Qantas proposes ‘pay as you go’ subscription model for airport lounge

Qantas could loosen access to its airport lounge with a cheaper subscription model, but some frequent flyers have lashed the changes.

Embattled airline Qantas has lowered the price point for its airport lounges. Picture: Supplied

Qantas passengers would gain access to its airport lounge under a new “pay as you go” subscription model being proposed by the embattled airline.

The revelations were contained in a survey that asked people to preference the name of the product.

The model, aimed at providing greater flexibility to members, would give people access to Qantas Club lounges in Australia as well as its international business lounge for 28 days.

Travellers would have their subscription auto-renewed or be able to cancel any time.

Members would not be able to bring in guests, access selected partner and associated lounges globally, get additional baggage allowances, or last minute upgrades.

The “pay as you go” will offer 28-day access to Qantas Club lounges. Photo: Supplied

Some frequent flyers say the lounges are already full. Picture: Supplied

But frequent flyers have lashed the proposal saying the lounges are already full.

Individual Qantas Club memberships cost $600 for one year, $1100 for two years, or $2000 for four years on top of a $99 joining fee.

The new subscription model is reported to provide a low cost option for customers following months of criticism about its customer service.

A Qantas spokesman said it was always looking to improve its customer experience.

“We often conduct surveys with our customers asking for their feedback on a range of ideas and topics, some of which we go on to develop and others we don’t,” he said.

Members would not have access to the exclusive Qantas Chairman’s Lounge, which is limited to VIP flyers such as senior politicians and top corporates.

They are not charged for access, however, their membership is at the airline’s discretion.

Former Qantas CEO Alan Joyce last year made headlines for giving Anthony Albanese’s son Nathan a coveted membership.