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Qantas reopens international lounges
Qantas and Accor have inked a new seven-year agreement which will see the hospitality group continue to manage Qantas lounges in Australia and overseas.
The new agreement is an extension of the 14-year partnership with Accor.
"As our customers step back into our lounges for the first time in over a year, they will continue to receive the service they have been accustomed to from the Qantas and Accor teams,’ Qantas group CEO Alan Joyce said.
Accor began managing Qantas lounges in 2007 when the airline opened its flagship International First lounges in Australia, followed by Domestic Business lounges, Chairmans Lounges and Qantas Club in 2013.
The announcement coincides with Qantas’ plans to fast-track the reopening of its First lounges in Australia in line with the launch of the two-way trans-Tasman travel bubble on 19 April 2021.
Qantas is ready to welcome visitors to its First lounges in Sydney and Melbourne as well as its International Lounge in Brisbane, a year after they closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions.
While normally reserved for Platinum Frequent Flyers, Qantas will extend an invitation to customers travelling in Business, Gold Frequent Flyers and Qantas Club members to visit the First Lounge until the neighbouring Business lounges reopen.
With Qantas’ lounges in New Zealand currently closed, Qantas will also offer Platinum and Gold Frequent Flyers and Qantas Club members access to Air New Zealand lounges in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown.
Reopening three international lounges was a key milestone in the national carrier’s recovery.
"If you’re making a comeback, you should do it in style. That’s why we’ve decided to open our First lounges ahead of our other lounges and give more of our customers the opportunity to experience them," Joyce said.
"Our lounges are a second home for many frequent flyers when they’re on the road and we know their reopening will be well received."
Qantas has reopened nearly all of its 35 Qantas Club and Business lounges across Australia as well as its Chairmans lounges.
It will open the remainder of its international lounges in Australia and overseas in line with the broader reopening of international borders and the reinstatement of its international flight network.
Qantas has automatically extended Qantas Club membership for six months for those eligible paid Qantas Club members
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