We recently flew from Sydney to Los Angeles in Business Class with Qantas on their A380 (link) and visited the Qantas International Business Lounge in Sydney prior to departure.
The lounge was due for an upgrade several years ago but was paused during the pandemic. Qantas have recently announced the lounge upgrades are back in action and will see a complete redesign and rebuild to increase capacity by 40% with a new food and beverage experience. Stage one is expected to open in 2023.
Both the First Class and Business Class Lounge are located on the second level near gates 9 and 10.
Open times from 5 am until the last scheduled Qantas flight.
Related: Read our review of flying Business Class on Qantas's A380 - new link
Qantas Business Class Cabin
The business class cabin on the new Qantas A380 has an increase in capacity from 64 to 70 Business Suites in the 1-2-1 configured cabin. As with the Qantas Dreamliners, the staggered arrangement of the seats gives all passengers aisle access with the rows alternating between having the seat closer to the window with the console next to the aisle and having the seat closer to the aisle with the console by the window. This is the same for the middle seats, alternating between the seats being closer together and separated by the console.
Qantas A380 Business Class Cabin
The upgrade to the Business Suite on the A380 from the old Qantas Skybeds is a very welcome change. The new suite is larger with more space and storage around the seat, everything you need can be found within arms reach, including the seat controls, headphone jack and charging stations.
Qantas Business Class Suite - Seat closer to aisle option
Qantas Business Class Suite with the seat closer to the window
Connectivity in the Qantas Business Suite
Inside the armrest is a vanity mirror and your remote to control the entertainment screen. The 16 inch screen (upsized from the previous 12 inch A380 screen) is filled with on-demand entertainment options to enjoy including Hollywood blockbusters, Australian entertainment and the moving map feature.
Vanity Mirror and entertainment Remote
Entertainment Screen
The Business Suite seat converts into a bed at the push of a button and can be adjusted to whatever position you like with options to increase the lumbar support and footrest. When converted the bed extends into the footwell under the entertainment screen, apart from narrowing slightly at the footwell this makes for a relatively straight bed. For added comfort a mattress topper, duvet and pillow are provided, the pillows are a really good size and felt more substantial than what is provided in other business classes.
Seat Controls
The Qantas Business Suite converted into a bed with a mattress protector
Quality bedding is provided to make your flight as comfortable as possible
Greeting us at our seats was the bedding, menu, amenity kit and complimentary headphones, once seated we were offered the iconic Qantas pyjamas and a welcome drink while we perused the menu. The amenity kit is filled with the travel essentials needed during your flight including an eye mask, tooth cleaning kit, socks, earplugs and ASPAR skincare. Shortly after take-off we were able to pre-order our breakfast to save time the following morning and maximise our inflight sleep. The breakfast menu is fully customisable with options including juice, coffee, pastries, eggs and a salad.
Welcome Drink and Snack
Qantas Business Class Amenity Kit
Complimentary Qantas Pyjamas
Qantas Business Class Menu
Qantas Business Class Wine List
Qantas Business Class Breakfast Menu
The business class menu can be tailored to suit your needs with an option to enjoy a full meal after take-off or to order a selection of dishes throughout the flight.
To start there were 3 dishes to choose from including carrot soup, chicken salad and prawn fritters. We chose the fritters which were served with a green salad making for a delicious and fresh start to our meal.
Qantas Business Class Starter - Fritters and Salad
Following this, we enjoyed the Beef fillet with red wine sauce for main served with roasted potatoes, green peas and garlic butter.
Qantas Business Class main meal - Beef fillet with red wine sauce
We finished off the meal with a cheese plate which had a selection of 2 different cheeses, quince paste and crackers, we also had an ice cream sandwich which finished off the meal nicely.
Qantas Business Class Cheese Plate
The meal was finished off with an Ice Cream
The A380 onboard lounge that is available to first and business class passengers has also been updated. Located upstairs the lounge is fitted out with booth style seating in dark green upholstery to allow small groups to sit together, this makes the lounge feel intimate and cosy. Inside the lounge is a self-serve bar which is filled with a selection of self-serve drinks and snacks.
Qantas First and Business Class onboard Lounge
Self-serve Bar inside the onboard lounge
Qantas is currently in the process of refitting all of their A380 aircraft with an aim to be completed by the end of 2020. Book your next Qantas flight with our expert airfare consultants and ask them about seating on the new A380.
Read Next
Qantas New A380 First Class Review