Review: Rex Airlines Lounge Sydney Terminal 2

Introduction

Competition is heating up in Australia’s frequent flyer scene, with Qantas, Virgin Australia and now Rex Airlines (Regional Express) all vying for the attention of travellers.

While it’s early days for the country-born challenger, the foundations are in place – and there’s ample room to grow.

In addition to its new RexFlyer program, which will soon see benefits come online, is a small network of three lounges in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide, with another pencilled in for Brisbane.

Location & Impressions

Sydney Terminal 2 is home to the largest of the Rex lounges – tucked away alongside Gate G2, just past the food court on the way towards gates 49 and above. 

Keep an eye out for the Rex/Regional Express branding.

It’s convenient for regional flights on Rex’s Saab network, which are accessed via shuttles departing directly downstairs, though a bit of a walk from gates used by its Boeing 737s.

Given the relatively low volume of passengers using the space (this will increase once benefits for Rex Flyer Diamond status holders kick in) the Sydney Rex Lounge is often very quiet.

Don't be surprised if you're the only guest inside.

On this visit it’s practically empty, with only a few fellow passengers taking advantage of its cafe-style seating, business zone and self-serve dining. It’s a stark contrast to the oft-heaving Virgin Australia lounge nearby.

Seating is spaced for social distancing.

The lounge itself is embodiment of Rex’s brand colours: deep blue armchairs spaced around white-topped coffee tables, a vibrant orange feature wall hiding the kitchenette.

A wall of external windows bathes the space in light, while another lengthy span of glass looks into the corridor just outside. Thankfully, a one-way window decal means passersby can’t easily see in (I checked).

Seats alongside the exterior window are our pick of the bunch.

There’s quite a bit of empty space, but seating is sufficient for the current number of guests. However, it will be interesting to see how it copes with additional frequent flyers.

Access

Sydney Rex Lounge welcomes a concise guest list including business class passengers, Rex annual lounge members ($329 per year) and Priority Pass card holders, in addition to Diamond status holders in the Rex Flyer program, for up to two hours before a flight. 

Casual entry can be purchased for $33, with travellers on a Flex or Rex Flyer Anytime Reward fares entitled to a 50% discount.

Access is gained by presenting your boarding pass to staff at reception. There is no self; staff members manually enter a pin code to open the sliding door.

Dining

Given the lounge only welcomes a small number of visitors each day, dining is more long-life than buffet, but there’s plenty to go around including cheese and crackers, yoghurt with granola, plus a snackable mix of treats like banana bread and caramel slice.

A small but well stocked kitchenette.

An automated coffee machine, kettle with selection of teas, and two fridges housing an array of drinks round out the offering. One houses soft drinks and juices plus sandwiches ready for toasting on the sandwich press, while the other is reserved for alcoholic beverages – this is unlocked at 3pm.

Sandwiches and wraps can be toasted on the sandwich press.

On the drinks list are several beers, including Corona, Great Northern and Carlton Draught, plus a small selection of wines: a Tempus Two prosecco, Bimbadgen chardonnay and fiano from Bremerton.

Signage reminding you to not take food out of the lounge is a little excessive.

If you’re after a more substantial meal, I’d recommend grabbing a bite from the food court.

Work

Two upright workstations with six seats a piece each feature a multi-port AC power outlet in the centre. USB outlets can be found at an additional bank of upright desks lining the wall.

A window decal means passersby can't see inside.

Passengers travelling sans laptop, or perhaps requiring a last-minute print job, can make use of the small business zone fitted with three PCs and a printer. 

PCs provided for your convenience.

WiFi is beamed throughout at 11.96 Mbps. Given the limited number of passengers utilising the service, this is more than enough speed for the job.

Verdict

As part of its RexFlyer launch, Rex Airlines revealed new airport lounges were “planned for Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, with construction commencing imminently.” No further details have been provided.

Until the new lounge/refurb comes to pass, adequate is probably the best way to describe the current Rex Sydney Lounge. It provides a calm space to await your flight, with some appreciated food and drink options, but there’s not much else to hold your attention.

The writer visited as a guest of Rex Airlines.