Qantas set to hike prices for lounge access for flyers

Qantas customers have been warned of a significant price increase as the airline makes a change not seen in seven years.

Qantas customers have been warned they will be slapped with a 17 per cent price hike to access the airline’s domestic club lounges from next month.

In a bold move the airline has not made in seven years, passengers who have paid for a Qantas Club membership will be faced with the significant renewal price jump from April 18. The increase will coincide with the carrier’s $100 million worth of lounge renovations set to take place over the next year, as well as increased costs the airline has experienced from a range of suppliers.

Qantas Club members will face a price hike from next month. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Damian Shaw

For members, the price break down will see annual fees for new members jump from $699 to $828, including the $129 joining fee, while current members looking to renew will rise from $540 to $629.

The airline says the significant hike shouldn’t come as a surprise to members, given the multimillion-dollar renovation plan set to roll out across its 24 domestic lounges.

“This is the first time the Qantas Club membership fees have increased in seven years and will help cover cost increases passed on from a range of suppliers over that time. This follows a reduction in the membership fees for several years during the pandemic,” a spokesperson said in a statement to news.com.au.

They added that the change will have no impact to Qantas Frequent Flyers members who will continue to receive complimentary access to the Club through Points Club Plus or their Gold, Platinum or Platinum One status.

Qantas Club members will be slugged with a 17 per cent increase from April 18. Picture: William West / AFP

Members can avoid the increase however, if they renew before the new price hike date of April 18. So if your membership, for example, ends on May 20 — a renewal prior to mid April will allow you to save with the current membership prices.

How do you get into the lounge at the moment?

Currently, eligibility and access to the airline’s lounges is based on the class of travel of your flight, your Frequent Flyer Membership tier, or your Qantas Club membership status.

There are six types of lounges. The Qantas Club is at the ground level of Qantas lounges. Qantas Club members and Gold, Platinum and Platinum One frequent flyer members can enter the lounge. The lounge offers snacks, tea and coffee making facilities, showers, free Wi-Fi, newspapers and magazines, and a family zone.

Qantas will ask for more money from members after April 18. Picture: Supplied

Not all Qantas Club lounges will offer the full range of amenities. Capital cities tend to have barista coffee for example while smaller lounges might not have showers.

Then there are the Qantas Domestic Business Lounges to which Platinum and Platinum One Qantas Frequent Flyers have access before they board a Qantas flight. You can also access the lounge if you are travelling in business class.

The cost for lounge membership will increase by about $100. Picture: Supplied

On the international front, there’s the Qantas International Business Lounge, then Premium International Lounges such as in Singapore, International First Lounge and at the very top, the Chairman’s Lounge which is exclusive and by invitation only.

The higher on the list, the swankier the lounge and its amenities. Some credit cards offer complimentary lounge access, but this is usually in the form of a couple of passes per year.