Qantas Removes Lounge Access For Not-So-Frequent Flyers

It’s no more free toasties for non-travelling guests as Qantas tightens up its lounge access policy. Today’s decision, although unpopular among many of its customers, is explained as a way of reducing crowding at domestic and international airport lounges.

“We’re making a few changes to guest access for our lounges to simplify and align our policies and make things easier and smoother for visitors,” a Qantas spokesperson told Flight Hacks.

“This is unlikely to affect that many customers, given most people and their guests in our lounges are already travelling with Qantas or Jetstar on the same day.” they mentioned.

The changes will come into effect from 15 June 2023. In many cases, non-travelling guests will be excluded from visiting Qantas lounges from that date. That is unless they are travelling on an eligible Qantas, Jetstar or partner flight that departs on the same day. Here’s how the updated policy works out;

International Lounges

• First or business class guests and Platinum One, Platinum or Gold frequent flyers: no change.
• Qantas Club Members: any guest must be travelling on a QF, JQ or oneworld flight number on the same day.

Domestic Lounges

• First or business class guests and Platinum One, Platinum or Gold frequent flyers: any guest must be travelling on a QF, JQ or oneworld flight number on the same day.
• Qantas Club Members: any guest must be travelling on a QF, JQ or oneworld flight number on the same day.

Under current Qantas lounge access rules, elite frequent flyer members can bring guests into domestic lounges, even if those guests are not actually travelling. Of course, this used to open up a loophole for anyone travelling with another airline. Soon, the lesser-known perk of being able to enjoy a drink with a friend who hasn’t forked out for travel onboard the Spirit of Australia will disappear altogether.

Until 15 June 2023, Platinum and Platinum One frequent flyers are still able to bring two non-travelling guests into the lounge. Similarly, Gold frequent flyers and Qantas Club members are able to have one non-travelling guest tag along for their visit.