Qantas axes lounge access for Jetstar travellers, regardless of frequent flyer status
Being able to access Qantas lounges while flying Jetstar has long been a nice perk for frequent flyers of Australia's national carrier – but that's about to change.
Starting from July, passengers will no longer be able to access the Qantas international lounges when flying on flights operated by Jetstar.
Regulations around transferring Complimentary Lounge Invitations are also being overhauled.
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Qantas lounge access is set to change this year. Qantas
Starting on July 1st, Qantas lounge access will change for frequent flyers who are booked on a Jetstar flight.
At the moment, Platinum, Gold and select Qantas Club members travelling on Jetstar can access the Qantas lounge before their flights.
The new rules state that the only way to keep accessing the lounge is to book a Qantas codeshare flight operated by Jetstar, a Jetstar domestic flight, or a Jetstar Business Max fare.
The only exception is for Platinum One members, who will still be able to access the lounge.
The move could be correlated with issues of overcrowding at international Qantas lounges.
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Jetstar passengers will have to be happy with the regular old airport terminal. Getty
The announcement comes as the Sydney international business lounge undergoes an extensive upgrade, which is slated to open in early 2027.
Passengers have already expressed their frustration at the limited lounge access while the renovations are underway, as those with complementary lounge passes cannot use them for flights leaving Sydney.
Speaking of which, Qantas' lounge access changes also impact those who want to transfer passes to other travellers.
From July, Complimentary Lounge Invitations will only be transferrable to someone travelling on the same flight as you.
Until now, people could share their lounge passes with any other Qantas Frequent Flyer member, regardless of which flight and seat they had booked.
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An impression of Sydney Airport's new Qantas business lounge, set to open in 2027. Qantas
Per Executive Traveller, Qantas says the changes were "driven by feedback from customers and reflecting our commitment to delivering a premium lounge experience, while ensuring complimentary invitations are used as intended."
Qantas' newest international lounge, located at Auckland airport, opened late last year, as the airline's direct Auckland to NYC route becomes Aussies' favourite way to travel to the USA.
