Qantas Club members and Gold frequent flyers will be temporarily unable to bring guests into Melbourne’s Qantas Club lounge from next month. Complimentary Qantas Club passes and invitations, such as those offered to Silver frequent flyers and some credit card holders, will also not be accepted.
The restrictions will apply during the “peak” periods of 5-9am and 3-7pm while the Melbourne lounges are renovated. Renovations will commence in mid-November, and are expected to be completed in the second half of 2018. Normal lounge access and guesting rules will apply outside of peak periods if the lounge is not full.
Platinum frequent flyers and Business class passengers will be unaffected and can still bring guests into the Business lounge during construction.
The refurbishment of Melbourne’s domestic Qantas Club and Business lounges is welcome news for Melbourne-based flyers. The lounge experience will significantly improve once the refurbishments are completed towards the end of 2018. The new lounges will also be larger, although the Qantas Club’s new location will mean visitors no longer enjoy tarmac views.
The temporary guesting restrictions are necessary as the Qantas Club capacity will be limited during the refurbishment period. Although Qantas Club members and Gold frequent flyers without guests will still enjoy lounge access as normal, the Qantas Club is likely to be crowded. Qantas says that a “Grab and Go” food and beverage offering will be available in the Qantas Club, hinting that catering will also be limited during construction.
Our members understand the need to restrict Qantas Club access during construction. But some believe compensation (e.g. food vouchers) or an alternative lounge should be offered to paid-up Qantas Club members.
While the renovations may cause frustration, one member reminds that it’s important not to take this out on the lounge staff that are just doing their jobs.
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