Qantas Singapore lounges reshuffle again, plus 2,000 Flybuys points and WSI opens

A big week for Australian aviation: a brand new airport opened its doors, and Qantas is still fiddling with its Singapore lounge timetable. Grab a coffee, because there is plenty to unpack before the weekend is out.

Just weeks after the last tweak, Qantas has reshuffled its Singapore lounge hours once more. The First Lounge now opens earlier, while the Business Lounge stays open until 1am.

There's a catch for early risers, though. Just over four months after introducing a daily morning opening, the Qantas Business Lounge at Changi has cut back to only three mornings a week.

If you're connecting through Changi, check the current hours before you plan your layover. Qantas keeps adjusting the schedule, so last month's advice may already be out of date.

After decades of waiting, Western Sydney Airport has opened for business. Flight Hacks flew the first commercial arrival from the Gold Coast (OOL) and toured the new terminal.

Australian Frequent Flyer also flew out on opening day, giving a first look at the experience from the departing side of the new terminal.

A second Sydney airport is a genuine change for flyers in the city's west. It's worth reading both first-hand reports to see what the terminal is actually like before you book.

Plaza Premium is opening two new domestic lounges, one in Sydney and one in Cairns. That's good news for travellers without airline lounge access who want somewhere calmer to wait.

Pay-per-visit and membership lounges keep growing in Australia, giving more flyers an alternative to the big airline clubs. Check the source for details on access before you plan around them.

Simple Flying looks at why the Airbus A321XLR is working wonderfully for some airlines but not others. JetBlue and Wizz Air are parking theirs, while Iberia and Qantas are keeping the type.

For Qantas flyers, it's reassuring that the airline is sticking with the jet. The piece explains what's behind the contrasting experiences across operators.

Flight Hacks has published a full review of the Qantas First Lounge at Melbourne (MEL), calling it top notch. Highlights include a day spa, a restaurant and a timeless design.

If you're eyeing a First Class ticket or status that unlocks the lounge, this review is a handy preview of what to expect.

• 🎁 Flybuys: Coles is offering a fixed 2,000 bonus points on Google Play, TCN Restaurant and Good Food gift cards, per Point Hacks: https://www.pointhacks.com.au/weekly-gift-card-offers/

• 💺 Virgin Australia Boeing 737 Business Class review: great in the air, but finding its feet on the ground, says Flight Hacks: https://flighthacks.com.au/virgin-australia-b737-business/

• 👨‍👩‍👧 Flying Qantas with children: a guide covering the essentials parents need to know: https://www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au/a-guide-to-flying-qantas-with-children/

• 🎓 Airline student discounts: how to find them on airlines flying to Australia: https://www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au/airline-student-discounts/

That's your lot for this week. Enjoy the long weekend wherever you land, and see you next Sunday!

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