Qantas domestic business lounge, Brisbane Airport

With Brisbane Airport embarking on a $5b upgrade ahead of the 2032 Olympics, the experience is set to be very different in the near future: carry-on-only security and upgraded gate lounges are a tease of what’s in store.

Until then, the current iteration of the airport still has plenty to offer. That includes the Qantas Domestic Business Lounge which, though six years since its last revamp, still ranks among the most modern in the airline’s local network.

Designed by Woods Bagot, the same architectural firm behind hotels The Londoner andThe StandardX Melbourne, it’s one of just five domestic business lounges. So what’s it like?

Rather than proceeding through the standard check-in area, passengers with access to the Qantas Business Lounge can make a beeline for the Premium Lounge Entry on level 1.

Unlike its Virgin Australia counterpart, which is for those with carry-on only, Qantas’ Premium Lounge Entry includes bag drop and self-serve tag kiosk facilities. A security screening checkpoint and escalator later brings you to the Qantas Lounge precinct.

You’ll find the Business Lounge directly to your left.

If you visit outside the premium entry’s standard operating hours (5am-5pm on weekdays, or 6am-5pm weekends), the main lounge precinct entrance is on Level 2, near Gate 22.

Our midweek 2pm arrival sees us from kerb to the lounge in less than two minutes.

Inside, the lounge is light, bright and spacious. Extensive use of timber, indirect lighting and abundant greenery creates an inviting feel, with the lounge sharing more than a few similarities to its Brisbane International Airport counterpart.

As you’d expect, there’s a solid variety of seating zones tailored to work, dining, and relaxing, with space for up to 350 guests. It’s not overly busy during our visit.

Brisbane’s Business Lounge opens one hour before the first Qantas flight each day, and closes when the day's last Qantas flight is called for boarding.

A broad guest list welcomes travellers seated in business class on a Qantas or QantasLink flight, as well as those connecting to a same-day first or business class flight on Qantas, Emirates or one of its Oneworld Alliance partners.

Platinum or Platinum One Qantas frequent flyers, as well as Oneworld Emerald holders, are also invited to pass through its sliding doors when flying on Qantas, Jetstar or QantasLink.

The standard guest rules apply: two for Platinum or Platinum One, and one for those seated in business class, holding Oneworld Emerald or Emirates Skywards Gold/Platinum status (the latter must be flying on a same-day QF or EK-operated flight).

Two dining options are available in the lounge: The Oven (formerly known as the Mexican Cantina) which offers an array of pre-plated meals that are ready to go, in addition to the obligatory buffet.

During our visit, The Oven’s menu featured a shepherd's pie, fattoush salad and green leaf salad, while the buffet had pork stew with vegetables, rice and soup, alongside sweet treats and the makings of a toasted sandwich.

Though the presentation left a bit to be desired, the shepherd’s pie was a hearty, tasty dish.

A broad selection of beer, wine and spirits are available from noon. You can also order barista coffee at any time during the day or evening.

When there’s work to be done, the business nook behind the entrance is a common go-to.

Every seat here provides access to both AC and USB power – although if the power outlets at the benches are too tight to accommodate your laptop charger (a common issue for MacBook chargers), those in the centre of the nearby table will do the trick.

If you don’t need power, the far left corner of the lounge provides a quiet place to work. There are also numerous seats lining the windows, for travellers who like a view.

WiFi speeds reach just under 100Mbps – that’s more than adequate for HD streaming or downloading large files. However, the requirement to watch an advertisement prior to connecting was a tad annoying and something that should be reconsidered.

Shower facilities are conveniently provided. They’re clean and modern, with towels and a selection of toiletries provided for those needing to freshen up before the flight (or after one for Platinum and Platinum One members, who enjoy on-arrival lounge access).

Verdict

All things considered, the Business Lounge is a solid part of the Qantas domestic lounge network – and miles ahead of its Sydney counterpart, even six years after opening.

While it’s common to expect a fair degree of wear and tear after that time, I was pleasantly surprised to see the lounges in good condition. 

Given Qantas’ is embarking on a significant overhaul of its lounges, including much-needed upgrades for Sydney and Auckland, it will be interesting to see if they continue this aesthetic or switch it up.