This is a question we hear quite often – you’ve just come off a flight at your final destination, but perhaps you’ve got some time to kill and want to try to access the nearest lounge on arrival. Can you get through the door? As you’d expect, the answer is ‘it depends’.
So to help clear the air, here are the official arrivals lounge policies in Australia.
Accessing Qantas lounges on arrival
| Summary: only for Platinum Frequent Flyers and higher |
Will flashing your Business Class ticket at the end of the flight will get you past the lounge doors? Nope, you’ll be sorely disappointed.
Qantas only permits its own Platinum and Platinum One frequent flyers entry to Qantas Clubs and Domestic Business Lounges on arrival. However, this doesn’t extend to international flights or to elite-status members of partner airlines.
Previously, Qantas Business Class passengers jetting on the overnight services from Perth could access the Domestic Business lounges on arrival in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. But this has been quietly scrapped since sometime in 2023.
Qantas American Express Ultimate
Accessing Virgin Australia lounges on arrival
| Summary: Business Class passengers, Velocity Platinum & Gold members and Virgin lounge members + eligible guests |
Virgin Australia is far more accommodating with on-arrival lounge access. Business Class passengers, along with Velocity Platinum and Velocity Gold cardholders, paid-up Virgin Lounge members, and guests, can usually access Virgin Australia lounges on arrival, subject to ensuring you access the lounge within 60 minutes after landing.
Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club Gold and UNIQ members are eligible as well.
Preference is given to Business Class guests and Velocity Platinum members, whereas Velocity Gold and Lounge members are ‘subject to space availability’.
American Express Velocity Platinum
Accessing Rex lounges on arrival
| Summary: may be possible through Priority Pass |
Rex currently has regional lounges in Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide. The airline’s lounges are available for arrival access for paid-up members, while everyone else can only access them on departure.
Rex Lounges are also part of the Priority Pass program, which is an independent lounge membership. There isn’t a clear policy on whether you can access lounges on arrival, as the Priority Pass Terms and Conditions simply state that you need a ‘valid boarding pass’ without specifying whether it is strictly for outbound travel or not.
So, if you’ve just come off a flight and there is a Rex lounge nearby, it won’t hurt to rock up and ask, as the decision will likely be made by the lounge attendant of the day.
Accessing international lounges on arrival
You can’t usually access international lounges on arrival because most airline departure lounges are located in a different area from arrivals. For example, Australia maintains sterile departures and arrivals areas, so it’s physically impossible to access a departures lounge if you’re an arriving passenger.
But there are some limited examples where this isn’t the case. For example, in Singapore, departures and arrivals can intermingle throughout the terminal, with security only done at the gate.
Singapore Airlines permits its own First Class/Suites passengers to freshen up in The Private Room after arriving, even if they don’t have an onward flight.
At major airports, airlines might also have dedicated lounges for arriving passengers. In London, British Airways, American Airlines and Virgin Atlantic all have arrivals lounges that are open until just after midday.
In Sydney, you can stop by the (paid) Plaza Premium Arrivals Lounge to freshen up, but American Express Platinum Card Members do enjoy complimentary access.
Summing up
While many travellers might just want to get to their final destination, lounge access after landing can be a useful perk to have. For example, if you’re waiting for someone to arrive on a different flight.
Lounge access after a flight is possible domestically, but the rules vary wildly between carriers. Virgin Australia has the most inclusive policy, while Qantas restricts on-arrival access to Platinum members and higher. If you’re eligible, just show your boarding pass at the reception for entry.
I use domestic arrivals access once in a while, usually if I want a quick drink or snack before heading off. It’s even possible with checked bags, though you’ll probably want to keep your visit brief so your bag doesn’t get carted off the belt later on.
With international travel, you’ll find that arrivals lounge access usually isn’t (or can’t) be offered. But there are exceptions, particularly at major airline hubs where you might find a dedicated arrivals lounge.
Lord knows I pay enough from my OWN pocket for QC membership. I don’t even live in SYD, so it’s not like I can “just go home”. Most of those others who whinge that they are in the same position as QF Gold etc. don’t even pay for their own tickets or QC membership; their company does, so are in no position to complain. I am.
Can you clarify please
My personal experience over 20yrs with lounge staff is that many don’t know their own conditions / rules of entry to lounges (and other; e.g. priority luggage, check-in counter, boarding etc.), often turning away people who legitimately have access by virtue of their airline status and/or ticket.
So how does it work if you have checked luggage? Where does it go if you are in the lounge for an hour? Guess the lounge is great if you don’t have checked luggage
Australia could do better, or I should say, QF. Alas. I’ve been privileged to be a P1 and have called on the domestic lounges from time to time.
Internationally we’re a little luckier. SQ will help you, EY will & QR – EK? You’ve not got much hope here (even in First). AA? No hope, either. My go-to over recent years has been the QR Arrivals Lounge that, when stepping off the overnight flight, makes the morning a breeze. Here’s a handy write-up.
https://princeoftravel.com/reviews/qatar-airways-arrivals-lounge-doha/