Unlocking the Secrets to Airport Lounge Access in Australia
Travelling can be a stressful experience, but gaining access to an airport lounge can transform your journey into a luxurious and relaxing adventure.
To start your holiday properly, escape the busy airport terminal and relax with a glass of champagne or a light meal before your trip.
But how do you get into one of these airport lounges in Australia?
It’s not as hard as you might think.
We’ve unpacked your access options below.
1. Airline Loyalty Programs
Having status with an airline is the most obvious way to access airport lounges.
In Australia, those with Qantas Frequent Flyer Gold or Platinum status can access both Qantas domestic and international lounges when flying in any class on Qantas, Jetstar or eligible partner airlines.
If you reach Velocity Gold or Platinum Status, you can also access domestic lounges when flying in any class with Virgin Australia.
Select international lounges are also available to these Velocity members when travelling overseas with Virgin Australia or its partners.
2. Class of Travel
Those who hold a Business or First-Class ticket with Qantas, Virgin Australia or select partner airlines are granted complementary access to lounges when enjoying domestic or international travel.
Of course, these seats at the pointy end of the plane can be very pricey – often in the thousands of dollars.
At Hack Your Trip, that doesn’t often fit into our travel budget.
However, you will still receive this lounge access if you use points to upgrade an Economy ticket to Business or First Class.
You may also have the option to use points to purchase one of these seats outright.
3. Credit Card Lounge Access
If you are an infrequent flyer or don’t like to tie yourself to one particular airline, the best way to access airport lounges is with a travel credit card.
Several premium credit cards offer complimentary or discounted access to airport lounges.
Cards like the American Express Platinum, ANZ Frequent Flyer Black and Westpac Altitude Black provide lounge access as a perk for cardholders.
In the case of the American Express Platinum card, complimentary airport lounge access is provided for you and a guest at over 1300 locations worldwide.
Some other cards offer limited lounge access, like two free Qantas Club vouchers which must be used within 12 months.
Some American Express cardholders can access ‘The Centurion’ lounges in Australia and worldwide.
4. Lounge Membership Programs
Purchasing a Qantas Club membership grants you access to Qantas lounges in Australia and overseas when travelling on Qantas or Jetstar flights.
Membership fees vary, but if you are a frequent flyer such a program could be worth the cost.
Some employers offer corporate discounts and may even allow you to salary package your airport lounge membership.
Virgin Australia also has a lounge membership for a yearly fee, but has a smaller network and no international lounges.
5. Pay-Per-Use Lounges
Many Australian airports have pay-per-use lounges that allow anyone to enter for a fee, regardless of ticket class or loyalty status.
Prices typically range from $30 to $75, depending on the lounge and location.
Popular pay-per-use lounges include Plaza Premium, Aspire, and the American Express Lounge (if you hold an Amex card).
6. Lounge Pass Programs
Even if you don't have a credit card that offers lounge access, you can still get into lounges by purchasing a lounge pass.
Programs like Priority Pass provide access to more than 1700 lounges worldwide, including many in Australia.
Pricing varies depending on how many yearly visits you plan to make.
7. Special Circumstances
In some cases, you may be granted temporary lounge access due to special circumstances, such as flight cancellations or delays.
A customer service representative may allow you to enter the lounge to wait comfortably – but don’t count on this happening often.
Summary
Accessing airport lounges in Australia can significantly enhance your travel experience, providing a peaceful and comfortable environment to relax, work, or freshen up before your flight. Whether through airline loyalty programs, premium credit cards, membership programs, pay-per-use lounges, or lounge pass programs, there are numerous ways to unlock the benefits of airport lounges. So, next time you travel, consider these options and elevate your journey to new heights.
Written By: Chris
Updated: February 2025
