SkyTeam is the global airline alliance that operates the most lounges (I’m not talking about lounges belonging to member airlines, but rather lounges operated directly by the alliance). Well, the alliance’s Sydney Airport lounge has just opened for the first time since the start of the pandemic, and it has a completely new look.
In this post:
Basics of the new SkyTeam Lounge Sydney
The SkyTeam Lounge Sydney has reopened in the same space it previously was (near Gate 24 in Pier B of the International Terminal), but with a completely new look. The lounge features floor-to-ceiling windows with views across the apron and runway, offering a bright and airy space with lots of natural light.
The lounge features seating for 149 guests. In terms of amenities, the SkyTeam Lounge Sydney has:
- A live-cooking station with noodles and dumplings, a la carte dining, and a self-service buffet
- A bartender who serves Australian red, white, and sparkling wines, as well as spirits, soft drinks, and barista-made coffee
- A dining area, a relaxation area, showers, phone booths, and a VIP area
SkyTeam is also highlighting how the lounge was redesigned with sustainability in mind, including:
- Eliminating single-use items such as plastic straws and stirrers
- Water-saving cisterns and shower heads in showers and bathrooms
- Movement sensor smart technology to save energy and reduce emissions
- Participating in the airport’s waste recycling program
- Using locally and sustainably sourced produce to reduce food miles with procurement management procedures in place to minimize food waste
- Floor-to-ceiling windows to offer an abundance of natural light
Below you can find some pictures of the lounge.
SkyTeam Lounge Sydney access requirements
The SkyTeam Lounge Sydney is open to passengers traveling on China Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Garuda Indonesia, Korean Air, Vietnam Airlines, and Xiamen Air. The lounge is open from two hours prior to the first flight’s departure, until the last flight’s departure.
The standard SkyTeam lounge access policies apply, meaning the lounge is open to all SkyTeam Elite Plus members, as well as SkyTeam business class passengers.
Bottom line
SkyTeam has not only reopened its lounge at Sydney Airport, but has completely redesigned it. As far as alliance lounges go, I’d say SkyTeam did a pretty great job. Admittedly this still pales in comparison to some of the other lounge options at the airport, given the excellent lounges operated by Qantas and Air New Zealand.
What do you make of the new SkyTeam Lounge Sydney?
Looks like they went shopping the budget range furniture at the nearby IKEA when doing the fitout!
Was here last week. Certainly an improvement visually but the food was basically “2 star hotel breakfast” quality. There was a 20 min line to get in. Wifi was down. Escalator down to the lounge was broken. Thankfully I don’t fly sky team much. Qantas (J or F) is miles ahead.
Very racist to not also double as a black art museum like the Cap one lounge DFW. Bigots.
You really can’t help it, can you? White plight martyrdom at its most pathetic.
It looks like a Capital One lounge because it's also run by Plaza. I was able to gain access last week using my Venture X card. The space was comfortable and uncrowded but the food (i was there at breakfast time) left something to be desired. The staff were extremely nice though and even though capital one isn't that well known in Australia didn't have any problems processing my access with my Venture card. So definitely a plus there.
This looks almost exactly like the Capital One lounge DFW.
This looks vastly superior to the embarrassment that is the Qantas International Business Lounge at Sydney.