Both lounges provide premium experiences, but the Qantas First Lounge emphasizes luxury and personalized service, while the United Polaris Lounge focuses on providing a comfortable and productive environment for international business travelers. The best choice depends on individual priorities and access eligibility.
Attribute | Qantas First Lounge (Sydney) | United Polaris Lounge |
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Lounge access eligibility | First Class passengers on Qantas, Emirates, and Oneworld partner airlines. Qantas Platinum and Platinum One members, Emirates Skywards Platinum members, Oneworld Emerald members departing on a Oneworld flight. Complimentary lounge passes are sometimes available with specific credit cards or to Qantas Platinum One members. Access is granted when flying Emirates First Class and booked on a QF or EK flight number. Access may be possible by redeeming a large number of points to fly in First Class with eligible airlines. | Passengers traveling in United Polaris business class on long-haul international flights; also accessible to passengers flying in business or first class on a Star Alliance partner airline for long-haul international flights, but only at the departure airport; access is granted with a same-day boarding pass for departing or arriving flights within 24 hours; no access via credit cards, lounge memberships, or elite status alone. |
Seating comfort and availability | Variety of seating options, including comfortable lounge chairs with runway views. Distinct zones created by wooden dividing panels, offering both open and private spaces. A library area provides a quiet space to relax. Can get crowded, making it difficult to find seating at peak times. | Variety of seating options, including plush armchairs, quiet areas, and productivity pods; some locations have "signature seats" with wide leather chairs and partitions for privacy; seating includes options for solo travelers and groups; many seats have a spot to place a laptop and a nearby outlet. |
Shower facilities and amenities | Shower suites are available without pre-booking. The suites are lined with white marble and kept very clean. Amenities include Aspar products, shower caps, combs, toothpaste/toothbrushes, shaving kits, and cotton towels. | Shower suites are available with amenities like Saks Fifth Avenue towels and slippers; amenities often include a shaving kit, hair net, toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, and body wash; some showers have both standard and waterfall showerheads. |
Wi-Fi speed and reliability | Wi-Fi is available throughout the lounge. Internet speeds are generally very fast, with downloads and uploads exceeding 100 Mbps. | Wi-Fi is available throughout the lounge; many reviews report fast and reliable Wi-Fi. |
Staff service quality and attentiveness | Staff are generally considered friendly, attentive, and professional. Many reviewers highlight the excellent service provided by the lounge staff. | Many reviews mention friendly, proactive, and professional staff; some reviewers have noted exceptional service. |
Cleanliness and maintenance | The lounge is generally clean, with staff continuously clearing sections. Bathrooms are spacious and clean. Some reviewers have noted that the lounge is showing signs of age. | Generally reported as clean and well-maintained, including seating areas, restrooms, and dining spaces. |
Noise levels and ambiance | The lounge offers a mix of environments, with quieter areas like the library and more lively areas like the dining space. The design incorporates natural light and views of the tarmac. The lounge has a relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere. | Designed to offer a relaxing environment; some lounges have quiet rooms or relaxation areas with daybeds and white noise machines; noise levels can vary depending on the time of day, with some lounges becoming crowded in the evenings. |
Business facilities (e.g., printers, meeting rooms) | A small business area is available for working or printing. Meeting rooms are available and can be booked. Each meeting room contains a desk with seating, armchairs, a printer, and a television screen. Some reviewers note a lack of power points. | Some lounges offer private phone booths or office suites; printers may be available. |
Spa services availability and cost | Spa services are offered by LaGaia Unedited. Treatments are complimentary and typically last 20 minutes. It's recommended to book treatments in advance. | Spa services may not be available at all locations. |
Proximity to departure gates | Located after security in Terminal 1. It is located near gates 8-10. The lounge is a 6-7 minute walk to gate 61. | Locations vary by airport, but they are generally located within the terminal, near departure gates; The Newark lounge is in Terminal C, near the entrance to pier C3; The Chicago lounge is located within concourse C (near gate C18); The Houston lounge is located in terminal E, between the United Club and gate E12; The LAX lounge is located in Terminal 7, between gates 73 and 75A; The Dulles lounge is located in Concourse C by gate C17. |
Operating hours | Open from 5:00 am until the last Qantas international departure of the day. | Vary by location, generally from morning to late evening; Chicago: 7 AM to 9 PM; Houston: 5:30 AM to 9 PM; Los Angeles: 6:30 AM to 10:30 PM; Newark: 5 AM to 10 PM; San Francisco: 6:30 AM to 11 PM or midnight; Washington Dulles: 6 AM to 10 PM. |
Price | Not available | Not available |
Ratings | Not available | Not available |