As a low-cost carrier, Jetstar doesn’t operate its own lounges. But depending on your ticket type and your Qantas Frequent Flyer membership, you might be able to use another airline’s lounge when flying the budget airline owned by Qantas.

This guide explains how you can get into airport lounges when flying Jetstar…

Jetstar lounge access for Qantas Club members

If you have a Qantas Club membership, you are entitled to access domestic Qantas Club and international Qantas Business Lounges with a same-day Jetstar boarding pass. This includes flights on Jetstar (JQ), Jetstar Asia (3K) and Jetstar Japan (GK).

This is a great perk, but there are a few catches.

Firstly, this benefit is only available at Qantas-operated lounges. If you’re flying Jetstar from an airport where Qantas uses a third-party lounge, such as Bali or Bangkok, you won’t have any lounge access. There are exceptions for Christchurch, Queenstown and Singapore airports.

Note the terminals and opening times of the Qantas lounges

It’s also possible that the Qantas Club lounge could be in a different terminal to Jetstar. Where this is the case, you can still use the Qantas lounge if you don’t mind clearing security twice and walking back to the Jetstar terminal to catch your flight. But if you’re flying domestically out of Melbourne, for example, the Qantas Club is a 10-15 minute walk from Terminal 4.

The domestic Qantas lounges in Sydney are in Terminal 3, while Jetstar flies out of Terminal 2. If using the Qantas lounges, make sure you leave enough time to return to Terminal 2 and clear security. (In Sydney, you can save time at Terminal 2 security by using the hidden checkpoint on the ground floor.)

In Perth, Jetstar domestic flights now depart from Terminal 2 which is a 15-minute drive from Terminals 3 and 4 where the Qantas lounges are located. Therefore, accessing the Qantas lounges in Perth is no longer practical when flying Jetstar.

When flying Jetstar from smaller airports such as Hobart, Launceston or Gold Coast, check the Qantas Club opening hours. These lounges might only open prior to Qantas flight departures, and could be closed when your Jetstar flight leaves. But if there is a Qantas Club and it’s open, you’re welcome to use it with a Jetstar boarding pass.

The usual Qantas Club guesting rules apply. You can bring one guest with you into the lounge, who must also be flying with Jetstar, Qantas or another eligible partner airline that day.

Jetstar lounge access for Qantas Gold, Platinum & Platinum One frequent flyers

Qantas Frequent Flyer members with Gold or higher status receive complimentary Qantas Club membership. With this, Qantas Gold frequent flyers can access domestic Qantas Club and international Qantas Business Lounges when flying Jetstar. This is the same as for paid-up Qantas Club members.

Qantas Platinum and Platinum One frequent flyers can also use Qantas domestic Business Lounges when flying Jetstar. This benefit applies both before departure and on arrival at the destination. (If there’s no Business Lounge at your arrival airport, Platinum/Platinum One members can instead use the Qantas Club on arrival.)

Additionally, Qantas Platinum and Platinum One members can access Qantas international First Lounges, where available, when flying Jetstar from an international terminal. You don’t necessarily need to be flying overseas – even a domestic tag flight departing from an international terminal counts.

The Jetstar lounge access benefit does not extend to Oneworld Sapphire and Emerald frequent flyers from other Oneworld airlines.

Qantas complimentary lounge invitations

If you have a Complimentary Lounge Invitation from Qantas, you can use this to access any Qantas-operated lounge prior to your Jetstar flight. Note that you must link your lounge invitation to your flight booking at least 24 hours before departure.

Complimentary Lounge invitations are offered to Qantas Silver frequent flyers, Points Club members and as a benefit with certain credit cards.

Qantas lounge locations

Qantas operates lounges at the following airports served by Jetstar:

See the Qantas website for more details about lounge locations and opening hours. Also note that a dress code applies when entering domestic Qantas Club lounges.

In addition to the above list, eligible Qantas Club members departing Christchurch or Queenstown on international Jetstar flights can access the Manaia Lounges. Jetstar & Jetstar Asia passengers flying out of Terminal 4 in Singapore can also use the Blossom Lounge in that terminal.

Lounge access for Jetstar Business Max passengers

Jetstar customers who’ve purchased a Business Class ticket with a Max bundle can also enjoy lounge access at selected international airports, as listed on the Jetstar website. This includes at three airports – Bali, Bangkok and Phuket – where Qantas does not operate its own lounge.

This benefit only applies with Business Max fares, and not regular Jetstar Business fares.

Access airport lounges with Priority Pass

Even if you don’t qualify for lounge access through one of the above methods, you may still be able to enjoy the lounge before your Jetstar flight through Priority Pass.

Priority Pass offers paid subscriptions. Alternatively, you might be able to get free visits through your credit card.

Some lounges also sell one-off entry at the door. You may even be able to get a cheaper rate by purchasing access through LoungePair, which also offers generous discounts to AFF Silver, Gold & Platinum members.

Matt Graham

The editor of Australian Frequent Flyer, Matt's passion for travel has taken him to over 90 countries… with the help of frequent flyer points, of course!
Matt's favourite destinations (so far) are Germany, Brazil & Kazakhstan. His interests include economics, aviation & foreign languages, and he has a soft spot for good food and red wine.

You can connect with Matt by posting on the Australian Frequent Flyer community forum and tagging @AFF Editor.