Qantas is tightening the belt on lounge access to combat overcrowding and preserve the ‘premium’ experience that once was synonymous with airport lounges.
From 1 July, lounge access won’t be available for international Jetstar flights unless you’re on a Qantas codeshare flight that’s operated by Jetstar or you are a Platinum One Qantas Frequent Flyer.
What's changed?
Until now, Qantas Club, Gold, and Platinum members could escape the terminal bustle before a Jetstar international flight. You could also use complimentary lounge invites or transfer them to friends and family.
Under the new rules:
- International Jetstar flights: You lose lounge access unless you are a top-tier Platinum One member.
- Codeshare only: You can still get in if you’re on a Qantas codeshare flight (this is when you book through Qantas, but a Jetstar plane does the flying).
- No more ‘remote’ invites: Complimentary passes can now only be transferred to someone flying on the same plane as you.
What's the good news? Domestic flyers should not be affected.
How can you get access to the Qantas lounges?
Although Qantas is making their lounge access more exclusive, there are still ways to access the lounge.
- Domestic Jetstar flights: Customers flying domestic with Jetstar, holding a Qantas Frequent Flyer membership should still be able to access the lounges as normal.
- Qantas codeshare flights: Frequent Flyer members can book a domestic flight operated by Jetstar but labelled under a Qantas flight number.
- Purchase single-visit lounge passes: Frequent Flyer members can use their points or money to purchase lounge passes for eligible flights.
Is a Qantas Frequent Flyer membership worth it?
Qantas has been shaking up it's Frequent Flyer perks recently, meaning the worth of a membership is changing too. If you mainly fly Jetstar to save money, the value of a paid Qantas Club membership just took a dive. Before you renew, calculate whether the annual fee is worth it now that one of the biggest perks has been clipped.
