Passengers flying internationally with Qantas from Brisbane will need to adjust their pre-flight routines over the coming months, as the airline temporarily shifts the entrance to its International Lounge.
With essential work on the lounge’s entrance escalators and elevators taking place, the Qantas Brisbane International Lounge is now accessible landside only. Starting 14 April 2026, lounge-worthy passengers will need to enter through a new entrance near check-in rows 1 & 2, before security screening.
It’s an unusual arrangement that takes advantage of the lounge’s location between the check-in hall and the departure gates. Travellers are advised to allow extra time when leaving the lounge to pass through security and immigration before boarding – especially if you also want to make a TRS claim.
Jetstar lounge access reduced from 18 April
From 18 April 2026, lounge access will be restricted for some Jetstar customers in Brisbane. Qantas Frequent Flyer Platinum and Gold members, along with Qantas Club members, will no longer be able to access the lounge when travelling on international Jetstar (JQ) flights.
There are some exceptions. Qantas will still honour access for passengers booked on Qantas codeshare services operated by Jetstar. Those travelling on Jetstar’s Business Max fares can also still enter.
These changes are slated to start from 1 July 2026 across the network. But Qantas is fast-tracking them in Brisbane ‘due to the scheduled upgrade work’. Reading between the lines, it seems that capacity issues are the main culprit here.
Jetstar has over five international departures a day from Brisbane, including many long-range treks on the Boeing 787 to Tokyo, Osaka, Seoul and Bangkok. There are also multiple shorter-range flights to Denpasar and Auckland each day. All up, that’s likely a fair number of passengers who won’t be able to access the Qantas lounge anymore.
Third-party lounges airside are an alternative
Qantas expects the lounge renovations to last until early September 2026. Until then, make sure to leave enough time to clear security lines, especially during peak periods.
You might also want to consider third-party airside lounges that may be accessible to you via Priority Pass and/or the American Express Platinum Card, such as the Plaza Premium Lounge and the Escape Lounge.
Don’t have lounge membership access? The Brisbane Escape Lounge is also coincidentally offering 15% off pre-booked visits between 13 April and 30 November 2026. Booked with the code 15BNE230326 before 30 April 2026 to access for A$46.75 per adult.
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Hi Brandon, It would be good to mention the Emirates lounge may be an option for thos with Gold and above tiers and flying to eligible destinations.
Disappointing that they’re moving this forward to April. I have a Jetstar flight booked in May to Osaka and will not have access even as a Platinum.