Review: 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Shower Facilities

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.

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.

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.

Adrian Editor

Adrian Eugene Seet, editor of SUPERADRIANME.com, has long shared his passion for travel, destinations, and air travel. His childhood love for exploration has evolved into a thriving career, with his engaging content inspiring others to discover new cultures. Taiwan is his new-found favourite destination, and he dreams of visiting the Andes. Adrian's work is driven by his curiosity for travel trends and a commitment to lifelong learning.

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