Escape Lounges is coming to Australia

While Brisbane Airport’s Plaza Premium Lounge will shut its doors on May 31, the space will be reborn as the first Australian outpost of UK-based Escape Lounges.

Although the company has not officially announced its down-under debut, and has not responded to a request for comment, Executive Traveller can exclusively reveal that Escape Lounges is headed to the Queensland capital.

The Brisbane lounge is slated to open in the back half of this year, after the space – perched on the terminal’s mezzanine, alongside the Air New Zealand lounge – is given a make-over to Escape Lounges’ relaxed and at times playful contemporary look.

The Escape Lounges look is relaxed and at times playful.

The Escape Lounges website describes its approach as “airport lounges with a difference... more than just a space away from the terminal, each lounge is carefully designed to be a tasteful representation of the local area.”

“From small features that nod to local heritage, and hand-selected artwork by up-and-coming artists, all the way to our seasonal menus, freshly prepared on-site using local influences and suppliers, we strive to deliver a true lounge experience with a difference.”

“Our hot and cold dishes are freshly prepared by our in-house chefs using the finest regional ingredients to bring you a taste of the local cuisine. Whether you want a hearty breakfast or a light bite for lunch, our extensive menu is packed with complimentary treats for you to enjoy. Gluten free and vegan options are also available.”

Parent company Cavu enjoys an existing relationship with Brisbane Airport through the use of Cavu’s pre-booking platform for the airport’s car parks, and promotional artwork sighted on the Escape Lounges website show a mockup boarding pass stub for a flight from the firm’s base in Manchester (MAN) to Brisbane (BNE).

Brisbane Airport has previously confirmed to Executive Traveller that the Plaza Premium Lounge would be taken over by another operator, with spokesperson Peter Doherty saying “with its prime location and view of the tarmac, we’re confident that it will remain a cherished spot for travellers once it returns.”

“There is substantial interest from lounge operators to be in Brisbane and we look forward to what they’ll bring to the International Terminal as we head back towards 100% of pre-Covid passenger levels,” Doherty tells Executive Traveller.

The Escape Lounges look is relaxed and at times playful.

Brisbane will be the 22nd pre-flight haven in the Escape Lounges network, which spans the UK and the USA.

As an independent or ‘common-use’ lounge, Escape Lounges can also be used by passengers on any airline on a pay-in basis.

Entry fees for Escape Lounges in the UK typically range from £40 to £55 for one adult when booked in advance online, and around £5 high on a walk-up basis at the airport; its US lounges also hover around the US$40 mark online or US$45 paid at the door.

Some Escape Lounges also provide complimentary access to American Express Platinum cardholders and Priority Pass members.

It’s also likely that some airlines which lack their own lounge at Brisbane International – such as  Fiji Airways, Korean Air and Vietjet – may provide their business class passengers and top-tier frequent flyers with a lounge pass.

As previously reported, Brisbane International’s other independent lounge – the Aspire Lounge, next to Gate 77 – is also closing down on May 31, although airport spokesman Doherty assures Executive Traveller “we’ve had strong interest from operators eager to take over both sites.” 

Alternatively, the recently-reopened Emirates lounge also welcomes paid entry, though it is considerably more expensive at USD$155 (~AUD$237) for non-Skywards members and USD$125 (~AUD$191) for Skywards members.