Etihad Airways First and Business Class Lounge at Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport

Review: Etihad Airways First & Business Class Lounge Sydney

 

Etihad Airways First and Business Class Lounge at Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport
Etihad Airways First & Business Class Lounge Sydney

The Etihad Airways First & Business Class lounge Sydney located at Pier C, adjacent to Gate 51 next to the National Geographic store opened in March this year. I visited new lounge one early Wednesday afternoon when I was in Sydney for Fashion Bloggers last week. I was fortunate that the lounge was not crowded. In fact, there were at most no more than 10 customers at any one time.

Photos look distorted because I only had my SAMSUNG Galaxy NX camera and fish eye lens with me at the time of the visit.

Facade and entrance of the Etihad Airways First & Business Class Lounge Sydney next to the National Geographic Store.
Facade and entrance of the Etihad Airways First & Business Class Lounge Sydney next to the National Geographic Store.

Do not be fooled by the small facade and entrance to the lounge. The lounge takes up two storeys with the reception area and hand luggage storage area on the first and the rest of the lounge on the level below.

As I entered the lounge, I was greeted by a very patient and friendly lounge staff who quickly whisked me to the lower level where I quickly chose a seat next to the window so I get a great view of the United Airlines aircraft parked at Pier 51. Where else would an aerosexual (used to be called aviation geek) sit!

 

 

Seating Areas

Etihad Airways First & Business Lounge Sydney  - Comfortable sofa areas to just lounge. Electrical points are available for you to charge your electrical devices.
Comfortable sofa areas to just lounge. Electrical points are available for you to charge your electrical devices.

There was more than sufficient seating in the spacious lounge with three areas to choose from. Above you see the sofa lounge area. And next to it are some high stool desks where you can plug in your laptop to work.

Etihad Airways First & Business Lounge Sydney - Stools and high desks with power points for you to work in the lounge.
Located between the sofa lounge and the dining area are stools and high desks with power points for you to work in the lounge.

 

Dining area
Dining area

Sit in the Dining area and enjoy a full dining experience just as if you were in a restaurant. You can always eat your meal here before proceeding to the lounge area to have a cuppa coffee or after dinner drinks.

Plenty of charging docks throughout the lounge.
Plenty of charging docks throughout the lounge.

Whoever designed the lounge did think about the fact that guests would be coming in from different parts of the world. The charging docks can fit almost any type of electrical device. You do not need an adaptor to plug in your devices. There are also two USB ports provided. These points are available throughout the lounge.

Business Centre
Business Centre

A business centre offers three work stations should you need to get some work done as well as to print any documents before your flight. A tad bit cosy but hey, this is not an office after all.

 

Dining Options

Etihad Airways First & Business Lounge Sydney - Menu of food options available.
Menu of food options available.

Once seated, the Food & Beverage manager attended to me and offered a menu explaining the various food and beverage options available. I could have a meal at the dining area, but I did not want to eat too much before a seven and a half hour flight. Don’t you just hate that bloated feeling when you are up in the air.

So I was recommended a Mezze selection and my usual cup of cappuccino. The grilled shrimp and squid was really good. All bite size, so I didn’t have to struggle with the food or fear any spills.

Etihad Airways First & Business Lounge Sydney - Mezze Sampler with a cup of Cappuccino.
Mezze Sampler with a cup of Cappuccino.

There is also quite a substantial buffet spread, if you prefer to walk around and pick the food you want. Here you can help yourself to juices and soft drinks as well as fruits.

A section of the buffet spread at the Etihad Airways First and Business Lounge in Sydney.
A section of the buffet spread at the Etihad Airways First and Business Lounge in Sydney.
The food and beverage area.
The food and beverage area.

Shower Facilities

Corridor next to the dining area leading to the children's playroom, prayer rooms and restrooms.
Corridor next to the dining area leading to the children’s playroom, prayer rooms and restrooms.

To me, a shower before a long flight is my ultimate comfort. Doesn’t harm to feel and smell good. The rest rooms are located in the furthest end of the lounge near the prayer rooms. You would have to walk past the children’s play room.

Shower room inside the Men's toilet.
Shower room inside the Men’s toilet.

The spacious shower room is separate from the toilet area and there was only one shower room in the Men’s room. There is no wc in the shower room so you have to finish up your business in another cubicle before taking your shower. Soft towels and soap, shampoo and conditioner from The White Company are provided. Wasn’t able to find any tooth brushes so bring your own.

Toiletries by The Collection
Toiletries by The White Company

Children’s Playroom

 

Etihad Airways First & Business Lounge Sydney - Children's Playroom
Children’s Playroom

The Children’s playroom is available at the lounge so you can leave the kids to have some fun while the adults get some work or enjoyment in the lounge.

The overall experience at the Etihad Airways First & Business Class Lounge Sydney has been a good one. Spacious, clean, professional and friendly crew as well as ample amenities just before a flight is what any frequent traveller need.

Guests flying on Etihad Airways Diamond First Class and Pearl Business Class as well as qualified members of Etihad Guest loyalty programme, Virgin Australia Velocity Frequent Flyer Gold and Platinum Members and Virgin Australia Business Class guests flying to Abu Dhabi are able to use the lounge. Guests from other codeshare and partner airlines flying on Etihad Airways or Virgin Australia operated Sydney-Abu Dhabi services may use the lounge.

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