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Qantas is enhancing its world-class lounge experience with a series of refurbishments across its international network in Auckland, Sydney, and Los Angeles. The upgrades are part of a multi-year investment to elevate the experience for the airline’s premium travelers.
The first milestone in Qantas’ global lounge refresh will be the reopening of its fully refurbished Auckland International Lounge on December 17th, which is just in time for the busy Christmas travel period.
Auckland Airport (AKL) is a key hub for Qantas, serving multiple daily flights to Australia as well as the carrier’s only nonstop service to New York John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK). The redesigned space has been created in collaboration with Caon Design Office, Akin Atelier, and Architectus’ New Zealand studio to showcase local craftsmanship and natural materials that reflect New Zealand’s beauty.
The new lounge will offer more space, new dining experiences, and an updated design aesthetic that balances sophistication with a distinctly local feel. It represents Qantas’ growing investment in the trans-Tasman market, alongside expanded routes including new seasonal service between Adelaide Airport (ADL) and Auckland Airport (AKL) and the upcoming Auckland Airport (AKL) to/from Perth Airport (PER) flights launching tomorrow, December 7th.
On December 8th, Qantas’ Sydney International Business Lounge will close to begin the final and most significant phase of its renovation at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD). The upgraded lounge is scheduled to reopen in 2027, coinciding with the launch of the airline’s Project Sunrise ultra-long-haul flights connecting Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) directly to London Heathrow Airport (LHR) and New York John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK).
The new Sydney lounge will increase capacity by more than 30% and feature a ~1,614-square-foot outdoor terrace to give travelers access to fresh air and natural light before long flights. Designed with wellness and productivity in mind, it will include flexible work zones, a show kitchen offering signature plated dishes, a hosted bar with barista coffee, and USB-C and wireless charging at more than 80% of seats. During construction, Qantas customers will have access to a temporary international business lounge at Terminal 1 and the Plaza Premium Lounge.
Qantas’ Los Angeles International Business Lounge at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) serves the US airport with the airline’s highest flight volume. It’s also undergoing refurbishment. Qantas currently operates nonstop flights between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD), Melbourne Airport (MEL), and Brisbane Airport (BNE). The refreshed lounge will further enhance the transpacific experience with new design elements and upgraded amenities.
These upgrades are part of Qantas’ global lounge investment strategy, designed to meet rising demand from frequent flyers and business travelers. With features such as expanded dining options, outdoor terraces, and locally inspired design, Qantas continues to reinforce its reputation for setting the standard in international lounge hospitality.
Anthony’s Take: As Qantas prepares for the next era of long-haul travel with Project Sunrise, the revitalized lounges will serve as cornerstones of the airline’s renewed focus on comfort and world-class service.
(Image Credits: Qantas.)
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Advertiser & Editorial Disclosure: The Bulkhead Seat earns an affiliate commission for anyone approved through the links above This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. We work to provide the best publicly available offers to our readers. We frequently update them, but this site does not include all available offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.
