When visited: August 2019
Time of day: Early Afternoon

Rating: 4.5 / 5

ACCESS RULES

• Flying in Business Class on a Qantas, or Qantas Link flight (not Jetstar flight)
• Be a Qantas Platinum or Platinum One member flying on a Qantas, Qantas Link or Jetstar flight
• Be a Emirates Platinum Skyward member on a flight with a Qantas flight number
• Be a Oneworld Emerald member flying on a Qantas or Qantas Link flight
• If meeting one of the above than one guest is permitted but they must be travelling on the same flight as you.
• Individuals under 18 must be accompanied by an adult given this is a licensed area.

I gained access by virtue of flying in Business Class on a Qantas domestic flight (Melbourne to Sydney).

Note: Qantas Gold members do not get access to Qantas Domestic Business Lounges but do get access to Qantas International Business Lounges which can be a confusing difference in access rules between domestic and international lounges.

LOUNGE LOCATION
The Qantas Melbourne Domestic Business Lounge is located in Terminal 1. After clearing security you turn left and around 10 metres from security you will find the entrance to the QANTAS Club Lounge.

After taking the escalator turn left to enter the QANTAS Business Lounge. Qantas Melbourne Domestic Business Lounge overlooks the tarmac.

The associated Qantas Melbourne Domestic Club Lounge is access via turning right at top of escalators and has no tarmac views. If you have access to the Business Lounge you can also access the Qantas Melbourne Club Lounge.

Lounge Opening Hours: One hour prior to each Qantas operated service (so usually 5 am for 6 am flights) until last Qantas departure (usually around 9 pm)

LOUNGE AREA
This is a very sizeable area that overlooks the tarmac with lots of natural light and probably 150-200 seats with different styles across the different areas.

Despite this space due to the many cancelled and delayed flights due to weather issues in Sydney the lounge was crowded and eventually no seats could be found by newly arrived passengers.

FOOD AND DRINKS
As it was afternoon the Spice Bar was open which is the signature of the Melbourne Qantas Domestic Business Lounge. They is a buffet area, one side has hot food including Thai chicken curry and stirred fried rice. On the other side of the buffet area is the fresh food in which you can make sandwiches.

Due to a longer stay then planned I have both stirred fried rice and later made some sandwiches.

There is a bar and coffee barista service but not self serve soft drink area.

FACILITIES AND SERVICES
Includes: Toilets / Showers / Wifi / Computers / Power Charging Outlets (limited)

The toilets had a long wait (as they aren’t that many) so I actually used the next door Qantas Club Lounge.

WHAT’S GOOD
The range of food, the staff service (under pressure due to some many cancelled flights) and the views.

WHAT’S NOT SO GOOD
Should probably have a few more toilets to cover such a big lounge, probably only a problem when lounge is full like today.

SUMMARY
An excellent domestic lounge that was only upgraded about 18 months ago and it shows. Even with more people than seats that lounge still worked under the pressure. The food ingredients are first class.