I leave Sydney for Brisbane and for the occasion I will fly on Virgin Australia in Economy, which does not give me access to the lounge of the airline. Fortunately there is a Priority Pass lounge in the domestic terminal, the Rex lounge, which I will use on this occasion.
NB: I realized a little too late that my American Express Platinum gave me access to the Virgin Australia lounges. Too late for this time but I’ll remember it in Brisbane when I return to Sydney a few days later.
Last point before continuing: Rex means Regional Express and it is as the name indicates an Australian regional airline.
Location of the lounge
Once through security, you have to turn right and go through the duty free and the food court before finding the lounge which is further away than the Virgin Australia’s.
As far as I’m concerned, I’ll have to go back through the terminal in the other direction to catch my flight, but given its size, that’s not a problem: this isn’t Frankfurt or Amsterdam!
Access to the lounge
The lounge is of course accessible to Rex’s premium passengers but also to Priority Pass card holders. Rex passengers can also purchase lounge access on a year-round or per-use basis if they are not traveling in business.
Lounge design
The lounge is composed of a single room with different areas, a space to work, another to dine … Very classic but not large.
On the other hand it is quite nice, clean and the cleaning will be done frequently during my stay. In fact, I find it even more welcoming than the Thai Royal Silk in Bangkok!
Lounge atmosphere
It will be very quiet during my stay and this even if there was some movement with some flight departures.
Catering
It is very minimalist.
Hot drinks and soft drinks:
A choice of beers and wines:
Unappetizing sandwiches and yogurt.
Really the bare minimum.
Lounge facilities
Of course no showers or spa. Well maintained but outdated toilets.
Bottom line
A very basic lounge which has the merit to exist and I will be satisfied with it for lack of better…before realizing that my Amex gave me access to the Virgin Australia lounge. Proof that one can never prepare one’s trips well enough….
The routing of this trip
