Qantas Brisbane International Lounge Now Located Before Security
Construction shifts the lounge landside until late 2026
A temporary change at Brisbane Airport is set to disrupt the usual premium travel experience, with passengers flying on Qantas international services needing to rethink their pre-flight routine. Qantas has relocated the entrance to its Brisbane International Lounge to allow for essential works on escalators and lifts servicing the usual access point.
From 14 April 2026, the Qantas Brisbane International Lounge is accessible landside only, with a new temporary entrance near check-in rows 1 and 2. While the lounge itself remains unchanged, the relocated entrance significantly alters the traditional international departure flow, placing the Brisbane Lounge before security screening and passport control rather than after.
Qantas has not provided a specific completion date for the repairs, but says the current arrangement will remain in place until late 2026, when the lounge entrance will return to its usual airside location at Brisbane Airport.
The change means travellers will need to factor in extra time at the airport, as it’s no longer possible to remain in the lounge until boarding begins. Those planning to use the Qantas International Lounge in Brisbane should arrive earlier than usual, allowing enough time to check in, visit the lounge landside, and still leave with a comfortable buffer to pass through security screening and passport control.
The Brisbane lounge is no longer a place to wait until boarding is called. Instead, it becomes an earlier stop, and one that requires careful timing, particularly during busy periods when security queues can build quickly. Those who linger too long risk encountering long security queues and missing their flight, turning a second relaxing glass of bubbles into an unexpected sprint to the gate.
The change extends beyond Qantas passengers, impacting travellers flying with partner airlines such as Malaysia Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Fiji Airways, who can also access the Qantas International Lounge in Brisbane.
Jetstar passengers with lounge access are also impacted, although the disruption may be short-lived. Qantas has already announced eligibility changes that will ban almost all Jetstar passengers from the lounge. This includes those currently entering via Qantas Gold or Platinum status or lounge invitations.
Brisbane International Lounge Alternatives
The changes to Qantas’ Brisbane International Lounge may lead some travellers to skip the lounge altogether, particularly those who prefer to clear security early and avoid the risk of tight timing before boarding. The extra step of visiting the lounge landside for a few drinks before joining security and passport control queues may outweigh the benefits for some.
Instead, travellers may want to consider third-party lounges that are located airside at Brisbane Airport. Options such as the Plaza Premium Lounge and the Escape Lounge allow passengers to relax after clearing formalities, and continue enjoying lounge access right until boarding is called.
The Plaza Premium Lounge is available free of charge to American Express Platinum cardholders and two guests (Amex will reduce this to one guest from October 2026).
The Escape Lounge operates independently, with paid access for passengers on any airline. Three-hour entry fees are $65 per person online, or $80 on a walk-up basis.
