Written by Julie Jones, Have Wheelchair Will Travel, July 9, 2025
Airport lounges often provide respite from the hustle and bustle of the airport environment. I know that by the time I arrive at the airport and clear security I’m certainly ready for somewhere to decompress. And depending on the circumstances, sometimes a shower and a snack are the priority of a visit to a lounge. Recently, when departing from Sydney Airport, I welcomed the opportunity to review the Qantas International Business Class Lounge for facilities and accessibility.
Review – Qantas International Business Class Lounge, Sydney
I arrived at the lounge on a Friday afternoon expecting it to be bursting at the seams with travellers departing Sydney before the weekend but it was pleasantly quiet. Just what I was looking for after organising all the family’s needs so I could be away on a business trip for a couple of weeks.
Large airside windows make for a light and airy feeling atmosphere within the lounge with the bar area being particularly visually appealing with moon-like light fixtures drawing the eye on arrival.
I found myself a particularly quiet corner on the left side of the lounge which was handy to the food station but further away from the most popular area – that’s the bar!
The lounge menu was offering food suited to dinner service including hot options such as Thai green pork curry, Moroccan vegetable curry and red lentil soup. A variety of salads and build-your-own sandwich or toastie options were also available.
I felt the options were somewhat limited, especially compared to the extensive menu available at Qantas Club Lounge Melbourne Domestic Airport which offers a stellar line up. The menu however was sufficient for my needs as I knew a meal would be served on boarding the plane.
It’s always good to see dietary restrictions being taken into consideration so I was happy to see gluten free bread and a dedicated toaster available and in an area which hopefully clearly signals it isn’t for general bread use. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free menu items are identified on a menu above the main buffet for the hot and cold items.
Qantas International Business Class Lounge accessibility
If you or someone you are travelling with has a mobility restriction, or uses a wheelchair or mobility aid, there is good accessibility at the Qantas International Business Class Lounge.
Once you pass through airport security and pass the first few duty free stores there is a sign to the Qantas First and Business Class lounges. It is located in front of escalators.
Just behind the escalators there is an elevator which also leads to the lounges. Access to the lounge is step-free and via automatic opening doors.
Once inside the lounge there is a variety of seating options with many chairs offering an easy transfer.
Some of the tables display signage indicating the seating is reserved for travellers with access needs.
The main food stations are located at a good height for wheelchairs but the alcohol at the bar guests are able to serve themselves and the treat station may prove more difficult.
Staff are on hand to assist but as an example, reaching my beloved licorice allsorts in the jar might be a challenge depending on wheelchair height and user’s arm length.
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On this occasion I’d only travelled from home so I was fresh as a daisy and had no need for a shower but if I have been sightseeing all day and arrive at the airport ahead of a flight, I make a beeline for the showers. The Qantas International Business Class lounge offers one accessible bathroom with a shower bench, grab rails throughout and level taps. Towels, toothbrush & toothpaste, shower caps, razors and combs are complimentary and available to lounge guests if needed. Shampoo, conditioner and body wash are located beside the shower.
Push button entry provides ease of access and is much appreciated when so many doors are heavy and difficult to negotiate, particularly for wheelchair users or for the elderly.
A stand-alone accessible toilet is also available if you only need to pay a visit and not have a shower.
Visiting the Qantas International Business Class lounge certainly started my travels off on a good note. The lounge is definitely due for a makeover but I’d still prefer to spend my time before boarding in the lounge rather than wandering around the terminal.
If you are travelling on the Qantas Airbus A380 in business class and wondering what it’s like, I have a review to give you all the inside intel.
I was hosted for my visit to the Qantas International Business Class lounge but as always my opinions are my own.