Qantas is turning a page at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International (BKK). As of Sunday, November 15th, the airline will permanently close their Business Class lounge and direct their passengers to the nearby Louis’ Tavern CIP Lounge, though other alternatives are also available.
While disappointing, the change is hardly surprising. Qantas only operates a single daily flight from Bangkok to Sydney, QF 24. Their partner Emirates also operates their own lounge, and so does fellow oneworld member Cathay Pacific, who recently unveiled a brand new club. With relatively few eligible guests and no less than three lounge options for some passengers, the economics of the continued operation of a private lounge were questionable.
Qantas Business Class lounge – Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International (BKK) | © The Filipino Traveler, www.thefilipinotraveler.com
Several alternatives are available for Qantas passengers.
Qantas will direct all business class passengers, Gold, Platinum and Platinum One frequent flyers, Qantas Club members and oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members to the Louis’ Tavern CIP Lounge which is located in Concourse G, steps away from the (former) Qantas lounge. Open 24 hours a day, the Louis’ Tavern CIP Lounge offers showers, hot food and cocktails, though the décor is a tad old fashioned. Qantas agents will be available within the lounge to assist customers.
Alternatively, as per oneworld rules, passengers may also use the Cathay Pacific Lounge, also in Concourse G. The brand new club features the warm, gorgeous new design premiered at Tokyo Haneda and Manila airports. A highlight of the lounge is the Noodle Bar which offers a selection of cooked to order noodles including wonton noodle soup and tom yam soup. If you’re willing to forego showers and don’t require travel assistance, the Cathay Pacific Lounge is in our opinion vastly superior to the Louis’ Tavern CIP Lounge.
Finally, Business class passengers and Gold, Platinum and Platinum One frequent flyers may also use the Emirates Lounge in Concourse D. The Emirates Lounge is located further away, but features the best food and amenities overall, in luxurious settings — the space boasts Emirates’ latest design, which is posh without screaming excess. Showers are available, as well as a high-end spread of appetizers, hot food, and alcoholic beverages.
We regret the loss of the elegant Qantas Business Lounge at BKK, but appreciate the availability of three alternatives. The loss of the Qantas lounge won’t help with crowding, though – Finnair, Malaysia and Sri Lankan already all use the Louis’ Tavern CIP Lounge in Concourse G.
Featured image: Qantas Business Class lounge – Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International (BKK) © The Filipino Traveler
What this article does not mention is that access to the alternate lounges for Qantas customers is not available until after 2pm. Customers are turned away from these lounges until after 2pm.