Note: All prices quoted in this article are in US Dollars (USD) unless specified.
American Airlines charges $50 to join the Admirals Club, and a further $500-600 per year to renew your Admirals Club membership (depending on your AAdvantage status). But, thanks to a little-known agreement between American Airlines and Qantas, you could get Admirals Club access for around a third of the price!
Qantas is currently running a flash sale on Qantas Club memberships. Residents of the United States (or any other country outside of Australia and New Zealand) can get a 40% discount on 4-year Qantas Club memberships. This brings the total price down to AUD1,061.40 ($731) for 4 years, which includes the one-off Qantas Club joining fee for new members. That’s just $183 per year, which is less than the cost of four Admirals Club One-Day Passes!
As a Qantas Club member, you should have Admirals Club access whenever you fly with American Airlines. This is not well-publicised by Qantas, nor by American Airlines. But the reciprocal lounge access agreement has been in place for years and so far there are no indications that this has changed or will change any time soon.
Of course, Qantas Club members can also access any Qantas Club or Qantas International Business lounge when flying with Qantas (or its low-cost subsidiary Jetstar) around Australia and overseas. You’ll also enjoy perks like additional baggage allowance and priority check-in whenever you fly with Qantas internationally (e.g. from the United States to Australia). Qantas Club members are also permitted to bring one guest with them when using the lounge.
This deal expires at 11.59pm (AEST) on Thursday, 23 May 2019. Note that this is just before midnight Australian time – which is works out to be 6.59am (PDT) or 9.59am (EDT) on May 23.
Discounts are also currently available on 1-year and 2-year Qantas Club memberships, however the savings are not as generous.
Outside of this promotion, it would normally cost AUD1,769 (USD1,217) to join Qantas Club for four years.
You do need to be a member of the Qantas Frequent Flyer loyalty program to join the Qantas Club. Qantas charges Australian residents a $99.50 joining fee, however this is waived for overseas residents. In any case, free sign-up is offered to everyone when applying for Qantas Club membership.
You can access this deal on the Qantas website.
Read more about the current Qantas Club deal here: Up to 40% Discount off Qantas Club Membership – May 2019
