The unique feature setting Emirates’ Brisbane Airport lounge apart from all others

Despite a hefty fee, the reopened Emirates lounge at Brisbane Airport boasts creature comforts and a feature no other airport has, begging the question – can it be topped?

Is this Australia’s best airport lounge?

The newly reopened Emirates lounge at Brisbane Airport has something no other gateway can offer – direct access to the upper deck of the airline’s flagship A380.

It means first and business class passengers don’t even have to glimpse the economy cabin as they board the superjumbo, taking the premium experience to lofty new heights.

It’s a feature the airline and Brisbane Airport are very proud of, and means travellers are quite particular about booking flights on the A380 rather than the Boeing 777 that operates the gateway’s second daily flight to Dubai.

From October 1, that problem will be no more with both services being flown by A380s, adding an extra 1900-seats a week between Brisbane and Dubai.

The tail of an Emirates A380 visible from the lounge at Brisbane Airport. Picture: Liam Kidston

In addition to the top deck airbridge, there are Italian leather seats and marble floors, gleaming shower suites and Rolex wall clocks plus three champagne stations, and a rotating menu of international cuisines.

Emirates regional sales manager Leonie Brennan said first and business class passengers, and eligible Skywards members were welcome in the 183-seat lounge, and there was also an option for other ticket holders to pay for access.

Despite the hefty fee of $235 a person for four hours, Emirates revealed at least a few passengers a day were shelling out for a taste of lounge life before their flight to Dubai.

Italian leather chairs abound in the recently reopened Emirates lounge at Brisbane International Airport. Picture: Liam Kidston

It raised the question on whether this was the best lounge in Australia, given its unique feature, size and creature comforts.

Point Hacks editor Daniel Scibberas said he would find it hard to go past the Qantas First Lounge in Sydney and Melbourne, which had set the standard for airport lounges in Australia.

He also nominated the pay as you go lounge The House by Aspire at Melbourne Airport, for its catering and excellent view of the tarmac.

Although business class customers of Etihad and Virgin Australia could access The House with their airline ticket, others were invited to book online for $80 or pay $90 at the door.

Adele Eliseo of the Champagne Mile said the Qantas First Lounge was the only truly “first class lounge” in the country, and therefore was widely considered the best.

“It’s one of the reasons those double status points promotions that Qantas does are so popular,” said Ms Eliseo.

“People are prepared to spend thousands of dollars on airfares for a chance to chow down on some salt and pepper squid in the Qantas First Lounge.”

Singapore Airlines has opened a new SilverKris Lounge at Perth International Airport with space for 135 customers. Picture: Supplied

She said Air New Zealand also had some great offerings in Australia, and Singapore Airlines had just reopened its new SilverKris lounge in Perth.

“Internationally I’d have to say Singapore Airlines’ VIP lounge which is within the first class lounge within the business lounge at Changi Airport is in a class of its own,” Ms Eliseo said.

“They have free flowing Taittinger Comtes which is about $400-$500 a bottle, and they’ve got restrooms in there where you can get a few hours of shut-eye.”

Ms Brennan said the lounge experience was an important part of the journey for customers, because it set the tone for the flight ahead.

Originally published as The unique feature setting Emirates’ Brisbane Airport lounge apart from all others