Sydney’s The House airport lounge gets bigger, better
The former den of Etihad Airways is gearing up for a refresh and expanded footprint.
By Chris Ashton, May 9 2024
Executive Traveller exclusive
Travellers jetting out of Sydney already enjoy some solid airline lounge options from the likes of Emirates and Singapore Airlines, and of course Qantas – and now The House is taking a confident step up-market.
Many Executive Traveller readers will remember this space by Gate 51 as the former home of Etihad Airways.
Although now under the umbrella of Swissport (known for its familiar Aspire brand) and part of the company’s Executive Lounge portfolio, The House remains the go-to for eligible passengers on Etihad Airways, while also welcoming frequent flyers on British Airways, Cathay Pacific and more, plus Priority Pass cardholders and others on a pay-per-use basis.
And while The House is arguably Sydney Airport’s best independent lounge, an imminent refresh is about to make it even better.
Swissport tells Executive Traveller the lounge is about to get larger, with an expansion into adjacent airport space to boost its capacity.
At the same time, The House will get a fresh look – the first make-over since it was opened by former Etihad Airways CEO James Hogan a decade ago in May 2014, with “a contemporary design inspired by Etihad Airways’ flagship lounges in Abu Dhabi”.
(Of course, Etihad has since then cut the ribbon on stunning new first and business lounges at Abu Dhabi’s midfield Terminal A.)
Barring minor enhancements, interiors are the same as in the Etihad days.
The House currently features a residential-like design with timber shelves lined with books, and a palette of mint green, chocolate brown and cream, accented by glass pendants and vibrant orange barstools.
More details on the refresh are expected to be revealed soon.
Bartender service, buffet dining and the à la carte menu (a $20 upgrade for paying guests, but included for select airlines) will all remain, with a spokesperson for Swissport noting it expects minimal to no impact for passengers through the process.
Pop by the buffet or enjoya three-course à la carte menu.
To reach the lounge, pass through SYD X premium retail hub after security and immigration and make your way towards gates 50 and above, where the entrance to The House is subtly located on the left shortly after you step off the moving walkways.
Walk-in access is available for $82.50 for adults and $51.33 for children, for up to three hours, or $75 if booked online at least 24 hours in advance.
Priority Pass and Dragon Pass members are also welcomed, though a $20 co-payment is required to unlock shower facilities and the à la carte menu.
24 Jun 2020
Total posts 48
I used this lounge last month and the food was very average but the bartender was really nice and personable and someone you could have a chat with. So well done in hiring some good staff though the food needs an refresh too.
Aegean Airlines - Miles & Bonus
16 Jul 2019
Total posts 26
British Airways and Cathay send their eligible passengers here but even the check-in staff told me that QF F was a much better option for OW Emeralds. This lounge is tired but so is QF Business, so hopefully some investment here will make it an attractive place to visit rather than a more tolerable alternative to Qantas.
And yes, the food here is quite average but the bar is nice and I like the close up plane views.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
24 Jan 2018
Total posts 716
Those charges of $82.50 and $51.33 (less if booked online), may in isolation seem high, but if F&B is bought ad hoc from various store vendors at the airport, you'll be spending at least half that amount anyway (particularly if kids are in tow).
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