Qantas introduces a new boarding experience

Qantas is introducing a new boarding process for domestic flights in four of the country’s biggest airports to reduce the time customers spend lining up at the gate and make it faster for them to be seated onboard.

The new approach, referred to as Group Boarding, is already used by airlines overseas but this is the first time it’s been adopted in Australia. It follows a series of successful trials in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth which found the process helped contribute towards flights departing on time. 

Group Boarding allows customers to board within smaller groups, rather than queuing up with all passengers waiting to board at the same time.

Customers will be allocated to one of six boarding groups which will be displayed on their boarding pass. The groups are determined by cabin, Frequent Flyer status, and seat position in the aircraft.

Signage and announcements at the gate will let customers know when it is their group’s turn to board.

Group Boarding is being rolled out progressively at Brisbane, Perth, Melbourne and then Sydney Airport, for domestic flights operated by Qantas’ Boeing 737 and Airbus A330 aircraft Qantas Domestic CEO Markus Svensson said Group Boarding was the most significant change to the airline’s boarding processes in a decade.

“We’re continuing to look for ways to respond to pain points and improve the travel experience for our customers,” Mr Svensson said

“Group Boarding is designed to minimise the time our customers spend waiting to board and allows them to get settled more quickly.”

“We know how important on time departure is to our customers, so this process is also about doing everything possible to ensure we depart on time.”

Group Boarding will apply to all domestic flights operated by Boeing 737 and Airbus A330 aircraft departing from Brisbane (from June 3), Perth (from June 10), Melbourne (from June 17) and Sydney (from June 25).

A customer’s boarding group will be displayed on their boarding pass; Qantas App users and text/email subscribers will be notified if Group Boarding is in place for their flight; An announcement will be made at the gate when it is time for each group to board; The boarding pass scanner will only permit customers to board once their group has been invited to board.

This process focuses on the Qantas 737 and A330’s first. These fleets cover most of Qantas’ Domestic operations and are larger aircraft with most room for improvement of boarding times. Focusing on two specific aircraft types will enable Qantas to refine the group boarding process. Qantas said to give people time to become more familiar with Group Boarding before extending to other aircraft types or airports.

Qantas customers travelling through Adelaide are set to receive an upgrade to their airport experience with construction of a new lounge precinct set to commence this month.

The development includes a brand-new Domestic Business Lounge which takes inspiration from Kangaroo Island’s Flinders Chase National Park and a full refurbishment of the current Qantas Club.

The first stage of construction includes the fit out of the Qantas Club, which is expected to open in mid-November, ahead of the new Domestic Business Lounge welcoming its first customers in mid-2025.

While the footprint of the lounge space will remain the same, through the redesign of currently under-utilised spaces, the total seating capacity will increase by more than 10 per cent.

The interiors of the new lounge precinct will be inspired by the beauty of South Australia, drawing from the state’s landscapes, culture and iconic food and flavours. South Australian sourced furniture, lighting and natural materials will feature in the lounges, along with fittings curated by the Jam Factory and artwork created by local First Nations artists.

The redevelopment is part of the national carrier’s $100 million investment in upgrading and enhancing its global lounge network. 

Qantas Executive Manager for Product and Service, Phil Capps, said the lounge upgrades reflect the needs of customers flying from Adelaide and excellence in South Australian architectural and interior design.

“Our local design philosophy means the new Adelaide Lounge Precinct will celebrate the best of South Australia. From the furnishing and artworks through to the premium food and beverages we want to give our customers a taste of South Australia every time they fly with us. Our customers can also expect to see more of the features they’ve told us they value the most.”

“We’re installing extra seating throughout the precinct to provide more space to work and around 80 per cent of seats will have access to power stations and device ports so customers can easily charge up before their flight.”

Throughout the construction phase, the existing Qantas Club will continue to operate for eligible customers one hour prior to the first Qantas operated service until the last departure. A ‘Grab and Go’ offering with premium breakfast options and barista coffee will be available during busy morning peak travel times if the lounges reach capacity.

Having recently opened their doors, Basq House is the place where holiday dreams come to life. Nestled in the heart of this vibrant coastal town, Basq House offers an unparalleled experience designed to cater to your every need.

Inside, the charm continues with a fully stocked library, a cosy fireplace, and a chic bar. Unwind with a holiday read, challenge friends to a board game, or simply relax with your favourite drink. Our scattered seating areas, overlooking the pool, provide the ideal spot for a fireside chat, catching up on emails, or making new friends.

Come Summer, it gets even better. Start your day with a leisurely swim in the temperature-controlled magnesium pool. Soak up the sun on our plush daybeds, loungers, and cabanas, or indulge in a refreshing drink from our self-service bar. This serene oasis is your perfect retreat.

Throughout the day, guests can enjoy complimentary batch brew coffee, tea, and snacks from our self-serve station. From late morning, a delightful drinks and snacks menu is available throughout the various areas of the hotel.

Want to head out? Basq’s got you too! Perfectly situated at the epicentre of Byron’s culinary scene, Basq House provides easy access to the region’s best cafes and restaurants, all just a short walk away.

Embrace the luxury and comfort of Basq House, your ultimate Byron Bay getaway.

With sale fares to over 60 destinations across Australia, you can enjoy a million reasons to fly into their next adventure for less. From luxury city breaks to beach escapes there’s something every customer can enjoy. Economy one way fares from the Gold Coast to Sydney from $109, Sydney to Alice Springs from $299. Business one way fares from Melbourne to Newcastle from $399, Brisbane to Hamilton Island from $479.

Find further gems like the offers below:

SYDNEY –  MELBOURNE      $186.00
SYDNEY – PERTH                    $383.00
SYDNEY –  BRISBANE            $155.00 

PERTH – MELBOURNE         $319.00
PERTH – ADLELAIDE           $298.00
PERTH – DARWIN                  $383.00

MELBOURNE – HOBART           $170.00
MELBOURNE – ADELAIDE        $149.00
MELBOURNE – BRISBANE        $202.00

Fares listed above are economy class, one way. For other classes and round trips, get in touch.

Sale ends 11.59pm AEST 30 June 2024, unless sold out prior. Terms and conditions apply.*

Hamilton Island Enterprises, the team behind luxury resort qualia, is excited to introduce “The Sundays”, Hamilton Island’s new boutique hotel in the heart of Australia’s World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef.

Created with families in mind and situated at the northern end of palm-fringed Catseye Beach, The Sundays offers 59 rooms thoughtfully designed to capture the essence of Hamilton Island’s tropical surroundings and blue water views. Guestrooms offer a serene colour scheme, benefit from gentle sea breezes and a choice of either a balcony or terrace, overlooking the Coral Sea and the hotel’s gardens. Interconnecting rooms, perfect for families are also available. The hotel features private cabanas around a pool exclusively for guests and a waters-edge restaurant and bar offering al fresco dining with views of the aquatic playground that is Catseye Bay. 

The hotel is set to open in Autumn 2025 (AEST) and is expected to significantly contribute to the Whitsundays’ visitor economy, providing employment for over 100 full-time equivalent hospitality workers in the region.

Pete Brulisauer, CEO of Hamilton Island, says, “The Sundays marks over 20 years of continuous significant investment in Hamilton Island by the Oatley family. 

In developing its ethos, we were inspired by the essence of what makes a Sunday so special – relaxing, treasuring time and fostering connections with loved ones, and embracing nature. It will be a place where you can expect an extraordinary experience for all ages amidst the breathtaking natural beauty of The Whitsundays in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.”

Mr Brulisauer says in recent years Hamilton Island, accessible via direct flights in under 2.5 hours from major Australian East Coast cities, has seen a sharp increase in domestic travellers seeking a luxury tropical island escape without the hassle and time of international flights.

“We also continue to welcome back international travellers who want to experience the best Australia has to offer – like Whitehaven Beach and the iconic Heart Reef,” he adds.

The project, estimated at over $30M, adds to the $400M already invested in facilities and infrastructure improvements underpinning Hamilton Island’s status as a world class island resort as envisioned by the late Mr. Bob Oatley upon acquisition in 2003.

Sandy Oatley, Chairman of Hamilton Island Enterprises, says, “We are responding to our guests’ request for more family focused boutique accommodation, in our ideal location. We remain focused on continuing to enhance Hamilton Island’s reputation as one of Australia’s most iconic holiday destinations.”

The Sundays complements Hamilton Island’s wide-range of accommodation offerings, including the internationally-acclaimed luxury resort qualia, the boutique beachfront hotel, Beach Club and the family-friendly Reef View Hotel and Palm Bungalows.

Reservations for The Sundays open in Spring 2024 (AEST).