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Qantas and Alaska Airlines upscale lounge facilities

Jim Moreton Jim Moreton Nov 21, 2022
Qantas and Alaska Airlines upscale lounge facilities

Qantas has unveiled its state-of-the-art Qantas Club Lounge at Rockhampton Airport in Central Queensland, Australia, setting a new benchmark for regional airport hospitality. Spanning 200 square metres, the revitalised lounge—now twice the size of its predecessor—accommodates up to 65 discerning travellers in a sophisticated and tranquil environment.

Guests are treated to panoramic runway vistas, ergonomic workstations tailored for business travellers, ultra-fast Wi-Fi connectivity, and a curated selection of fine Australian wines and craft beers, complemented by a rotating menu of gourmet snacks and indulgent desserts. The space is adorned with evocative artwork by acclaimed local Indigenous artist Brandon Butler, honouring the journey across Darumbal Country and reflecting the lounge’s sense of place.

Frequent flyers on regional QantasLink routes benefit from an elevated pre-flight experience, with Rockhampton Airport hosting 48 weekly departures to Brisbane and Mackay on the reliable Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 and Boeing 717 fleets—each featuring a premium 12-seat Business Class cabin.

Access is reserved for Qantas Club members, as well as Gold, Platinum, and Platinum One frequent flyers and eligible oneworld status holders. The lounge welcomes guests one hour prior to each Qantas-operated departure and remains open until the day’s final flight.

Explore our in-depth review of Qantas Business Class

Alaska Airlines, renowned for its commitment to passenger comfort, has also completed a major expansion of its Alaska Lounge at Seattle Tacoma Airport’s C Concourse. The upgraded facility now boasts an additional 278 square metres and close to 60 new seats, operating daily from 6 a.m. to midnight on the mezzanine by Gate C-16.  

Following a comprehensive renovation, the D Concourse Alaska Lounge at Seattle has reopened with 30% more seating capacity, a sleek new bar, a refreshed buffet, and a dedicated barista coffee station—cementing its status as a top-tier oneworld lounge in North America.

Portland Airport’s Alaska Lounge has also seen significant enhancements, including a stylish indoor patio, expanded seating in Concourse C, and a temporary Express Lounge in Concourse B. Meanwhile, the newly launched Alaska Lounge at San Francisco Airport welcomes guests with signature Pacific Northwest hospitality and elevated amenities.

Alaska Airlines’ elite frequent flyers—including MVP, MVP Gold, Gold 75K, and Gold 100K—enjoy lounge access when traveling internationally on oneworld partners beyond the US, Canada, or Mexico, reflecting Alaska’s integration into the global alliance and its ongoing investment in premium passenger experiences.

Discover our expert review of Alaska Airlines First Class

Read more on Alaska Airlines’ journey with oneworld