This was posted 7 years 9 months 1 day ago, and might be an out-dated deal.

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FREE Entry into The AmEx Lounge @ Sydney International Airport, Various AmEx Required

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FREE Entry into The AmEx Lounge @ Sydney International Airport, Various AmEx Required
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ChickenTalon on 21/02/2017 - 21:25 amexnetwork.com.au (3194 clicks)
Last edited 21/02/2017 - 22:20

Hasn't been posted in a while. Full credit to OP Peanut money in the deal post a couple of years ago.

I've yet to try it. I've heard that it's pretty good for a free lounge if you can get in. Hey, free food is free food.

Below is the list of all eligible cards, bold means unlimited access (or JV is trying to say something). Otherwise, you get two entries per calendar year. Your two entries can be used in the same visit for a guest to access the lounge.

Some reviews:
https://www.ausbt.com.au/american-express-amex-sydney-airpor…
http://www.pointhacks.com.au/reviews/american-express-sydney…
http://viewfromthewing.boardingarea.com/2015/06/29/review-am…

  1. Eligible Cards

(a) The Cards listed below that are current and issued by American Express Australia Limited and American Express International (NZ), are eligible to enter The American Express Lounge with the exception of internationally issued American Express® Centurion and American Express® Platinum Cards, which are also eligible to enter the American Express Lounge:

American Express® Centurion Card,
American Express® Platinum Card,
American Express® Business Centurion Card,
American Express® Business Platinum Card,
American Express® Corporate Platinum Card,
American Express® Qantas Corporate Platinum Card,
American Express® Explorer™ Credit Card
American Express® Platinum Reserve Credit Card,
David Jones American Express® Platinum Card,
Qantas American Express Ultimate Card,
American Express Velocity Platinum Card,
American Express Airpoints Platinum Card.

(b) The Cards listed below that are current and issued by licensed network partners are eligible to enter The American Express Lounge:
ANZ Frequent Flyer Black American Express Card,
ANZ Rewards Black American Express Card,
Westpac Altitude Black American Express Card,
Westpac Earth Black American Express Card,
Commonwealth Bank Diamond Awards American Express Card.

Travel Airport Lounge

Related Stores

AmEx Statement Offers
AmEx Statement Offers
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closed Comments

  • TonyRancid on 21/02/2017 - 21:39
    +7

    Now where did I put my free Centurion card?

    • ChickenTalon on 21/02/2017 - 21:44
      +2

      Surely Amex has someone on standby to find it for you.

      Wow, a credit card with its own extensive Wikipedia page

  • Holysmoke on 21/02/2017 - 21:46
    +2

    Use the referrals if interested in getting one of these cards with access to the lounge:
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/wiki/american_express_referrals

  • ChillBro on 21/02/2017 - 21:48
    +17

    bold means unlimited access (or JV is trying to say something)

    Lol.

  • watwatwat on 21/02/2017 - 21:53
    +2

    This lounge is way way better than the piece of sh*t Virgin lounge. I had a good experience here!

    • bauser99 on 21/02/2017 - 21:56
      +6

      There's no Virgin lounge at SYD International - if you have status or fly business with Virgin International you get access to the Air NZ lounge which is much larger & offers a better food & drinks selection compared to the AMEX lounge.

      • watwatwat on 21/02/2017 - 22:12

        True. Well it's better than the domestic virgin lounge by so much.

        Ah, I'm too poor to have status.

        • scratchback on 21/02/2017 - 23:56
          -2

          U must be kidding. Virgin domestic lounge is better than Amex lounge and u have to have platinum charge card to enter.
          I am wondering how you are allowed to access virgin lounge

        • watwatwat on 22/02/2017 - 08:01
          +1

          @scratchback:

          Amex lounge has hot meals, help yourself to a drinks fridge, ice-cream, free candy everywhere.

          Virgin only has snacks so you can eat some chips and make yourself a cheese sandwich, then help yourself to a postmix drink in a tiny cup.

          Amex is 10x better than virgin.

        • scratchback on 22/02/2017 - 08:09
          -2

          @watwatwat: Did we go to the same virgin lounge?and u did not reply how u were allowed to access virgin lounge.

        • watwatwat on 22/02/2017 - 09:04

          @scratchback:

          Mate, you're on ozbargain. If you don't know how to get in to the virgin lounge without status you need to lurk more.

        • scratchback on 22/02/2017 - 16:43

          @watwatwat:
          I really don't know coz I have the platinum card.
          But I am intrigued to know if there's a free way for my friends.

      • ChickenTalon on 21/02/2017 - 22:13

        You get nothing flying virgin as a partner gold/plat member. You need status with VA or AirNZ specifically to get into the AirNZ lounge.

        Crazy that VA don't even have their own lounge out of Sydney International.

        • dufflover on 22/02/2017 - 22:59

          Dunno about now but when I flew VA to Bali from Melbourne they also said they don't have an International Lounge, they just piggyback into the AirNZ one, which was decent enough for me (VA Gold at the time)

      • SimbaGirl on 21/02/2017 - 22:14
        +2

        The VA lounge arrangements have changed now - if you're Velocity Gold or Platinum status or flying business class, you can only access the Air NZ lounge if you're on a trans-Tasman flight. If you're flying to the US or Abu Dhabi with VA, you use the Etihad lounge now (wasn't overly impressed with that lounge when VA were using it a couple of years ago when the Air NZ lounge was undergoing a revamp).

    • furythree on 22/02/2017 - 15:41
      +1

      just a bit small though. hard to find seats when its busy

      and only a single bathroom for each gender

      there was a lift but i dunno where it goes

  • shiba on 21/02/2017 - 21:54

    I like the Amex lounge, much better than Qantas club (though I have only been to the domestic one) imo. You get hot food and decent coffee.
    It can be crowded at certain times though. Last time when I was there it was so busy that most of the food trays were empty (for at least half an hour!).

    • ChickenTalon on 21/02/2017 - 22:14
      +2

      Qantas club domestic is nothing like the Qantas International Business lounge (which qantas club has access to). If you can, go there.

      • shiba on 21/02/2017 - 23:08

        Good to know!

      • dufflover on 22/02/2017 - 23:01

        I dunno, the couple of times I've been to Melb Qantas International Lounge it seemed pretty meh to me, but maybe cos I went at times way past dinner and stuff. I've found the domestic ones, while busy, to be "no worse". Then again I have watched them seriously cheapen out on the domestic ones over the last year; cutting this, cutting that … lame.

  • [Deactivated] on 21/02/2017 - 22:04

    Small but nice lounge. If full you're sent to the lounge next door (forgot the name). When I used my WBC Black to get in it included an extra child but not companion adult.

    • ronnknee on 22/02/2017 - 08:18

      Sky Team lounge.

  • hashtagbargain on 21/02/2017 - 22:25
    +1

    Does the platinum edge qualify?

    • forumninja on 21/02/2017 - 22:32
      +2

      No, Platinum Edge will not get you into this lounge.

      • NBAD25 on 22/02/2017 - 10:51

        Learnt that the hard way :(

        • illumination on 22/02/2017 - 11:19

          Not that bad surely. You just tried to ask and they said no. No harm.. unless that caused you to be late and miss your flight!

        • aec on 22/02/2017 - 14:48

          @illumination: dont understand how you could be late and miss your flight if you are rejected the access to one of their lounges?

        • illumination on 22/02/2017 - 14:49

          @aec: i.e. if you invested time to go see whether you could make it to the lounge for a quick snack, without realising that the lounge is on the other side of the terminal and a 15 min walk away!

        • aec on 22/02/2017 - 14:59

          @illumination: in this case, you have same time issue either way.

        • illumination on 22/02/2017 - 15:57

          @aec: Nah I'm comparing to not trying at all and simply going straight to you gate.

        • aec on 22/02/2017 - 16:20

          @illumination: either way, you are running out of time and you still have to go to the boarding gate. or if they say yes, maybe the lounge can open a short cut for you and you dont have to run all the way back to the boarding gate?

        • illumination on 22/02/2017 - 16:40

          @aec: If you're the type to cut it fine, and want to go to the lounge to grab some snacks/water so you're not starved of food/water on Scoot/AirAsia (seeing as they charge for food), then it's a "risk". Either that or it's December 31st and you realise that you have one entry left which will be "wasted" if you don't go, so you decide to go to use it up before the year ends.

          But of course the rational thing to do is check the time and know that you have no time anyway, so there is no point in trying (i.e. doesn't matter whether the card is eligible or not).. so you should just go straight to your gate.. and just pay for food/water.

  • Geoff-bargain on 21/02/2017 - 22:34

    I've been here a few times - it hasnt been that busy so far for me. Has a decent array of food and drinks to fill up on prior to the flight.

  • [Deactivated] on 21/02/2017 - 22:40

    Woo for Amex Explorer

    • The Hobo on 21/02/2017 - 22:55

      Anz amex explorer? Or is this something else

      • illumination on 22/02/2017 - 00:06
        +2

        What's ANZ AMEX Explorer? I think you're thing of ANZ Travel Adventures.

        The AMEX Explorer is just called AMEX Explorer.

        • The Hobo on 22/02/2017 - 12:40

          ah yes my bad

  • [Deactivated] on 21/02/2017 - 22:51
    +6

    How's this a deal, it's always been there and will continue to be. No expiration and will continue this way.

    All top tier AMEX card members or AMEX cardholders have it

    • neonlight on 22/02/2017 - 11:24

      Exactly and I thought CPA AMEX would have it

  • StoinkerDoink on 21/02/2017 - 22:56

    I have an ANZ black. I went to the lounge last year and was impressed. According to the perks I get access to the lounge once a year. Does anyone know if that's once a calendar year or a year since my last visit. I fly OS in a week and it's been less than 12 months since I was last there.

    • ChickenTalon on 21/02/2017 - 23:06
      +1

      2 per calendar year for that card.

      You also get access to all of these lounges free
      http://www.veloceloungesoutlets.com/en/home

      • Innately Incognito on 21/02/2017 - 23:21

        And if it's a QF ANZ Black you should also ask for the 2x Qantas Lounge Passes which you can get annually too!

      • LikeHTC on 21/02/2017 - 23:55

        Hi OP,

        I have a CBA Diamond Awards AMEX card. Would you know if I also qualify for those lounges in that Veloce website?

        Thanks

        • Tiger on 22/02/2017 - 09:27

          Yes, CBA Diamond Amex gets you in.

        • illumination on 22/02/2017 - 10:01

          @Tiger: That wasn't the question. The CBA Diamond gets you into the Sydney Airport AMEX lounge twice a calendar year like most of the other cards mentioned here.

          LikeHTC, Diamond Awards does not get you into Veloce lounges. I am making this assumption based on the fact that it is not advertised anywhere and if it was, it would be widely advertised because it would be a somewhat significant selling point.

          AFAIK in Australia only the ANZ Black (Frequent Flyer & Rewards) cards get you into Veloce Lounges.

        • LikeHTC on 23/02/2017 - 01:02

          @illumination:
          Ok thanks Illumination and thanks Tiger.

          Would have been nice if this Veloce organization compiled a list of all the major cards they would accept. They clearly have a database of what cards they do accept. It isn't like they don't know.

        • illumination on 23/02/2017 - 01:16

          @LikeHTC:

          Well as I mentioned in my previous comment, in terms of Australian cards I'm quite sure it is only the ANZ Black cards.

          I haven't heard of any other card in Australia with access to Veloce lounges.

          Mind you - it's actually not that great anymore because they've cut a lot of lounges out of the program which is a shame.

        • LikeHTC on 23/02/2017 - 02:24
          +1

          @illumination:

          Sure. And thank you for your info.

          But I was thinking along the lines of maybe having a webpage where you can click on a country, and it would show you the cards they would accept, which isn't hard to do.

          If you didn't come to this ozbargain site to answer questions, I would not have known the answer to my question.

          If Veloce is a respectable organization, they shouldn't need someone like you to stay on ozbargain to answer questions :)

        • Peck on 23/02/2017 - 11:06

          @LikeHTC: My impression of Veloce is that they have ongoing disputes/negotiations with lounge providers, and therefore, even if listed, there is no guarantee that you will get that lounge access.

        • Mugiwara on 23/02/2017 - 13:45

          The Veloce lounge is tied to Visa cards as far as I'm aware. The CBA Diamond Awards is a Mastercard, hence it does not qualify for those lounges. You only get the Amex lounge.

        • illumination on 23/02/2017 - 13:51

          @LikeHTC:

          You do have a point.. maintaining a website is probably easier.

          @Mugiwara:

          I don't know if that's true - but AFAIK the CBA Diamond doesn't qualify because it is not included as a benefit.. by what you're saying, it is not possible for a Mastercard to have Veloce lounge access?

        • jellykingdom on 26/03/2017 - 14:57

          @Peck: yeah found that out the hard way. Just tried to get into Veloce lounge at Christchurch airport and not onl do they not know what Veloce is, they won't let me in at all with my ANZ card. Even after showing them all the articles, links, terms and conditions etc. Bit unimpressed

        • Peck on 26/03/2017 - 16:34

          @jellykingdom: that's very disappointing. I just googled 'Veloce Lounges' and it was on there, and then 'ANZ Veloce Lounges' and it wasn't. Veloce so unreliable, that almost not worth having.

  • neilpatrickharris on 21/02/2017 - 22:59

    great lounge, got in with my ANZ rewards black AmEx after I was waiting by the gate for my flight and noticed a poster saying that I had an eligible card.

    • CI on 22/02/2017 - 01:15

      Hi do they just look at the card or do they scan it / swipe it ?

      • illumination on 22/02/2017 - 01:23

        They swipe it

        • POSITIVEVIBESONLY on 22/02/2017 - 07:12

          do they check the name on the card?

        • illumination on 22/02/2017 - 08:46

          @innerserenity: don't know. I think they match it up to the name on the boarding pass

        • CI on 22/02/2017 - 09:31

          I wonder what they swipe it for I am traveling tomorrow but just cancelled my cards yesterday

        • illumination on 22/02/2017 - 09:51

          @CI: Tried swiping a cancelled card before

          AFAIK they don't know whether it's cancelled, but they know that there is no quota remaining on the card

  • browser on 21/02/2017 - 23:06

    Visited the lounge once, great facility.

    Planning to visit again in an upcoming trip, but this time with 2 kids. Question, do children enter free?

    • ChickenTalon on 22/02/2017 - 05:59
      +1

      If they are your kids and aged 2-17 then they can enter free with you.

      • justjack on 14/03/2017 - 21:10

        Are you allowed to bring a guest that's not a kid for free?

        • Peck on 26/03/2017 - 19:36
          +1

          Depends on your card. American Express® Platinum Card you can bring 2 guest at Sydney Airport (Varies depending on the Airport but at least one guest every Amex Lounge. Also with the American Express® Platinum Card you get Priority Pass lounge access for you plus one guest)

  • richmond12 on 21/02/2017 - 23:26

    Few questions, as I need one for my upcoming europe trip in April.

    Which is best CC card to get in? I mean in terms of value needed to spend, annual fee, perks etc

    Can this be used in the lounges overseas?

    • uder on 22/02/2017 - 07:32
      +1

      Consider the Amex Explorer. $395 annual fee but includes $400 travel credit which you can easily spend with Amex Travel. Also get bonus points (only 50k now, has been 100k for a while):

      https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/290168

    • Peck on 23/02/2017 - 11:17

      Yep as Uder said.
      Unless you are going to travel a lot, in which case the 'Amex Issued' Amex Platinum Charge Card 1 + 1 guest most places, 1 + 2 guests Sydney) with free companion Amex Reserve Card. Cost $1200 but $700 travel credit, Unlimited PPass Lounges 1 + 1 guest, free roadside assist, free travel insurance. (110,000 FF Points with referral)
      https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/290165

  • jdiddy on 22/02/2017 - 00:06
    +1

    What about ANZ Amex Travel Adventures?

    • illumination on 22/02/2017 - 00:06
      +2

      Is it in the list? Nope

  • [Deactivated] on 22/02/2017 - 00:17
    +1

    It's an OK lounge, but it's small and the one time I visited, it was very busy. Literally every seat taken.

    I prefer the Virgin lounges (Which the Amex Platinum also gets you access to).

    • ChickenTalon on 22/02/2017 - 05:54
      +1

      There are no Virgin lounges in Sydney International Airport

    • nuchalis on 22/02/2017 - 07:24

      Amex Platinum also gets you access to

      My Westpac Amex "Altitude" Platinum doesn't seem to get me access to anything :(

      • Peck on 23/02/2017 - 11:08
        +2

        They were referring to the 'Amex Issued' Amex Platinum Charge Card.

  • donotuse on 22/02/2017 - 01:32

    No Showers

    Bummer

  • Samsungnote10 on 22/02/2017 - 02:14

    Why Oh why is it only Sydney!!??

    Surely melbourne. Brisbane also deserve one!

    • donotuse on 22/02/2017 - 21:51

      Maybe Amex is not as widely used in Mel and Bne?

  • whoopdeedoo on 22/02/2017 - 02:33
    -2

    I currently have a westpac altitude card. Do i need to sign up to anything, or is it just a matter of presenting the card at the airport?

    • ChickenTalon on 22/02/2017 - 06:03
      +2

      That card won't get you in. It needs to be the altitude black card.

      If you have the black there is no need to signup. Just bring the card

    • furythree on 22/02/2017 - 15:44

      just give the guy at the counter the AMEX black card

      standard altitude doesnt work, has to be altitude black specifically and the amex card

  • Flyinghigh on 22/02/2017 - 07:00

    Can anyone tell me if the entry is ONLY for the credit holder? Or can I bring in any other accompanying traveller?

    • Hansi on 22/02/2017 - 07:55

      I asked last time and the lady at the reception said you can bring someone which would use both of my 2 free accesses for that calendar year.

    • talismansa on 22/02/2017 - 08:53

      Depends on your card.
      I have the platinum and it allows you to bring 1 guest. And access is unlimited.

    • Mugiwara on 22/02/2017 - 10:55

      If you have one of the cards with only 2 entries per year, then you use up both entries if you bring a friend. They will tell you when you enter that you have used up your yearly entries by going in with you companion.

  • neonlight on 22/02/2017 - 07:52

    When does this expire? I'm travelling in April.

    Want to know if CPA AMEX qualifies

    • [Deactivated] on 22/02/2017 - 08:09
      +3

      Nope

      That card barely qualifies as a real amex

      • neonlight on 22/02/2017 - 10:38

        ok thanks ah wells. Its not really deal then its always complimentary for all those other AMEX

    • ChickenTalon on 22/02/2017 - 08:16

      No expiry.

      Is that card in the list above? If not then no, it doesn't qualify.

  • noskich on 22/02/2017 - 09:22
    +2

    As previously mentioned, this is a pretty small lounge, without showers, without areas to stretch and have a nap.
    It is only good for snacks, drinks and surfing the net/charging your devices.
    It does have a nice view to the tarmac and the city in the background.
    However, the worst thing is when there are noisy kids around. As this lounge consists only of a single decent (but not large) sized room, you can hear the kids screaming from whenever you sit.
    Alright to use for free, but definitely not worth the standard price of $55. So if you got company and only one entry better don't bother paying for your guest and don't use the place. Only good for 100% free.

    • illumination on 22/02/2017 - 09:54

      Agree that it's not worth paying for, but not for the reasons you stated.

      I think it depends on your requirements. Maybe I'm not at that stage yet where I care too much about loud kids and not having a shower. I am just happy with the fact that I get free food.

      If I had a complaint, my only complaint would be that the glass windows facing the tarmac get really hot during the day - it's somewhat uncomfortable sitting facing the tarmac trying to get a view because it's so hot when the sun's out.

      • noskich on 22/02/2017 - 10:15

        Lounge is supposed to be the best value when you are waiting for a long time for a connecting flight. Rather than going to the city, a hotel and back just sleep in the lounge. However this is not possible here as there is no sleeping area and the lounge closes with the last flights.
        I actually wanted to use my lounge 'vouchers' in Singapore, but not possible unfortunately with Westpac Altitude Black. :(

        • illumination on 22/02/2017 - 10:25

          Agree - that would be the ideal time to use it.

          Personally I simply use it before my standard regular flights though (I live in Sydney), so I simply see it as a way to get free food before my flight.

          The Westpac Altitude Black gives you the option of choosing PriorityPass membership, and I believe if you choose that, you get 2 entries that you can use in any PriorityPass lounge (including Singapore).

        • noskich on 22/02/2017 - 10:42

          @illumination:

          Yes, the only issue with it is that you have to use those entries for yourself only and thus pay for guest 27USD. Plus even though all lounges in Singapore are 24/7 they are limited to maximum of 3 hours stay which does not make sense. I don't think it is worth it paying 27USD for 3 hours.

    • l2argain on 22/02/2017 - 13:47

      If you want showers you go down in the lift to the floor below. I'm not sure what this lounge is for but it's HUGE and it has showers your allowed to use.

      • noskich on 22/02/2017 - 15:04

        Sucks to limit lounge to 3 hours. Then again if I really had plenty of time on my hands without the limit I would want to hang around the 24/7 lounge with showers/sleep area/food and drinks/good Wi-FI 4EVA!!! :) Might as well take 1-2 weeks off and spend them at the lounge.

  • dpoon73 on 22/02/2017 - 09:54

    Having access to the lounge is one thing.. I did not know I can use the express lane for security. That is big time saver. Anyone try it?

    • illumination on 22/02/2017 - 10:24

      Only on the Platinum Charge I think.

      Haven't tried it personally but have hard positive things about it.

  • itbargainhunter on 22/02/2017 - 10:34
    +1

    My experience was mix.

    Good

    • Free beverage including alcoholic drinks
    • Free Wifi

    Bad

    • Too crowd. Expect traffic of a very busy cafe most of the time.
    • Too many kids (as they have free entry)
    • Understaff. Table are not cleared and cleaned quick enough.
    • Limited choice of food

    Not quite a place to relax but it is still free.

  • Randxyz123 on 22/02/2017 - 10:39

    Decent lounge.

    Not as good range of food as QF but reasonable. The real issue is that it's small and you only get 2 entries / year. If there's no where to sit the staff should turn people away. I'd prefer to sit at the gate than waste a entry and have nowhere to put my stuff and sit.

    Other than that worth it.

  • Peck on 22/02/2017 - 10:53

    Thanks OP for putting it all together.
    I have American Express® Platinum Card which gives 3 (me plus 2 guests) unlimited visits. Plus I have 2 other cards that allow 1 + 1.
    Does anyone have creative ideas how I can use the extra cards/access? EG use 2 cards together for extra guests??

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