Qantas has begun to limit the number of people who have access to its lounges by no longer allowing travellers into the facilities after their flights.
While this was previously an unwritten rule, it is now being enforced due to overcrowding in the lounges.
The restrictions also apply to members of Qantas Club, which costs A$895 to join and typically allows passengers to enter the lounge regardless of their travelling class on Qantas or other partner airlines.
In response to an enquiry made by News.com.au, a Qantas spokesperson acknowledged the change, but stated that top-tier members of its loyalty programme, plus passengers arriving on red-eye flights from Perth, were excluded from the rule.
“Like many other airlines, Qantas offers eligible customers use of airport lounges before their flight, with some members of a higher Qantas frequent flyer status (Platinum and Platinum One) able to use the lounge upon arrival,” said the spokesperson.
“We also offer access to the lounge for business class passengers on select overnight flights from Perth to the eastern seaboard.”
The crackdown follows a dress code rule introduced last year, which prevented passengers wearing thongs, gym wear, board shorts or tank-tops from entering the airline’s lounges.
In comparison, the Flying Kangaroo’s biggest domestic rival, Virgin Australia, has a more relaxed rule about lounge eligibility. Gold and Platinum tier members of its Velocity frequent flyer programme are able to enjoy access to the lounges.
For more information, visit qantas.com.au
Clement Huang
In response to an enquiry made by News.com.au, a Qantas spokesperson acknowledged the change, but stated that top-tier members of its loyalty programme, plus passengers arriving on red-eye flights from Perth, were excluded from the rule.
“Like many other airlines, Qantas offers eligible customers use of airport lounges before their flight, with some members of a higher Qantas frequent flyer status (Platinum and Platinum One) able to use the lounge upon arrival,” said the spokesperson.
“We also offer access to the lounge for business class passengers on select overnight flights from Perth to the eastern seaboard.”
The crackdown follows a dress code rule introduced last year, which prevented passengers wearing thongs, gym wear, board shorts or tank-tops from entering the airline’s lounges.
In comparison, the Flying Kangaroo’s biggest domestic rival, Virgin Australia, has a more relaxed rule about lounge eligibility. Gold and Platinum tier members of its Velocity frequent flyer programme are able to enjoy access to the lounges.
For more information, visit qantas.com.au
Clement Huang 
