Rex Airlines Melbourne Lounge
The small, cute, and decidedly bijou Rex Airlines Melbourne Lounge shows what can be accomplished in a small space by a tiny regional airline, which is now much larger thanks to having direct 737 jet flights to Sydney and Adelaide.However, with access now permitted to Priority Pass members, along with much larger regular jet flights, it's quite clear the number of customers has outgrown the lounge itself.
Melbourne Rex Airlines lounge review
Finding the main Rex Airlines Melbourne Lounge is one of the first challenges with this lounge, that is rather off the beaten track. It is located in Terminal 4, but so hidden away, in the main part of the terminal there isn't even a sign directing you to the lounge. You see the first hints of the lounge with the Rex poster when you head down the stairs at the left end of the terminal. And then keep on going, past the service desk, but stop off here en-route, as you'll need to show your boarding card to get into the lounge.
Lounge seating is pretty basic, and at times rather overrun with people too. There are comfortable armchairs, and a small area around a low coffee table at one end facing the TV.
Along one side there is a shelf where you can actually, just, see out of the lounge. This is a major problem of the Rex Airlines Melbourne Lounge which only has small high windows, due in part to it's underground location.
There is another small shelf, with two computers, and a large circular table with flowers.
The dining and bar area is right at the other end of the lounge.
Food
One of the main problems with the lounge is the rather basic food.In normal times, there are some sandwiches and wraps in the fridge, but they tend to go quickly by mid afternoon.
There are also packets of crisps, muffins, and at breakfast time a toaster and cereal.
Yoghurt and packets of cheese are also in the fridge, and on the worktop, packets of biscuits.
That's pretty much it.
Bar
Alcoholic drinks are only available from 3pm weekdays, which is rather a shame as it misses the main Sydney flight at lunchtime.Rex Airlines appears to have signed an agreement with the Hollick vineyard, for it has all three types of red on offer from the vineyard, along with both of the whites. They are quite drinkable, but some variety would be good.
Beer is in bottles in the fridge, with Furfy, and Boags.
There are plenty of juices, and indeed cans of soft drink.
Business Facilities
There is one small conference room at the end of the lounge, which you can phone up to book: it has seven large squashy leather office chairs.Free wifi is in the lounge, and it's pretty fast, certainly compared to the 3G signal down in the basement.
If you are one of the few people now who doesn't bring a computer, there are two rather old PCs on a shelf.
Plus, at the end of the room, there is a large TV Screen; sometimes in the evening, with sport on, the sound can be quite loud.
Bathrooms
Outside the lounge.Access
There is no front access- instead, the small desk beside the lounge will buzz you in when they see your boarding pass.Free for Rex Airlines Business Class.
Priority Pass.
A daypass for casual Lounge access is available to Rex passengers with a valid boarding pass for a fee of $33 for 2 hours access.
Alternatively you can buy a full year's membership. Rex Lounge annual membership costs $329.
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Melbourne Airport Guide
| Rex Airlines Melbourne Lounge | ||
|---|---|---|
| Rating |
Video walkthrough and Image gallery by Loungeindex.com
| |
| Pros | Lovely small quiet lounge. Good wine and beer selection. |
|
| Cons | Tiny. The bar only opens at 3pm. |
|
| Location | Terminal 4, Domestic, left after security, down the stairs, at the far end of the hall, near gate 30 | |
| Terminal: | 4 | |
| Opening hours | 0600-1930 | |
| Cost | Priority Pass | |
| Phone: | 0393308002 | |
| Access | Free for Rex Airlines Business Class. Priority Pass. Daypass $33. | |