit outside on the deck, watching the aircraft movements....

04 May 2015

Total posts 261

"The standout dining option has to be the outdoor BBQ on the sun-drenched deck, where chefs will cook up gourmet sausages plus vegetarian options such as grilled mushrooms or corn on the cob."

Sausage in bread? Corn on the cob? This is a business class lounge for passengers on one of the world's longest flights, not a picnic in the local park. Mr Perry couldn't have come up with anything more creative? My 10 year old can cook that at home...

sgb
sgb

Emirates Airlines - Skywards

30 Nov 2015

Total posts 729

Burnt corn on the cob and crudites, yuck.

Qantas

22 Oct 2012

Total posts 318

I'm confused about the door sign that lists those entitled to enter, starting with First Class. But there are no First Class pax that would be entitled to enter.

15 Feb 2013

Total posts 163

Yeah me too - another comment elsewhere suggested that maybe in future once they move to the new long range aircraft it may have First flying through Perth. But that’s 5+ years away so why would they bother with putting it on the sign now!

25 Sep 2013

Total posts 1242

Future-proofing the signage? LOL

15 Feb 2013

Total posts 163

In regards to comments on “how would they know if I was boarding QF9 just in Perth or had connected from SYD/BNE - well I assume when they scan your BP at the entrance they will see it connected and they may deny entry - which they would be a pain if not impossible to get back to the domestic business lounge if you’re already airside in international. The way around it would be to book your xxx-PER leg as a separate booking - obviously the risk then is a delay prevents you getting on to QF9 at all.


Then begs the question - if you were on a connecting flight on same booking and missed the connection and were moved to QF9 the next day, which lounge would you use? Your booking was connecting but technically once there is an overnight qantas considers that a stopover not a connection...

02 Mar 2018

Total posts 2

I seriously cant believe how Qantas have made the Perth lounge access so so confusing. And its only just to allow all passengers travelling on the new Dreamliner to use the lounge regardless of how they got to Perth.

24 Aug 2011

Total posts 1205

Maybe if the route is a success, the A380 will replace the 789 ;)


Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

29 Apr 2013

Total posts 14

I thinks what's been identified by all the readers here, is that Qantas has missed a great opportunity to provide an overall great experience for all QF9 passenger regardless of where their flight originated from. Should it matter where you commenced your journey? If I am reading this right, a Plat 1 member who commenced their journey in Sydney will not be provided access to the lounge, but a Qantas Club member flying economy can if they originated in Melbourne. The Business Lounge in Perth is still available of course and is probably on a par although you would miss out on the sun and a snag in a bun....

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

14 Oct 2016

Total posts 65

I agree the messaging on access is a complete mess. Lets see if it is any clearer on the Qantas website once the lounge gets listed.

23 Mar 2018

Total posts 2

I have an upcoming flight SYD PER LHR in Business class. I can't believe that QF would not let me use the new lounge. This is amazing to say the least.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

14 Oct 2016

Total posts 65

Okay so further to my post above the access rules for the transit lounge are now up on the Qantas website which seem to make it much clearer.


International Business

Qantas International Business

Customers travelling on that day to London on QF9 and customers transiting on QF10 between London and Melbourne

Customers traveling on QF10 from Perth to Melbourne (on a Qantas Domestic sector) are invited to use Qantas' Domestic Business Lounge

All other international customers travelling from Perth to Singapore or Auckland are invited to use Qantas' Domestic Business Lounge

One guest allowed and must be travelling with the member on the same flight.


Platinum Frequent Flyer

Customers travelling on that day to London on QF9 and customers transiting on QF10 between London and Melbourne.

Customers traveling on QF10 from Perth to Melbourne (on a Qantas Domestic sector) are invited to use Qantas' Domestic Business Lounge.

All other international customers travelling from Perth to Singapore or Auckland are invited to use Qantas' Domestic Business Lounge

One guest allowed and must be travelling with the member on the same flight.


Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

13 Feb 2018

Total posts 8

They're much less prescriptive about access if you're on QF9, than they are about QF10. I think it all comes down to the definition of what "starting their journey in Perth" really means...

05 Oct 2015

Total posts 12

I think the author has misunderstood the lounge access policy. The way I read it, is that anyone travelling on Q9, that qualifies for lounge access, can access the new lounge.

 
If that were not the case, it would most likely generate a storm of negative publicity, from day one.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

14 Oct 2016

Total posts 65

These rules don't state anything about your point of origin, just that you must be flying to London on QF 9. I'd be pretty confident that someone on QF9 would be able to enter, regardless of their point of origin.

15 Feb 2013

Total posts 163

The wording further up the page says “customers who are travelling on QF9 from

Perth to London (who are starting their journey in Perth) are permitted to use the Perth International transit lounge.
 
I still think this is badly worded - if their intent is to not allow customers connecting from other flights then you could argue that this statement only refers to the start of their journey specifically on QF9 and they would be entitled to enter, as opposed to the start of their entire journey.
 
It however the intent is anyone flying on QF9 from Perth can enter, irrespective of connecting from QF9 in Mel, or another flight from any city, or originating in Perth, it could easily be made a lot clearer.
 
I think the wording “starting their journey in Perth” is very vague because it doesn’t explicitly say the journey defined by their booking, or the journey defined by the flight QF9.

31 Jan 2013

Total posts 15

Just had a look at QfF's website and it states that International Business Lounges Perth T4 can be be by Gold and QC flyers

"Next onward flight that day must be on a Qantas^, Emirates^, Jetstar Airlines+ or oneworld operated and marketed flight.#

One guest allowed and must be travelling with the member on the same flight.


15 Feb 2013

Total posts 163

That’s the confusing bit - the new lounge is the “International Business Transit lounge”. The “International Business Lounge” is actually the Domestic Business Lounge and the website indicates these are a combined lounge. Not sure why they list it separately - they should really list it as a single lounge called the “International and Domestic Business lounge”.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

23 Mar 2012

Total posts 211

Peteshep - the qantas international business lounge is at terminal 1, where all international flights except Qantas depart.

15 Feb 2013

Total posts 163

No not anymore. The qantas website now indicates the international business lounge is combined lounge with domestic now that the SIN and AKL flights depart from T3.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

10 Aug 2016

Total posts 64

Well, just received the QF Press Release:

https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/stretching-classes-jetlag-reducing-lights-and-an-outdoor-terrace-the-new-qantas-perth-lounge/

that clearly states:

"The lounge is open to customers transiting in Perth when travelling on QF9 from Melbourne to London and QF10 from London to Melbourne. It is also open to customers beginning their journey in Perth to London. Eligible customers include customers travelling in Business, Gold, Platinum and Platinum One Frequent Flyers, oneworld Emerald and Sapphire customers and Qantas Club members and their guests."

Seems to match the information as per the Access information in the article above.

No doubt at all about the eligibility for me. However, it's how they are going to police it (whether they will use a system that tags eligible pax). The jury is out until tomorrow and AusBT may be able to clarify

07 Oct 2012

Total posts 1250

When QFs own media team gets it wrong... It's a sign they have over complicated things!


I actually feel sorry for the lounge staff having to deal with this.

24 Dec 2013

Total posts 97

It should be very interesting hanging out at the lounge entrance the first few weeks to see how many people get turned away, how the staff explains why and how many arguments occur.

14 Oct 2016

Total posts 12

I'd guess that they mean: "It is also open to customers beginning their journey [on QF9] in Perth to London", so including all those who have come in from elsewhere. It is poorly written, but there would be no logic to allowing 'joining' pax from Perth while excluding those connecting from elsewhere.
Clearly in the other direction (QF10) it is specifically a transit lounge.

05 May 2016

Total posts 616

Why are they advertising first class at the door of the lounge? Do QF have plans to do a backflip and put a F cabin on the 787?

24 Apr 2012

Total posts 2432

IMPORTANT UPDATE

A media statement released by Qantas earlier today, and the lounge rules published on the Qantas website, indicated that QF9 passengers would only have access to this Transit Lounge when beginning their journey in Perth (such as flying Perth-London), or when travelling from Melbourne to London via Perth on the full QF9 journey, during their time in transit.

Australian Business Traveller has since clarified with Qantas that passengers beginning their journey elsewhere, such as those who fly from Sydney or Brisbane (or anywhere else) to Perth before travelling onwards on QF9 from Perth to London, will also have access to this lounge, and we have updated this article accordingly.

(In the process, we were also able to confirm that Emirates Skywards Platinum and Gold frequent flyers have access to this lounge too under the same rules as for Qantas Platinum and Gold members, so some good news there for Skywards members.)

04 May 2015

Total posts 261

Thanks for the update, but wow, if Qantas can't even get its own lounge rules right, what chance does the average punter have of understanding what they are?

On the plus side though it's good that common sense finally prevailed. Turning away QF9 passengers at the door just because they connected from somewhere else instead of checking-in in Perth would have been so stupid!

23 Mar 2018

Total posts 2

I have to say that this has been poorly managed by QF. At least now, common sense prevails.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

10 Aug 2016

Total posts 64

Nicely done @ChrisCh. Sanity prevails but they need to have a long hard look at themselves. I'll bet they wouldn't turn away AJ if he flew SYD/PER for the opening :D

24 Apr 2012

Total posts 2432

Yes, I've flagged with Qantas HQ that the "who are starting their journey in Perth" text (on their public site atop the lounge access rules) is proving very confusing and should probably be updated for clarity.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

23 Oct 2013

Total posts 699

It looks as though Qantas Club members and Gold cardholders will now get access to the Domestic Business lounge prior to International flights.


This is what the updates to the "Lounge Locations" part of the website seems to indicate. Even stranger the old Qantas Perth Terminal 1 lounge has disappeared off their website.

07 Dec 2017

Total posts 4

To clarify the situation for pax transferring from SYD/BNE: "Qantas has since clarified that as long as the passenger is departing Perth on flight QF9 to London, they'll have access to the lounge (subject to the normal eligibility rules) regardless of whether they began their journey in Perth as a Perth-based flyer; are travelling through from Melbourne to London on the full QF9 journey, or are connecting in Perth onto QF9 from a domestic flight, such as flying Sydney to Perth as a domestic passenger, and flying onward from Perth to London on QF9."

15 Sep 2012

Total posts 95

Seems very extravagant for something that is only going to be used for a few hours a day!

At maximum about 50 people eligible to use for each flight to London and probably only 15 to 20 on each arrival from London transitting onwards!
Looking at schedule probably open only midday till about 7pm.

Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards

13 Nov 2015

Total posts 36

The official opening hours are 1pm - 2:45pm, then 4:45pm to 6:50pm. So it's open for a grand total of 3 hrs 50 min a day.

23 Mar 2018

Total posts 21

Please all I ask is retire Neil Perry as quickly and gracefully as possible.

06 Dec 2017

Total posts 110

agreed.i might only be an ordinary economy passenger with qantas but some of the food you mentioned for the most part is like a family picnic or in my case the workplace cafeteria.come off it sausages and salads in a business class lounge.i can eat that anytime i want.what we want is things you would not be able to eat otherwise.something like a nasi lemak or a pad thai or even sushi is that too much for neil to do.

Delta Air Lines - SkyMiles

14 Apr 2013

Total posts 325

Have been advised that even connecting eligible passengers onto QF9 will have access to the new lounge ie: ADL/BNE/SYD - LHR (QF9)


Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

26 May 2014

Total posts 465

Here is another access question: isn’t QF10 bookable PER-MEL as part of a PER-MEL-LAX ticket? Is the QF10 leg considered international or domestic and which lounge?

03 Apr 2014

Total posts 4

QF71 PER-SIN can't have a alcoholic beverage or pour yourself a coke prior to the flight, as you only have the domestic lounge to use.

Jetstar Airways - Qantas Frequent Flyer

23 May 2017

Total posts 17

Most impressed. Just need to study what time period would be avalable between Melbourne and London to enjoy this facility. Also what would be the pressure on space and comfort if the maximum of around 100 passengers crowd in there?

Otherwise, the dreaded 17 hour ordeal now seems more attractive because of this lounge.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

19 Aug 2011

Total posts 165

It looks good, but seems odd to exclude passengers flying on the SIN (and seasonal AKL) routes from this lounge if QF goes to the effort of relocating those flights to this terminal. May as well keep those flights at international, although the AKL one could be a feeder to the LHR route (albeit with a long transit).

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

15 Aug 2017

Total posts 116

Fair point but the reality is the Qantas domestic business lounge is still better than the qantas business lounge / qantas club at the international terminal.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

19 Aug 2011

Total posts 165

Oh definitely, it just means those departing to SIN/AKL will need to go through passport control and additional security to get to the gate (no different from ADL).

18 Nov 2015

Total posts 117

Someone please tell me the outdoor area will no smoking?

24 Aug 2011

Total posts 1205

I think it has to be non-smoking under Australian law which requires all airports to be smoke-free.except for designated landside areas.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

05 Apr 2012

Total posts 57

I may have missed in the article, but what are the opening times of the Lounge, eg 2 hours before QF9 arrives into Perth ... nice report :)

25 Mar 2018

Total posts 1

Do we know if there is inbound duty free for passengers coming in to Perth from London, Singapore or Auckland?

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

17 May 2013

Total posts 14

I flew on QF77 yesterday. There's a small duty free in the departure area...I presume it will be same one coming back in.

Singapore Airlines - KrisFlyer

07 Mar 2018

Total posts 18

Hadn't realised the transit lounge was off limits to the daily Singapore services. Another slap in the face to Perth travellers. On top of being left to Emirates for several years and no International flights from Perth on QF equipment all they can muster is a 737 for Singapore. Once a twice daily service on A330 but squandered their market share by turning their back on Perth. As a QFF Platinum I just shake my head at the treatment Perth passengers receive. You have to be on the blue ribbon PER LHR service only?? I'll find another way to get to Singapore thanks Qantas.

QF

25 May 2022

Total posts 4

Glad I'm starting in Per. (To Lhr). Now does anyone know if the Lhr lounge is open for arrival at 0500 ? .. pls ? :)


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