Membership fees for the Qantas Club are set to increase by 17 per cent as the airline looks at fitting its lounges with $100million worth of renovations.
The price increase will see new annual fees jump from $699 to $828, including the $129 joining fee, while renewal fees will rise from $540 to $629.
The new prices will be introduced from April 18. Current members whose renewal expires after that date can renew before the deadline to avoid the increase.
Qantas has justified the price hike by pointing to increased operational costs since it last raised membership fees seven years ago.
Qantas Club members are expected to see $100million worth of improvements rolled out across the airline’s 24 domestic lounges.
Annual membership fees for the Qantas Club will increase by 17 per cent from April 18, 2024
Qantas Club members can access the airline’s 24 domestic lounges and more than 600 international lounges
Members also have access to more than 600 international lounges through Qantas and its Oneworld partners.
A spokesman said the increase ‘follows a reduction in the membership fees for several years during the pandemic’.
David Flynn from Executive Traveller believes the higher price will see a lull in new Qantas Club members.
‘Many travellers will find it’s simply better value to have a meal and a drink or two in the terminal, especially when there’s so much more choice on the menu compared to the Qantas Club buffet,’ he told the Daily Telegraph.
Frequent flyer expert Adele Eliseo of the Champagne Mile pointed out there are several ways to access Qantas lounges without membership.
‘You can actually get access to Qantas Club by attaining the top tier of their ‘points club plus’ which requires 350,000 points to achieve,’ she said.
‘There’s also a number of (Qantas linked) credit cards that offer lounge passes which can be sufficient for many travellers.’
New members joining Qantas will pay $828, including the $129 joining fee, while renewal fees will rise to $629
David Flynn from Executive Traveller believes the higher price will see a lull in new Qantas Club members
While Qantas Club fees are competitive compared to other international memberships, like $991 with United Airlines and $1,300 with American Airlines, there are cheaper Australian options
She recommended travellers consider how many times they plan to fly per year to determine whether the increased membership fee can be justified.
While Qantas Club fees are competitive compared to other international memberships, like $991 with United Airlines and $1,300 with American Airlines, there are cheaper Australian options.
Virgin Australia offers access to its seven domestic lounges for $399 per year.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Qantas for comment.
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