Access to the invitation-only private lounges of Australia’s two major airlines is so rarefied that the disgraced former boyfriend of Australia’s ex-prime minister has as much chance of blending in as the 23-year-old son of the current one.

In Qantas’ Chairman’s Lounge you might bump into elected parliamentarians, captains of industry, Hollywood celebrities and junior Commonwealth Bank staffer Nathan Albanese. And in Virgin’s equivalent Beyond, you’ll find much of the same, along with hairdresser and men’s health advocate Tim Mathieson. He was spotted strolling into Melbourne’s most exclusive Virgin lounge on Saturday morning.