Worth getting 55 SC's for QF25 so can access MEL Flounge?

[djfuzz]

It will live up to the hype. Lap it up, then lap it up some more. Get to checkin three hours prior, forget duty free just motor on up to the Flounge.
My next visit is Christmas day, six months away and already thinking about the bubbles.

(Slightly O/T)

That's some high praise - would you similarly rave about the MEL F lounge, or is SYD simply where it's all at?

Making a side-trip on the DONE4 to AKL in November, currently departing MEL on QF25 (sadly not the 744) and Mrs Djf is 55 SCs short of WP - is it worth finding a way to rack up those SCs for a visit to the MEL F lounge, or wait for a chance to get to SYD later on?

[serfty]

... Making a side-trip on the DONE4 to AKL in November, currently departing MEL on QF25 (sadly not the 744) and Mrs Djf is 55 SCs short of WP - is it worth finding a way to rack up those SCs for a visit to the MEL F lounge, or wait for a chance to get to SYD later on?

Given QF25 departs at 5am in November, I'm not sure that's worth it ..

[moa999]

MEL F Lounge Food and Beverage is up there with the Sydney lounge.
(same menu)

Size of the lounge and overall design slightly better in SYD.

Agree that not much point if your flight is 5am

[djfuzz]

Fair enough - assuming we changed the flight to a more palatable time, would it be worth rerouting through SYD?

From what you've both said, I would guess that even then it wouldn't make all that much difference?

[serfty]

The food/service is great in both MEL and SYD Flounges - better views in MEL, SYD has better decor. (I do like the intimacy of MEL)

Me? IMHO, the "All Day" dining menu available after 11am is a better option than breakfast.

I'm a QF131/QF133 fan - with the former you get a nice champagne lunch, the latter a champagne tea (although you do arrive into AKL a little late).

However, if you are booked on QF25 MEL-LAX the point may be moot!

[dajop]

Fair enough - assuming we changed the flight to a more palatable time, would it be worth rerouting through SYD?

Depends on what time you want to get to AKL. You could go on the 4pm flight out of MEL, and spend the afternoon in F lounge, much rather have an extra hour or two in the MEL FCL than spend that time diverting through SYD. Unless in you could get on the LAN flight from SYD-AKL which (I think) has better hard product across the Tasman than QF 737's and 767's.

My opinion on the two lounges:
- SYD bigger and brasher with great views over runway. Can get rather busy though at peak times. In the restaurant - feels more like a big commercial restuarant you'd plonk into a big waterfront development or 5* hotel, albeit with great design (do like the design of the lounge).

- MEL quieter and more intimate, more of a cafe atmosphere (with views as well, just that the runway is lbit further and less exciting - less variety of traffic). Design less dramatic, but is my preference due to the intimacy.