A piece of good news for travellers today, as Qantas sets out a timetable for a phased reopening of its domestic lounges. Kicking off 1 July, this will see a small number of lounges open at first.
The lounges were closed abruptly on 23 March, due to the majority of the Qantas network being shut down. Now, as flying returns slowly, Qantas will begin opening lounges in step with increased flying.
Opening Schedule
Firstly, Qantas will open the Qantas Business lounge in Canberra, Perth, and Sydney. At the same time, Qantas Club Lounges in Adelaide and a range of regional centres will open.
Following this, the Brisbane and Melbourne Business lounges are set to open from July 10.
Finally, in August the Chairmans Lounges will reopen. In addition, further Qantas Club Lounges will open.
The opening schedule is as follows:
| Date | Lounge |
|---|---|
| 1 July 2020 | Qantas Business lounges: Canberra, Perth, and Sydney Qantas Club lounges: Adelaide, Alice Springs, Broome, Coffs Harbour, Kalgoorlie, Karratha, Launceston and Tamworth |
| Mid-July 2020 | Qantas Business lounges: Brisbane and Melbourne Qantas Club lounges: Brisbane, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Melbourne, Rockhampton and Townsville |
| August 2020 | Chairmans Lounges: Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney Qantas Club lounges: Canberra, Darwin, Devonport, Gold Coast, Hobart, Perth, Port Hedland, and Sydney |
Product Changes
While the lounges are opening, the service will be slightly different. These changes include
- Capping the number of guests to comply with state-specific restrictions on indoor gatherings
- A hosted All-Day Snacking Station replacing ‘self serve’ buffets and drink stations.
- Disposable coffee cups
- Additional cleaning protocols
- Sanitising stations
The change that will affect most will be the changes to the food offering. In place of the buffet will be individually plated items, that may be served in one of two ways. Firstly, staff will be offering a tray around service offering a range of dishes. Secondly, a snacking station will offer individual items.
While more personalised, it sees the pancake and toastie makers being put away. At least for the time being. Qantas is open to them returning at a later date.
