Cathay Pacific adds The House lounge to its Sydney options
Cathay Pacific is once again directing passengers to the Qantas lounges, although The House remains an option for some.
By David Flynn, November 2 2022
Cathay Pacific says it will continue to direct Cathay Silver members to The House lounge – formerly the den of Etihad Airways, and now run as an independent lounge by Aspire – while sending all other loungeworthy travellers to the Qantas Business and Qantas First lounges.
The House will also welcome those travellers, it seems – a group that is mainly business class passengers along with mid-tier and top-tier frequent flyers – although a Cathay pacific spokesperson tells Executive Traveller those passengers “are still directed to the appropriate Qantas lounges while they are open when departing Sydney.”
“It is only Cathay Silver members, who are not eligible to enter Qantas lounges under Oneworld admittance rules, who are directed to The House,” the airline states.
That means business class passengers on Cathay’s daily 3.15pm CX100 flight – along with Cathay Gold member and their Oneworld Sapphire equivalents – can still of course head to the Qantas Business Lounge, while Cathay Diamonds and Oneworld Emeralds will naturally make a beeline for the delights of the Qantas First Lounge.
Cathay Pacific now directs passengers to Sydney's The House lounge.
However, on those days when the the 10.20pm departure of CX138 comes after the Qantas lounges have locked their doors (usually timed for the 9.35pm departure of QF25 to Tokyo), “Hie thee to The House” is Cathay’s cry.
Of course, passengers can still make the most of some Qantas lounge-time up until the final call for QF25, and then make a short stop at The House until CX138 starts to board.
The House is also home (no pun intended) to British Airways, Etihad Airways, Hawaiian Airlines, Philippine Airlines and SriLankan Airlines, as well as welcoming Priority Pass members (upon payment of an additional $20 ‘Premium Lounge’ fee).
It’s also open to passengers on any airline for $77 as a walk-up rate or $66 if they book online.
Just note that at the time of writing, à la carte dining has still not returned to The House, with only a relatively limited buffet spread on offer.
24 Aug 2011
Total posts 1224
It's not as if the Qantas International Business Lounge at SYD is particularly great. The nicest thing I can say about it is that it is better than its sibling in MEL.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
24 Jan 2018
Total posts 775
The House at MEL's T2 is pretty darn good too. That cocktail bar and the tarmac/runway view !!
Worth every last cent (IMHO).
14 Oct 2016
Total posts 115
I'm wondering if this is a sign that they might be starting a refurbishment of Qantas business lounge they were supposed to do a couple of years ago?
Maybe getting all the partner airlines out of there as the lounge was easy to fill up pre covid is what Qantas is doing as I'd imagine the floor space will be cut in half when they make any alterations. And with Cathay having a stronger partnership with Cathay in the recent period might point to them just reducing the demand on the lounge so the works can go ahead.
Singapore Airlines - KrisFlyer
12 Apr 2017
Total posts 207
As Qantas Gold, do I have access to The House if flying on Cathay? Do I have access to The House if flying on Qantas?
28 Jul 2018
Total posts 21
No if you're flying Economy. Because it's not a OneWorld lounge. But, Yes if you're flying Business or First with Cathay.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
04 Sep 2015
Total posts 26
I recently used The House as an Etihad business class passenger, what a terrible lounge, we had to queue to get in as they were busy selling access to non Business class flyers.Inside was a nightmare no seats anywhere , terrible food selection.I am amazed that airline use this lounge when the lounge is selling space to anyone , yet there was no space at all.A terrible start to our long journey .So never will I travel Etihad again as the lounge was terrible and then their aircraft should have been retired a long time ago.
British Airways - Executive Club
06 Sep 2022
Total posts 1
I was (aggressively) directed to The House by the check-in staff when travelling First on BA ex Sydney. It was appalling. Food was poor, wine was rubbish, ambience was lacking, understaffed. Entry to the Lounge was delayed whilst walk-ups were processed by the single staff member on duty. It beggars belief that BA thinks this is an acceptable alternative to the QF First Lounge; one can only assume that BA Execs haven't actually seen it. The photos above are extremely flattering
Cathay Pacific - The Marco Polo Club
01 Oct 2021
Total posts 14
Cathay is working with Aspire in a number of locations around the world. Aspire in general are poor quality lounges and you have to pay for certain items.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
07 Dec 2014
Total posts 170
I haven't used The House since the pandemic... It used to be a nice lounge (I used it as a VA gold pre HK and Bali flights and with Etihad)... A la carte service meant it was over and above typical business lounges, and there always seemed to be seating available. Sad to hear it's gone downhill.
Jetstar Airways - Qantas Frequent Flyer
03 Jul 2018
Total posts 50
Most criticisms of "The House" are front of house (lack of) staff and food and beverage quality. This indicates poor administration and bean counter focus. Apart from lack of space, the other factors are more about choices rather than simply cost issues. For example, even seasoned frequent flyers often prefer a delicious well prepared Hamburger to a overcooked steak.
08 Nov 2022
Total posts 1
I had the opportunity to experience The House lounge in Melbourne on a recent trip abroad. I was incredibly impressed by the hospitality, the quality and variety of food options and the overall calm ambiance. Everything was immaculately maintained and presented, and I can see the staff had great attention to detail. On that note, the staff were incredibly helpful, and I truly appreciated their kindness and personalised customer service. I wish I took down the name of the lovely lady in the lounge that day, but will reach out to the company so she can be recognised. I seldom provide any feedback but felt like my positive experience needed to be shared on this platform.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
20 Nov 2017
Total posts 113
Not sure why anyone would prefer the QF SYDi J lounge. It is execrable.
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