EMIRATES: New Bangkok Lounge, largest outside Dubai. Inaccessible for Qantas premium flyers

Emirates has unveiled a larger and more luxurious lounge at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, but there’s a catch for Qantas passengers. Those flying from Bangkok to Sydney on Qantas will no longer have access to this upgraded space.

Why the Change?

Unusually this is not because of the caprice of some Emirates executive with a grudge against Qantas. The reason behind this shift is Emirates’ relocation of its Bangkok lounge and flights to the midfield satellite terminal, officially tagged as SAT-1.

This move means passengers will transition using an automated people mover, or train from the main terminal to SAT-1. The rub is that only passengers departing from the SAT-1 will be able to access that terminal.

no more lounge hopping to Emirates for Qantas premium flyers.

Lounge Access for Qantas Flyers

If you are on an Emirates flight, than of course, as a Qantas Frequent Flyers with Gold or higher status you can still enjoy the Emirates lounge.

If you are not travelling from SAT-1, say to Sydney on QF296, then Cathay Pacific’s lounge in the main terminal is the place to go for Qantas Gold or Platinum passengers. If you are travelling in Business Class then you also have access to the Qatar Airways lounge.

Emirates’ New Bangkok Lounge

The new lounge has expanded space for 250 guests, up from the previous 200. It’s designed to withstand passengers on two simultaneous A380 departures. Although simultaneous superjumbo departures are unlikely.

At 1,454 square metres, this lounge is the largest Emirates lounge outside its Dubai hub. Emirates operates five daily flights between Dubai and Bangkok, on a mix of Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s. It also has twice-daily flights to Phuket and a daily non-stop between Bangkok and Hong Kong.

Signature Emirates Style

You will know its an Emirates lounge because of the usual bling, or more politely, the classic Emirates aesthetic. Think the furniture, lamps, and dividers seen in lounges worldwide. Seating areas have international AC outlets, USB-A and USB-C power, and wireless charging stations.

You will also find the usual buffet and self-serve bars offering both Moët and Mumm Champagne.

Location

To find the Emirates lounge at Bangkok SAT-1, head to the satellite terminal, and the departures area on level 3. Take the escalator up to level 4, and the Emirates lounge will be in front of you, but slightly to the left.

2PAXfly Takeout

I’m not a particular fan of Emirates lounges outside Dubai. In fact I have decried the lounge at Sydney’s International terminal. Not liking the style, does not mean I don’t appreciate the food and beverage offering however.

This is good news for Emirates passengers out of Bangkok. Not so good for those Qantas loyalists who wanted to have lounge hopping options in Bangkok