For a long while, Brisbane’s international terminal was never known for its lounges. But a redevelopment of its interior some years back created an all-new space for airlines to up the ante. Air New Zealand took the chance to move into an all-new Lounge in Brisbane, and there the carrier has stayed – with no reason to move.

Enjoying views over the terminal concourse, airfield and towards the city, Air NZ’s lounge sits in the most enviable location of any airline facility in the terminal. Let’s take a look inside, and see how the lounge stacks up for travellers in 2023.

Location

Once you’re finished with the usual departure formalities, make a right turn after duty free. Ascend the nearby escalator and you’ll find Air New Zealand’s Brisbane Lounge immediately to your left. Its corner location affords a tremendous amount of natural light which flows through the space – perfect when you’re still half awake!

One side of the lounge faces towards the departure gates, overlooking the concourse below. It provides a glimpse of an Air New Zealand Boeing 777 taxiing to the gate, which will soon be whisking me across to Auckland. The other side offers a distant view of Brisbane’s CBD.

High ceilings afford a considerable sense of space. That’s aided by some of the lounge’s lighting features. Namely, the arched installation marking the centre of the dining area.

Air New Zealand’s Brisbane lounge opens at 5 am each day. It remains open to cater for all Air New Zealand flights. It also serves passengers flying with Air NZ’s Star Alliance partners Air Canada, EVA Air and United Airlines. Add to that, eligible travellers on Air Niugini, Air Vanuatu and Qatar Airways flights.

Eligible travellers on Singapore Airlines are welcome too during Air NZ’s regular opening hours, although Singapore Airlines has its own lounge in Brisbane.

Lounge layout and seating

Compared to the expanse of Air New Zealand’s Sydney lounge, its home in Brisbane is more compact. But that’s to be expected, given Sydney is served by five additional Star Alliance carriers that don’t normally call into Queensland. (Air China, Air India, All Nippon Airways/ANA, Asiana Airlines and Thai Airways, if you’re playing at home).

Brisbane instead has a small left wing, where the best views can be had. Then there’s the main dining area, which is surrounded by seating suited more towards relaxation.

I always find that the seats in this ‘wing’ fill up first. It feels separate from the hustle and bustle of the main lounge space – and of course, comes with something to look at. For me, I see planes taking off and landing enough as it is, so I’m usually one to make a simple pit stop in the dining area before zipping off to the gate.

The design of Brisbane’s lounge allows plenty of variety in the types of seating offered. But by nature, the quantity of each seating type is limited. This can mean that sometimes, you won’t get the type of seat you might have been hoping for – but you’ll still have somewhere to settle in all the same.

Lounge amenities

Beyond the typical seating, Air New Zealand’s Brisbane lounge has more to explore. Those travelling with little ones will rejoice at the kids’ room. It’s a colourful space in its own corner nook, with games and more to keep children amused. Adults can sit nearby to keep a distant eye on things – without having to immerse themselves in the room itself.

Reading material is also at hand, found near the information screens that cleverly display details only of the flights eligible for access to this lounge.

Air New Zealand’s Sydney and Auckland lounges have separate rooms for Elite Priority One cardholders. That’s Air NZ’s VIP tier, equivalent to the Qantas Chairman’s Lounge and Virgin Australia Beyond. Brisbane doesn’t have such a private room… although there’s a little nook that remains roped off just behind reception. This affords a touch more privacy than the main lounge sp