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Admirals Club passes have, until now, offered a cheap alternative to purchasing Qantas Club membership. Under an agreement between Qantas and partner American Airlines, American Airlines Admirals Club members have been able to access Qantas lounges (and vice versa) any time they flew on one of each other’s flights. This has been particularly advantageous for Australian flyers as a 30 day Admirals Club membership, providing access to Qantas lounges all over the country, could be had for around $100.
While the Admirals Club 30 day pass is still around, one of the key conditions of using the pass has changed, to the detriment of some Australian flyers. Previously, Admirals Club membership granted access to the Qantas Club, regardless of whether the member was flying on an AA or QF flight number. However, this policy was quietly changed last month to exclude members travelling on QF flight numbers to enter the lounge.
Passengers travelling around the United States will still be able to take advantage of this. So too will passengers travelling on a Qantas-operated flight if it is booked under an AA codeshare flight number. However, for Australian domestic flyers, this loophole seems to have been closed.
Looks like the 30 day membership (and perhaps A/C membership in general is to take a big hit as far as accessing Qantas Clubs and International Business lounges)
This change will severely reduce the usefulness of this for Oz residents.
Naturally, our members are far from thrilled about the change. Flyers who don’t otherwise have lounge access can still purchase Qantas Club membership. (And AFF PLATINUM and GOLD members also have access to corporate discounts on lounge membership. See HERE.) However, for those who only travel once or twice per year, the options are now fairly thin.
Was looking forward to buying a 30 day AA pass to use in SIN, BNE and SYD on a trip in the next few weeks while I am still a lowly QF silver…
There are a few possible alternatives for gaining lounge access without the associated status. One possibility is to join Priority Pass. Some credit cards also offer complimentary lounge passes.
Join the discussion HERE.
