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As much as we love them, airports can be a bit of a jungle. Between juggling kids, navigating security lines, and running on...
Experienced travellers know that a holiday or business trip starts at the airport well before the flight departs, and airports and airlines are stepping up to the plate to offer premium spaces where travellers can refresh, relax and eat well after check-in.
In recent years Brisbane Airport's International and Domestic Terminals have each had multi-million dollar makeovers and airline guest lounges have followed suit. Features such as WiFi and plentiful charging points are standard and lounge services now include everything from healthy menus to welcome drinks and signature dishes masterminded by celebrity chefs.
Even if you're not travelling on a First Class or Business Class ticket, you can buy into the VIP experience in some lounges with a single use entry on the day of travel.
Qantas International Premium Lounge
Don't be surprised if you start to have visions of a holiday at the Sunshine Coast as you enter the Qantas Lounge which has a beach holiday escape vibe, starting with a welcome drink.
The lounge is split across three levels with interiors reflecting the Queensland landscape. From the dramatic bespoke glass and light art installation called The Pulse of Our Ancient Land by Jenna Lee that dominates the entry to rugs inset with colours and textures reminiscent of the reef and waterways of Queensland's coast.
Seasonal menus are designed by celebrity chef and Rockpool founder Neil Perry who is also creative director of food, beverage and service for Qantas. According to the lounge manager, guests gravitate towards healthy choices and a popular dish on the menu is the breakfast bowl with a 65-degree egg on kale salad with grilled haloumi. A breakfast hatch on the mezzanine level offers quick-serve dishes such as bircher muesli and breakfast bowls. A premium hot and cold buffet is also available and a bar serves Rockpool-designed cocktails, craft beer and premium Australian wines.
Enjoy the Quench hydration station - a concept repeated in the Qantas Domestic Business Lounge at Brisbane Airport - where guests can rehydrate before flying, from a choice of a Rockpool signature tisane blend, infused water or a range of non-alcoholic beverages. Barista coffee is also served all day for your caffeine fix.
Fast facts
- Location: Level 4, International Terminal, near Gate 80
- Capacity: 395 people
- Who gets in: Qantas and Emirates First, Qantas and Emirates International Business, Jetstar Business Max, China Eastern customers, Cathay Pacific Business Class and eligible One World Emerald and Sapphire Members, Qantas Frequent Flyer Gold, Platinum and Platinum One and Qantas Club members.
Air New Zealand Lounge
Its prime corner position offers the best Brisbane city skyline view from the airport and its chandelier-style lighting is a nod to Brisbane's Story Bridge. This sleek and spacious lounge is a remarkable example of contemporary airport lounge design. There's also a semi-enclosed children's room with a television to keep the little ones entertained pre-flight.
Fast facts
- Location: Level 4, near Gate 82
- Capacity: 185 people
- Who gets in: Airpoints Elite, Gold, Elite Partner and Koru members plus Business Class passengers departing on Air New Zealand flights.
Plaza Premium Lounge
Plaza Premium Lounge is Australia's first independent international airport lounge where membership is not required for entry.
The range of signature dishes includes a popular Vietnamese pho, laksa soup and a visually stunning lollipop dessert. There's an a la carte menu, buffet of hot meals, salad bar and freshly brewed barista coffee to indulge in before setting off abroad.
Fast facts
- Location: Level 3, near Gate 77
- Capacity: 102 people
- Who gets in: Open on a pay-as-you-go basis on day of travel. The all-inclusive rate for two hours is $60* and five hours for $70*.
SilverKris Lounge, Singapore Airlines
Elements of Singapore Airlines' heritage have been woven into the décor which includes comfortable high-backed lounge chairs and business pods which line the walls. High ceilings allow plenty of natural light to flood the space and afford views of the departure tarmac for anyone keen on plane spotting.
With the buffet zone housed in a nook near the entrance, there's plenty of time and space to peruse the warm food and light snack options and then eat in the dedicated dining area. Facilities include wireless internet, restrooms, showers and tv.
Fast facts
- Location: Level 4, near Gate 82
- Capacity: 80 people
- Who gets in: Find our more here.
Emirates Business Class Lounge
Setting the tone for premium and luxury travel, the Emirates Business Class lounge was the first of its kind to open at Brisbane Airport's International Terminal in 2004. Leading the way in premium offerings, travellers can enjoy an array of self-serve food with vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options in addition to a kids menu for young travellers as well as a large selection of beverages.
Sit down, relax and enjoy a taste of Emirates’ onboard product offering yet to come, in the spacious lounge where you can dine in the restaurant area and watch planes take off, or choose to relax in an arm chair and catch up on the latest broadcast news. For those wishing to gain WiFi or computer access the complimentary Business Centre is also available. The Emirates Brisbane Business Class Lounge is the only lounge in the terminal offering direct boarding to the aircraft, keeping in line with Emirates goal of making travel easy for passengers.
Fast facts
- Location: Level 4, International Terminal
- Capacity: 183 people
- Who gets in: First and Business Class travelers, as well as eligible Emirates Skywards members.
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