Qantas' First lounge is a pretty stark contrast to some of the other F lounges I've visited. SQ's TPR and LH's FCT both have dark, deep brown undertones which evoke a sense of sophistication and old-style class. QF is almost a complete opposite, where bright, airy and avantgarde tones are reflected through the layout, carpeting, chairs and lighting. It was definitely a lot more relaxed and chilled out, which was definitely my typical self. I can appreciate both types - but I definitely felt more at home here. ^
Seating: (it never got too crowded)
2014-04-28 12.36.31 by
jurastudent, on Flickr
2014-04-28 12.36.49 by
jurastudent, on Flickr
2014-04-28 13.32.09 by
jurastudent, on Flickr
2014-04-28 14.04.16 by
jurastudent, on Flickr
Library (not as elaborate as the SYD from what I've seen in pictures)
2014-04-28 14.02.21 by
jurastudent, on Flickr
Self-service drink area. Even with such an awesome dining area, it would be nice if they had some more nibbles out to choose from for those who don't want a full blown meal. Notably, I had quite a few waiters ask if I wanted anything to drink while I was seated on the chairs. ^
2014-04-28 13.44.41 by
jurastudent, on Flickr
I love analog display boards.
2014-04-28 13.36.17 by
jurastudent, on Flickr
Shower room. The shower door didn't quite seal properly, so the entire floor was swamped.
2014-04-28 13.45.31 by
jurastudent, on Flickr
2014-04-28 13.45.43 by
jurastudent, on Flickr
At around 2pm, I went to the Spa area to check-in for my back massage.
2014-04-28 14.06.16 by
jurastudent, on Flickr
2014-04-28 14.07.56 by
jurastudent, on Flickr
2014-04-28 14.07.59 by
jurastudent, on Flickr
After a few minutes of waiting, my masseuse greeted me (a young lady in her 20s), where she told me to take off my shirt and make myself comfortable in the room below. She put on some very relaxing music (something you might hear in a yoga class, for instance.)
2014-04-28 14.10.00 by
jurastudent, on Flickr
The massage was 20 minutes of bliss. It was sensual and had enough "oomph" to really ease some of the stress in my back. ^
2014-04-28 14.10.45 by
jurastudent, on Flickr
Just as the massage was finished, the boarding call for QF9 was made. I missed the first boarding call, and even though I could have cut in front of line (as I found out at the escalator), I queued up with all the economy passengers anyways. After all, we're getting to Dubai in the same time anyways?
2014-04-28 14.45.59 by
jurastudent, on Flickr
Summary:
I was very impressed with QF's ground service. Everything from the chauffeur, to the dining and spa experience blew my expectations totally out of the water. There were a few minor hiccups, but nothing to materially detract from the whole experience. I loved the atmosphere and service in the lounge, and there was nothing really I could think of that I could demand in addition to QF's offering.
I hope I'll have the chance to use the SYD QF F lounge one day, for the higher ceilings and better views. That is, if QF survives by the time I visit Australia again (meaning, the F lounge hasn't been "enhanced" away yet.)