Karryon’s MARK HARADA checks out Sydney International Airport’s Skyteam Lounge and finds little wanting… except maybe breakfast dumplings and laksa.
Unlike many travellers, I have a fondness for airports. I like watching planes, feeling the almost palpable sense of excitement of an approaching holiday, and seeing the reunion of family and friends in the arrivals hall (even as I snake my way through to the station for a lonely train ride home).
And I love airport lounges. Because isn’t it a little nicer whiling away an hour or two before a flight with good coffee in a comfy armchair than at a wobbly table in a noisy food court?
On this Saturday morning, Sydney International Airport is crowded, as though everyone’s leaving SYD at the same time. But inside the Skyteam Lounge, it’s a little less hectic.
Located airside at Pier B, the Skyteam Lounge is my kind of lounge: it’s comfortable, but not opulent to the point where you almost feel like you can’t relax (or actually lounge).
After a friendly check-in, an escalator takes us (myself, my wife and our 8-year-old daughter) down to the lounge… under a mural of framed ‘welcomes’ from each Skyteam carrier, which is a nice touch.
Like most lounges, there are numerous zones in which to relax, with Skyteam’s distinctive blue hue and wooden tones throughout the large space.
At one end of the Skyteam Lounge is the main dining area, where guests can enjoy a meal, light snack or drink whilst overlooking parked planes through floor-to-ceiling windows.
While we’re here, breakfast is being served, with Bain Maries of roast potatoes, scrambled eggs and bacon competing with congee, dumplings and laksa – which is so popular, they’ve run out of the dish by the time I go to order (no spicy brekkie for me today).
But there’s plenty more to tempt travellers – like cold meats and cheeses, croissants, pastries, cereals, Greek yoghurt and lots of fruit.
Next to this, there’s a well-stocked bar, where one can order (though usually not at this time of the morning) draught beer, Squealing Pig wines on tap and other bottled Australian reds and whites or spirits. There’s also a barista station, where I order a nice soy cappuccino (and go back for another).
Sitting comfortably
Away from the main dining area, there’s another zone with a mix of dining tables, communal stations (that can be used for dining or work), booth-like seating and armchairs.
Further along, there’s an area framed by plants and next to this, a snack station, where you can help yourself to a glass of juice, chips, lollies and cookies.
At the far end of the Skyteam Lounge are even comfier-looking armchairs and ottomans, and even massage chairs – some of which are being utilised.
In the corner, there are a few sound-proof booths for anyone on a work call or looking for some extra privacy.
Back at the other end of the lounge, visitors can take advantage of shower facilities that boast rain showers (with good pressure) and APPELLES toiletries.
A VIP experience
As comfy as the Skyteam Lounge is, one can take it up a notch by reserving a private room within the lounge.
Here, guests can avoid jostling for seats with their own exclusive space, enjoy their own large TV, and have platters of fruit, cheese and other tasty treats brought to them – although one or two more of those comfy armchairs would be nice here (but I suspect they tinker with the configuration of the room).
The naturally lit space also affords great views over the tarmac.
Our daughter calls this a ‘vip’ experience. And it certainly feels like it.
Eco edge
When it reopened in September 2022 after an extensive refurb, the Skyteam Lounge promised not only a more comfortable experience but a greener one too: its 149 chairs and ottomans have been up-cycled, single-use plastics were eliminated, water and energy-saving initiatives were implemented, and food is sourced locally and with a focus on minimising food waste.
There’s also an abundance of greenery around. So you can feel good whilst feeling good.
Skyteam Lounge details:
Location: Departure level, pier B, near gate 25
Size and capacity: 784 sqm, 140 guests
Access: International First or Business Class ticket holders or Elite Plus Frequent Flyers travelling on international flights operated by Skyteam carriers Delta Air Lines, Garuda Indonesia, Korean Air, Vietnam Airlines, China Airlines and Xiamen Air.
Operating hours:
- Monday: 0600 – 1500, 1730 – 2200 hrs
- Tuesday: 0600 – 1415, 1730 – 2200 hrs
- Wednesday: 0600 – 1500, 1730 – 2200 hrs
- Thursday: 0600 – 1415, 1830 – 2200 hrs
- Friday: 0600 – 1415, 1730 – 2200 hrs
- Saturday: 0600 – 1500, 1830 – 2200 hrs
- Sunday: 0600 – 1415, 1730 – 2200 hrs
Read about the ‘very new’ airport lounge concept Australians still don’t know about.
The writer was a guest of Plaza Premium Group, which operates the Skyteam Lounge at Sydney International Airport. PPG did not review or approve the content before publishing.
