Pics: Qantas' Perth international lounge for Boeing 787 flights
By David Flynn, May 9 2017
Travellers on Qantas' non-stop Perth-London Boeing 787 flights – as well as more pedestrian trips to Singapore and Auckland – will soon be starting their trip from a swish new international lounge with an outdoor terrace and a suitably Aussie-themed BBQ area.
The lounge's patio and barbecue grill will be complemented by a Neil Perry-designed barbecue menu.
"Without leaving the airport we can get a little bit of nature back into our customers," explains designer David Caon, who worked on the Dreamliner's seats and cabins for Qantas, along with the airline's Singapore and Hong Kong lounges.
There'll also be more than a dozen shower suites (especially welcome after the 17½ flight from London and, tipped for late 2018, Paris) and a "wellness facility".
The lounge will open in early 2018 ahead of the March 24 launch of the daily Perth-London flights and cater for business class travellers and eligible frequent flyers – including Qantas Platinum and Gold card-holders (and their Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire equivalents) along with Qantas Club members.
It will be the centrepiece of a new international wing, reportedly at the southern end of Qantas' Perth T4 domestic terminal, which will serve as the hub for Qantas' direct flights to London "and potentially other European destinations in the future," says Qantas group CEO Alan Joyce.
The airline promises "a streamlined immigration and customs area" so that passengers can quickly move between domestic and international flights, along with food and beverage outlets for those without lounge access, and a duty-free store.
Touted as an "integrated domestic and international passenger hub", the combined T3/T4 precinct will be home to all of Qantas' domestic and international flights into and out of Perth.
Qantas will retain its lounge at Perth's international Terminal 1, which has recently been refreshed, for eligible travellers on partner airlines including Oneworld members Cathay Pacific and Qatar Airways.
David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
26 May 2014
Total posts 465
The new international lounge in T3 is necessary to complete the seemless transfer of domestic to international passengers, indeed there needs to be a transit zone for pax that don't have lounge access. This also leaves a question over the future of the T1 QF lounge, which is also used for One World departures and I guess that other Qantas-owned airline.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
23 Oct 2013
Total posts 699
My guess is the T1 lounge is here to stay as the QF Perth lounge currently hosts Air NZ, Etihad, Cathay, Air Mauritius, Malaysia Airlines, Qatar Airways, China Southern, Garuda, Thai Airways and South African Airways.
Aegean Airlines - Miles & Bonus
15 Jun 2016
Total posts 21
Air NZ are opening a lounge of their own in T1 which you would imagine will be used by *A partners Thai and SAA
24 Mar 2016
Total posts 11
Is there any news about Jetstar international flights moving from Perth International to T3, T4 Perth Domestic when this happens? Would make a lot of sense and the experience for Qantas frequent flyers who unfortunately rely on Jetstar here in Perth would be greatly improved.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
12 Jun 2011
Total posts 148
I would dare say that the idea is to create a QF only terminal, similar to T3 at SYD. They certainly would not be catering new lounges and terminal space for JQ in conjunction with QF, as they are both run quite independently of each other.
21 Apr 2012
Total posts 3006
Does anyone know why PER, BNE, SYD have co-located Domestic and International terminals in the first place? Poor forward thinking and judgement by previous governments/decision-makers?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
12 Jun 2011
Total posts 148
Commonwealth. MEL was purpose built in the 1970s and Sydney obviously was from much further back. Brisbane was originally Dom only in 1988 when it opened and Int when its terminal completed in 1995.
31 Mar 2014
Total posts 397
Interesting to hear about Brisbane being domestic only in the beginning. Incredibly shortsighted
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
23 Oct 2013
Total posts 699
In Brisbane there never seems to be any issues with a transfer bus (run free by Brisbane Airport) as it travels on roads which never get completely clogged up.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
26 May 2014
Total posts 465
If I read your question TRB as ... DON"T have co-located....., then for those of us that have lived in Perth for a while, the answer is that it was, then it wasn't and eventually it will be! T3 was originally the Perth international terminal, until the mid 80s and a rush job to build a barely sufficient international terminal in the lead up to the America's Cup defence. This was when the federal government controlled airport. Under the airport master plan T3 and T4 will be replaced by extensions to the T1 building. It seems the airport wanted a commitment from QF to move before they agreed to T3/T4 being used for international flights.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
11 Oct 2014
Total posts 691
"Perth Airport will upgrade T3 to cater for international flight requirements such as immigration and quarantine until the opening of an all-new Qantas pier at the international T1 terminal by 2025."
Presumably, Perth Airport will also need to consider the addition of a new 'temporary' Duty-Free sales store in T3 as well.
05 May 2016
Total posts 616
Still no dedicated FLounge is a downgrade for WP and above passengers. If they want high status travellers with WP or above status to fly on the PER-LHR route if they're based in MEL/SYD the lounge better be good.
If you fly J long haul international multiple times a year you're likely to get high status and it will be important to QF that some of those passengers choose to go on the PER-LHR route.
And in e.g. Hong Kong those with WP (and above) status have the option to visit the CX F lounges before moving to the QF lounge shortly before boarding.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
04 Nov 2011
Total posts 359
First world problems....
05 May 2016
Total posts 616
For the flagship route where passengers are spending the big bucks one would expect a lot more than for short international routes.
10 Aug 2015
Total posts 113
QF1 is the flagship route
13 Sep 2016
Total posts 17
No dedicated first class lounge a Perth because there are no first class flights out of Perth, so what you're proposing is a Sydney or Melbourne First-grade 'Platinum Lounge', which would basically be for Platinums (and Platinum Ones) paying business class, premium economy or even economy fares. Doesn't sound like that would make a lot of economic sense for Qantas. And at least the 'premium' lounges like SIN, HKG and BNE offer a degree of 'service differentiation' for Platinums etc. If a Platinum member from the east coast really values the F lounge experience that much they can fly SYD/MEL-DXB-LHR.
05 May 2016
Total posts 616
QANTAS's special treatment at 'premium' lounges is for P1 and CL. You have to fly 3x the amount to retain WP to get/retain P1.
If they want customers to fly the different route the challenge is to minimise the reasons to discourage them from doing so.
20 May 2015
Total posts 579
I have to agree; the lack of a specific First lounge really makes me skeptical about PER's suitability as a European hub. And honestly, ULH direct-to-Europe flights would have a First Class market (depending on the route of course). The lounge/ground service is an important part of the First experience.
16 Nov 2011
Total posts 580
Business is the new first, not just on Qantas but most airlines.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer - Chairmans Lounge
01 Sep 2011
Total posts 416
I do agree with you. although there is a la carte in HKG, I know that as a CL, they reserved a table and offer a menu. I feel SIN is disappointing and would like to see a few more standards there.
24 Apr 2012
Total posts 2432
In Singapore, CL/P1 members get priority shower times with added amenities (almost everything you'd find in a first class amenity kit) and real Champagne rather than the Aussie sparkling. IIRC the dining options are the same though. :)
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer - Chairmans Lounge
01 Sep 2011
Total posts 416
Thanks for that info. It wasn't offered to me the last time I went through there and just found the lounge to be lacking standards on a few fronts.
17 Jan 2013
Total posts 7
The QF lounge is already excellent. Better than most.
12 Feb 2014
Total posts 228
That Qantas is even prepped to let this info out is intriguing. They must be planning much bigger things for Perth if they're even thinking of a HK standard lounge. The London flight will surely be a test of the market for further non-stop options to Europe. This is not about the Perth market anymore. This whole strategy is about growing market share from the east coast and NZ. They will have done their homework on the numbers. I reckon the next flight would have to be a Perth-Dubai sector to give overseas visitors a fly in one coast and out the other option.
13 Sep 2016
Total posts 17
Emirates already flies Perth-Dubai, not sure Qantas needs to replicate this with its own metal when there are new non-stops to be had.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
04 Mar 2014
Total posts 204
Is the space of the old ansett /virgin Australia lounge still there
21 Apr 2012
Total posts 3006
I feel this whole thing is like the 60s race to the moon. Man does not really need to go to the moon, but the unyielding desire to prove mankind can still surmount natural obstacles as a reflection of humanity's enduring ingenuity is palpable. So if that's the case, let's do it before the Russians beat us to it.
Same motivation, different circumstances.
And if that is the motivation, then all other arguments will be made to fall into line.
10 Aug 2015
Total posts 113
I had been thinking similar thoughts then read the piece about how in the past we would never consider a 13 hour flight but now that is normal enough.
So whilst I won't take this flight as it does not connect well into Canberra good luck to those that jump on board.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
04 Oct 2016
Total posts 37
Any word on Qantas getting rid of their Qantas lounge in T1?
14 Jun 2013
Total posts 352
The Qantas T1 lounge is used by several other airlines, I reckon they'll keep it and keep Jetstar international flights from of T1 as well, and just make T3/T4 the Qantas international hub.
16 Nov 2011
Total posts 580
Well if they move out they are not likley to keep it are they?
31 Mar 2014
Total posts 397
They kept it when they had no international flights from Perth. They probably make good money charging all the other airlines access
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
24 Aug 2016
Total posts 1
If it is a copy of Brisbane international lounge best look else were for decent feed.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
21 Mar 2013
Total posts 132
Any word on EK moving across as well? Would allow better connections for QF customers, and potentially another lounge option for those with status.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
26 May 2014
Total posts 465
Don't think you'll see an A380 gate at T3 (ever).
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
26 May 2014
Total posts 465
On the future of the QF lounge at T1, I guess it will depend on if QF can operate it profitably by providing services to other airlines. Remember that there is history of QF running the lounge but not operating flights from T1.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
09 Sep 2013
Total posts 188
Given that QF are required as part of this deal to move back to T1 when the extensions there are completed some time after 2020, it would seem unlikely that they would surrender a lounge in that location.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
24 Apr 2014
Total posts 9
The estimate is 2025 but knowing Perth Airport, it is more likely to be 2030, so thats a good 12 years
05 May 2016
Total posts 616
No FLounge? I'll be sticking to the A380 route while I have FLounge access unless the route via PER is much cheaper, I think.
31 Mar 2014
Total posts 397
Yes yes we get it. You made your point about FLounge above.
28 Oct 2011
Total posts 645
And that's your choice. And if you can't see the reason behind QF not building a dedicated FIRSTCLASS lounge in PERTH., then some of us are lost for words. BTW, PLATS are granted access to FIRST lounges IF AVAILABLE AT THAT PORT. NO WHERE is it stated that QF MUST PROVIDE/BUILD A FIRST CLASS LOUNGE IN EVERY PORT FOR (DYKWIA) PLATS!! LOL.
05 May 2016
Total posts 616
QANTAS is wanting passengers to go on a less convenient route from the East Coast unless they think they have enough passengers based in e.g. ADL and PER to fill these planes? I don't think having the lounge standard they have in MEL/SYD is unreasonable when they're trying to entice passengers away from the A380 routes. I guess we're not going to agree on that.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
08 Dec 2014
Total posts 51
How is flying MEL-PER-LHR less convenient than flying MEL-SYD-DXB-LHR?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
02 Jul 2011
Total posts 1374
Very interesting the confirmation.
QFF
19 Sep 2013
Total posts 205
Unless QF-coded flyers on EK flights have to use the QF T1 lounge, then perhaps there is no reason for QF to retain the T1 lounge? This would make it interesting for other OW airlines that currently use the QF T1 lounge.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
13 Nov 2015
Total posts 36
Maybe Qantas could operate it as a 'oneworld lounge' like they do in LAX. Give it a good refurbish too.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
04 Mar 2014
Total posts 204
Would make send if jetstar moved across then too, to consolidate out of T3. As a perthite I'm struggling to see where international infrastructure can fit within T3, will it be swing gates or permanent international?
13 Sep 2016
Total posts 14
An earlier article here said it would use swing gates. Not sure that Qantas would want to bring Jetstar across, maybe they want to keep the new T3 lounge more 'exclusive' than having it full of Bali-bound bogans, I certainly would hope so!
I reckon Qantas will keep the T1 lounge for Jetstar and other airlines which use it including Oneworld partners because Qantas gets paid for all those airlines bar JQ.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
21 Aug 2015
Total posts 3
The Bali Bogan comment is a true reflection of the int terminal!!
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
02 Jul 2011
Total posts 1374
Although NZs recent announcement of its own lounge may change things
14 Jun 2013
Total posts 352
Some Star Alliance airlines flying out of Perth use the Qantas lounge (!) but I expect they will move to the new Air New Zealand lounge when it opens. Maybe Qantas could just hand the lounge space and Accor staff over to Perth Airport so it could have its own airline-independent lounge, with 'free' entry for some airline passengers and an up-front fee for everybody else.
03 May 2013
Total posts 677
Another downgrade for Platinums. Platinum is reached through loyalty and $$$; as such I don't think it would be such a bad idea for at least for a dedicated area within the new lounge concept. I agree a full seperate lounge is OTT considering no F Class.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
26 May 2014
Total posts 465
I question the case for an F lounge in Perth. Consider :
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
10 Dec 2014
Total posts 43
Good to see QF building the new lounge. I dont think an F lounge is nessarcary, maybe just a separate dining area in the lounge at the most. I doubt QF9/10 will survive long, particularly if it is MEL-PER-LHR due to QF's increase of flights to US and Asia.
United Airlines - Mileage Plus
12 Sep 2011
Total posts 332
It is amazing hoe some people protect or defend QF and its inferior soft and hard products Wake up schmell the borscht and fly and Asian or US carrier and experience First world rather than 4th world offerings! The worst is the QF First Lounge in SYD !!!! Try Etihad/LH/LX /CX/QR/TG/SQ First Lounges and never look back!
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
08 Dec 2014
Total posts 51
Bahahahaha..... Good one. You should try standup!
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
04 Mar 2014
Total posts 204
Do they really mean the southern end of T3, using gates 21-25 as swing gates? Or the southern end of T4 which is gates 14/15 which I cant see having enough space...however there is the old overflow ground level Qantas club located right there, which may become the new international lounge?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
23 Mar 2012
Total posts 211
I'd be surprised if they didn't. There is nowhere to add in the international requirements in T4 and this lounge is in addition to the T4 lounges.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
26 May 2014
Total posts 465
The 9 news Perth Facebook page has a 3-D walk-through. I think that some of the space will be a new build on the south end of T3.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
14 Dec 2016
Total posts 42
Like it was quoted earlier 'J lounges are the new F lounges'. Think London. Qantas are doing the same there as well. The standard of these new lounges is a lot higher than original J class lounges, and it actually makes sense to only have 1 lounge with the amount of PAX a day.
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