Summary
- Qantas will be increasing lounge network membership fees, but current rates are available until April 18th.
- Members can lock in current rates for up to four years before fee increases take effect.
- The fee bump will support lounge overhaul and rising operational costs; overall membership costs have not increased in seven years.
Australian carrier Qantas has announced it will be raising the membership fees for its lounge network, but customers can still join at the present rate until April 18th. The fee increases will be used to support a lounge overhaul program and offset the rising cost of operations.
A bump in fees
The Qantas Club provides frequent flyers with access to 24 domestic lounges in Australia and over 600 lounges internationally across its partner network. The new fees are the first time the total membership cost has been raised in seven years. A 2021 update increased the annual fee but reduced the joining fee, and the airline reduced the price for several years during the pandemic.
The new rates apply from April 18th and vary slightly based on location. Notably, members can join and renew their memberships regardless of their expiry date ahead of the increase, allowing them to lock in the current rate for up to four years. The changes will also not impact Qantas Frequent Flyers, who will continue to enjoy complimentary access to Qantas Club through Points Club Plus or their Gold, Platinum, or Platinum One status. Speaking to Simple Flying, a spokesperson for the airline confirmed the reasons behind the changes:
“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.”
The joining fee has been bumped from $99 to $129 AUD ($85 USD) or 21,500 points, up from 16,000. The annual membership fees have also been simplified, with the separate price tier for residents of other countries, excluding New Zealand, being eliminated. The present and new fees are outlined below:
|
Membership Period |
Australia |
New Zealand |
Qantas Points |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 Year |
$600 AUD |
$600 NZD |
93,000 |
|
2 Years |
$1,100 |
$1,100 |
170,000 |
|
4 Years |
$2,000 |
$2,000 |
308,000 |
|
Membership Period |
Australia (and others) |
New Zealand |
Qantas Points |
|
1 Year |
$699 |
$699 |
116,500 |
|
2 Years |
$1,299 |
$1,299 |
216,500 |
|
4 Years |
$2,399 |
$2,399 |
399,900 |
Renewal fees have also increased, with the most significant jump in price going to spouse or partner memberships, which have almost doubled. Qantas Club Members, however, can continue to bring a guest every time they visit.
New lounges and new furniture
The airline’s lounge program is undergoing a significant expansion, headlined by the arrival of a second lounge at London Heathrow Airport (LHR) ahead of Project Sunrise direct flights between the United Kingdom and the east coast of Australia. According to the airline, the London First Lounge is expected to feature direct access to boarding gates, sweeping airfield views, and an “unrivalled” dining experience.
Photo: Qantas
Domestically, the carrier is moving its Qantas Club at Tasmania’s Hobart Airport (HBA) into a larger space this year. Broome International Airport (BIA) in Western Australia is also getting a brand new Regional Lounge this year, doubling the capacity of the current lounge. A redeveloped Regional Lounge is set to open at Port Hedland (PHE), and Adelaide (ADE) is set to benefit from a new Domestic Business lounge by the end of the year.
In addition, new furniture is being rolled out across Qantas Clubs, including new armchairs, dining chairs, and bar stools. Other flagship lounge programs, such as the American Airlines Admirals Club, come at a similar price point, but few have the breadth of partner lounges that Qantas does.
