Qantas set to squeeze frequent flyers for even more cash by hiking the price of lounge memberships

Membership fees for the Qantas Club are expected to rise by 17 percent as the airline looks to equip its lounges with a $100 million renovation.

The price increase will increase the new annual fee from $699 to $828, including the $129 registration fee, while the renewal fee will increase from $540 to $629.

The new prices will be introduced from April 18. Current members whose renewals expire after that date can renew before the deadline to avoid the increase.

Qantas has justified the price hike by pointing to higher operating costs since it last raised membership fees seven years ago.

Qantas Club members are expected to see $100 million worth of improvements made to the airline’s 24 domestic lounges.

Qantas Club members have access to 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 spokesperson said the increase “follows a reduction in membership fees over several years during the pandemic.”

Executive Traveler’s David Flynn believes the higher price will lead to a drop in the number of new Qantas Club members.

“Many travelers will find that it is simply cheaper to have a meal and a drink in the terminal, especially when there is so much more choice on the menu compared to the Qantas Club buffet,” he told the Daily telegram.

Frequent flyer expert Adele Eliseo of the Champagne Mile pointed out that there are several ways to access Qantas lounges without a membership.

“You can actually gain access to Qantas Club by reaching the highest level of their ‘points club plus’, which requires 350,000 points,” she said.

‘There are also a number of (Qantas-linked) credit cards offering lounge passes which could be sufficient for many travellers.’

New members joining Qantas will pay $828, including the $129 joining fee, while the renewal fee will increase to $629

Executive Traveler’s David Flynn believes the higher price will lead to a drop in the number of new Qantas Club members

While Qantas Club fares are competitive compared to other international memberships, such as $991 on United Airlines and $1,300 on American Airlines, there are cheaper Australian options

She advised travelers to consider the number of times they plan to fly per year to determine whether the higher membership fee can be justified.

While Qantas Club rates are competitive compared to other international memberships, such as $991 on United Airlines and $1,300 on 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.