The Airline: None, it’s for selected American Express card holders.
The Lounge: The American Express Sydney Airport Lounge.
The Location: The International Terminal (T1) next to Gate 24.
Time Of Visit: Early morning.
Three Things We Loved: The coffee, the tarmac views, the quiet.
Overview:
Just on three years ago American Express opened its first Australian lounge at Sydney airport, just in time for the peak summer and Christmas travel period. To use the lounge you have to be a holder of a number of different American Express cards, or American Express cards offered by bank partners (check the current list, https://www.americanexpress.com/au/content/credit-cards/membership/travel/airportlounge/#ChooseaCard) and it’s open from 6am to 11pm daily. If you are travelling in economy, you don’t have an airline lounge membership, or this is just more convenient on departure day, the lounge has everything a business traveller needs from great barista-made coffee through and food, to quiet spots where you can do a spot of work before flying. I used it as I was flying ScootBiz to Singapore, with Scoot not offering a lounge in Sydney, making it a great opportunity for me to flash my Amex card and check it out.
Facilities & Decor:
The lounge is easy to find with good signage, and you’re met by a combination of friendly staff and an impressive living wall at the stylish reception area. Beyond the welcome the space is quiet generous in size, and has the type of decor you’ll find in many similar lounges today. There’s plenty of chocolate brown, natural wood and earth tones, which is easy on the eye, a plush carpet and plenty of seating and natural light, as well as nice views of the tarmac. The seating is a combination of comfy armchairs with side tables, two-seat couches, and benches with high stools. As far as facilities go, there are plenty of AC and USB power ports for charging essentials, wall mounted TVs mostly on mute, free Wi-Fi throughout, soft music playing in the background, and newspapers and magazines if you don’t want to work. A drawback for some travellers, particularly those arriving from international flights, is a lack of showers. Food and beverage offerings were good on whole with everything complimentary, specialty coffees made by a barista and a full bar. There was a buffet with hot and cold selections, however, having eating at home, and with a meal ordered on the flight, I opted for a nicely made cappuccino and nothing else.
The Verdict:
The lounge is a great asset to anyone who isn’t travelling at the pointy end of the plane and holds the right American Express card. From the decor to the facilities it’s up there with the premium lounges offered by a lineup of other airlines, and a cozy facility for travellers to enjoy a bit of pre-flight comfort.
This article has been updated - read the updated version here.
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