When visited: October 2018
Time of day: Morning (7.30 am to 9.35 am)
Rating: 5++ / 5
Note: I had previously visited this lounge in November 2017 (review here) but in the afternoon not morning. This review will be very similar except it is in the morning (so breakfast not lunch / dinner) and a spa treatment.
ACCESS RULES
– Flying First class on a Qantas or Oneworld flight later that day.
– Qantas Platinum member or Oneworld Alliance Emerald flying Business or Economy international flight later that day
– Emirates Skywards Platinum member whose next onward flight that day carries a QF or EK flight number and is operated by Qantas.
-Individuals under 18 must be accompanied by an adult given this is a licensed area.
I accessed the International First Class Lounge as a Qantas Platinum member. I was flying on Qantas flight QF29 in economy Melbourne to Hong Kong (review here).
LOUNGE LOCATION
The Qantas Melbourne International First Class Lounge is in the international terminal on level three near Gate 10, just take the escalator up and turn left.
LOUNGE AREA
The Qantas Melbourne International First Class Lounge area is reasonable size (a bit less then Qantas Sydney First Class Lounge), you enter at one end of the lounge, turning left will take you to the computer and quiet area, turning right will eventually take you towards the dining area which is at the other end.
The seating areas can seem both intimate but at the same time spacious, the chairs vary in style (all good) and are very comfortable and cozy. You can watch the planes from most locations in the lounge. The natural light is very refreshing which you won’t get in the Qantas Melbourne Business Class Lounge which feels like it is in the basement.
Note: During the time of my visit the lounge was fairly full, there were still seating available but you might not get prime viewing spots or near power points.
FOOD AND DRINKS
There are several small service stations with some very minor snacks but the main game is the restaurant area at the far end of the lounge. During my visit the fridges were out of order so you had to use bar service.
In the restaurant area you take a seat and a waiter will quickly bring a menu and ask you about what drinks you want.
I selected for drinks an orange juice and champagne (Taittinger Brut Reserve).
For first breakfast it was buttermilk pancakes with macadamia nut butter and qantas honey.
Second breakfast (yes it was like being a hobbit) I went for classic scrambled eggs, sausages, hash brown and toast (with vegemit).
FACILITIES AND SERVICES
There are showers, toilets, several TVs which had Sky News showing, several iMac computers, printing/photocopying facilities, and multiple tea / coffee stations. I didn’t use the showers on this visit but the toilets were spacious and well maintained as you would expect.
There are a number of power outlets to plug in your laptop or other equipment. Free Wi-Fi is offered which I used while in the lounge which I found to be very fast.
SPA TREATMENT
Officially the spa is open from 08:00 to 11:30 and 20:00 to 23:30 daily but my research says this can vary a little bit. The first thing I did on entering the lounge was to ask about a Spa appointment, there was one spot available at 9.30 am which was just enough time to enjoy before having to leave a board me flight. The Spa area is located at the far end of the lounge, turning left after entry.
I selected the Men’s Purifying Facial treatment. This was an extremely relaxing way to prepare for a flight. For this treatment you take off your shirt and shoes.
The session starts with some aromatherapy, some oils on your neck, shoulders and face and then a massage of those areas. Fantastic experience.
WHAT’S GOOD
Everything is either good or great. The seats are comfortable (with several styles), the service is great, fast speed internet, lots of space, the spa treatment is from heaven, the old style flight details board, the breakfast menu for the sit down service is great, and the views are perfect with lots of natural light. Qantas goes all out with this lounge.
WHAT’S NOT SO GOOD
Nothing unless you are in the lounge when the Spa is closed (first world problem).
SUMMARY
If you have access to the Qantas Melbourne International First Class Lounge take it up. I timed this particular trip to take advantage of my access before being downgraded from Platinum member.
If you arrive during Spa treatment hours ask immediately upon arrival for an appointment, if not then head straight for the sit down meal service and relax in comfort before your next international flight.
Nathan's Insights 