Review: Qantas Club, Perth Domestic Airport T4

Introduction

Perched on the top floor of Terminal 4 and affording expansive views across the runway, the Qantas Club is part of the very fabric of Perth Airport. It’s welcomed travellers on the Flying Kangaroo for decades, after all.

Though not as new or relaxing as the nearby Qantas business lounge, particularly during the peak travel hours, there are still plenty of benefits for travellers.

Natural light streams in to much of the lounge.

Among the most notable are all-day barista coffee and bar service from midday, multiple shower suites and a children’s play area, together with broad seating for work, privacy and conversation.

Location & Impressions

After scaling the escalator post-security screening, continue straight (ignoring the somewhat confusing signage guiding you into a cafe) and turn right once you hit the central atrium.

You’ll spot an escalator up to the Qantas Club entrance sandwiched between two eateries on your left.

You can't miss the entrance to Perth Qantas Club.

Alternatively, an elevator is tucked away at the foot of the imposing cylindrical staircase feature emblazoned with the words ‘Qantas Club’.

Once past reception, the entranceway is a little dark and underwhelming, with what would be quite a dramatic runway view with natural light streaming into the lounge mostly obscured by a magazine rack.

Magazines are an appreciated touch, though the rack does hide the view.

That said, there are plenty of opportunities to take in that vista soon after, either by hanging a left towards the barista counter, bar and buffet...

Upright desks alongside the barista are ideal for an informal catchup.

... or taking a right into the business end of the lounge.

The business end of the lounge is much quieter.

Our mid-morning arrival sees a relaxed atmosphere and numerous empty seats. However, as the hours tick into the afternoon, these soon fill up and the earlier calm is replaced by the feel of a shopping centre food court – particularly near the buffet and bar.

News and departures info is displayed throughout the lounge.

Thankfully, the business end of the lounge remains significantly calmer, and it’s here we’d recommend perching yourself if you had the choice.

A seat with a view.

Access

Opening one hour before each Qantas-operated service until the last Qantas departure, the Perth Qantas Club welcomes:

• Qantas Gold, Platinum and Platinum One frequent flyers ahead of Qantas, QantasLink and Jetstar flights
• Qantas Club members before Qantas, QantasLink and Jetstar flights
• Qantas Club Annual Guest Card holders travelling on Qantas, Qantaslink or Jetstar
• Oneworld Sapphire status holders and Emirates Skywards Gold and Platinum cardholders, when flying on Qantas, QantasLink or Jetstar

Passengers holding Qantas Platinum or Platinum One status or flying business class are welcomed within the nearby (and infinitely superior) business class lounge, located on the lower level adjacent to Gate 15.

Dining

Breakfast is served from opening until 11am, with a broad buffet menu featuring the likes of:

• pork and vegetarian cassoulet, hard boiled eggs
• assorted sliced fruit, chia seed pudding, natural yoghurt and bircher muesli
• creamy oats with strawberry, pear and almond
• hot pancakes and the makings of a toasted sandwich

Breakfast in full swing.

Self-serve dishes are a point of difference from rival Virgin Australia's pre-plated fare.

Caffeine deprived travellers can make use of two self-service coffee machines at either end of the lounge (quite convenient, as it’s a long walk from one end to the other) or place their order at the Vittoria barista counter.

A rare moment of calm between orders at the barista counter.

Self-service tea and coffee is available at either end of the lounge.

Assorted teas and snacks such as crackers and pretzels are available at the barista counter, as are soft drinks.

However, if you’re after water to make said tea, you’ll need to grab your cup and then walk to the far end of the bar to find the hot and cold water tap, just past the juice. It’s a rather odd placement.

From 11am, the all-day menu menu includes:

• potato and leek soup with croutons and crusty bread rolls
• Hokkien noodle and crunchy vegetable salad, quinoa tabbouleh
• Assorted sandwich fillings, hummus, corn chips and accompaniments
• brownies and caramel slice

Cold salads with assorted dressings and viniagrette.

Unleash the sandwich artist within at the toastie counter.

While all individual elements are tasty and staff do a good job keeping stocks refilled, it’s a pretty limited lunchtime menu with just one hot item, excluding toasties.

The bar opens at midday – you can’t miss the lengthy queue of passengers lining up for beer (James Boag’s, XXX, Heineken et al) or a glass of red, white or sparkling Australian wine soon after opening.

The queue for the bar shortly after opening.

Work

The business zone houses a dozen semi-private work desks with coaster chairs, together with a semi-circular bench and cushioned stools wrapping around the wall.

Glass screens deliver privacy between desks.

AC power outlets (though sadly no USB ports) are within arms reach of all desks, while a printer and scanner is also on hand if required.

A lack of USB ports will disappoint some.

Travellers hoping to download a few movies or TV shows in readiness for their flight can make use of free WiFi: a solid 80Mbps download and around 100Mbps upload.

Relax

Eight shower suites are available for those seeking a pre-flight freshen up – each fitted with no-name hand and body wash dispensers. Towels can be requested at reception.

Travellers with young kids will find a Joey Club play area tucked in a corner near the buffet. It features a number of colourful low chairs plus a TV showing children’s programming, though no toys, so you’ll need to BYO.

Verdict

Qantas Clubs are known for their crowding at peak times – and this was absolutely the case by the bar and buffet. Thankfully though, the vast footprint meant there were still quite a few empty seats to choose from.

The lounge’s view is its hero, though the barista station, business zone and shower suites are worth calling out too. Add a few hot items to the buffet, relocate the teas alongside the hot water tap and you’d have a much improved space.