Brisbane’s pay-per-entry My Lounge reopens as Aspire

International flyers bound from Brisbane will find a second independent lounge waiting for them airside this week, with the terminal’s long-shuttered ‘My Lounge’ finally open for business and pleasure. And it has a new name too: Aspire Lounge.

Of course, the rebrand makes sense, given the former Virgin Australia lounge – previously operated by UK-based No1 Lounges – is now owned by Swissport. However, unlike its ‘The House’ branded siblings in Sydney and Melbourne, this is taking on the Aspire moniker.

Aside from that, little has changed within the space. It’s still bathed in natural light, with a decidedly casual atmosphere and open play layout which, at first glance, could be mistaken for a duty-free boutique or newsstand, rather than a lounge.

Aspire at Brisbane Airport's international terminal.

Entry is available to book via the Swissport Executive Lounges site for £29.91 per adult (AUD$54) or £19 per child (AUD$35). You can use the lounge three hours prior to your flight time. 

When it opened in 2019 the My Lounge concept was positioned as a ‘social space’, slotting in under the ‘jetset lounging’ vibe of The House, having been “specifically designed in the style of a loft apartment” as a “relaxed contemporary environment.”

Virgin Australia confirms to Executive Traveller it has no current plans to operate lounges at international terminals. That means business class passengers, Velocity Platinum and Gold frequent flyers will have to make do elsewhere for the time being. 

However, members travelling on flights operated by its international partners may have access to one of its partner lounges instead. 

Aspire Lounge at Brisbane Airport's international terminal.

In terms of facilities, Aspire ticks the majority of boxes travellers might need, such as a self-pour bar and barista-pulled coffee, plus a buffet of hot dishes and cold grazing items.

The current seven days, 4:30am to 12pm opening hours sees a mostly breakfast-centric spread plated up at present. 

There’s also a small games room for those travelling with children, in addition to standard amenities including lounges and TVs, plus showers (accessible for a charge) and a small working area.

Aspire Lounge at Brisbane Airport's international terminal.

On the bar menu is a range of complimentary craft beers and wines, as well as a basic cocktail station. Executive Traveller understands premium spirits and made-to-order cocktails will soon be added to the mix, for a fee.

Teas, soft drinks and juices are also available.

Aspire at Brisbane Airport's international terminal.

Located by Gate 77, Brisbane Aspire Lounge joins the pay-per-use Plaza Premium Lounge, as well as the Star Alliance lounges from Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines, and multi-level Qantas Business Lounge near Gate 80.

Swissport’s most recent entries into the Australian loungescape include domestic and international lounges at Perth Airport.