Can I use the Qantas lounge when I’m flying Jetstar?

When can low-cost passengers live the first-class lounge life?

Qantas owns Jetstar, so there are cases where you can access a lounge while flying on a Jetstar ticket. However, the rules are quite fiddly.

The short version: you can generally access a Qantas lounge when flying on Jetstar if any one of the following is true:

• You're on a membership tier which gives you free lounge access: Gold, Platinum, Platinum One or Chairman's Lounge.
• You're on a Business ticket which includes a Business Max bundle. Business Max adds the ability to earn points and rebook your flight without charge, amongst other perks. A standard Business ticket without the bundle won't get you access.
• You have a paid membership of the Qantas Club.

I've seen some confusion in forums with people claiming you need both the membership tier and the Business Max bundle to get into the lounge on a Jetstar ticket, but that isn't the case. A Qantas spokesperson confirmed to Finder that only one of those conditions has to be met.

Let's look at how the rules work in more detail for domestic and international flights.

Can I use the Qantas lounge for Jetstar domestic flights?

If you have a high enough membership tier or lounge membershop, or you've paid for a Business Max bundle, then yes, you can use the Qantas lounge when flying within Australia. However, there are a few restrictions to be aware of which can make it less likely.

Firstly, in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, Jetstar domestic flies from a different terminal to Qantas. In Sydney, Jetstar flies from T2 while Qantas flies from T3, which form opposite wings of the domestic terminal. In Melbourne, you'll have to trek even further, all the way from T1 to the far end of T4. In Perth, Jetstar operates from T2, while Qantas is in T3 and T4.

Even if you make the trek, you'll have to clear security twice if you want to use the lounge. Most people are going to conclude it isn't worth the hassle.

If you do plan to do this, make sure you've got your Qantas Frequent Flyer membership card so you can prove your status. Remember, you can access your card through the Qantas app.

Getting to the lounge is not such a big issue in other cities with Qantas lounges and Jetstar flights, since everything is departing from one terminal. However, in some smaller cities, the lounges are only open when Qantas flights are operating. Outside of those hours, the lounge will shut completely.

Jetstar flights from those destinations often operate at precisely the times when the lounge isn't open, so you may find yourself either not able to get in at all or booted out well before the flight departs. I've had this experience myself in both Hobart and Townsville.

Can I use the Qantas lounge for Jetstar international flights?

On top of the requirement that you either have tier status/membership or a Business Max bundle, there's another restriction to be aware of when flying internationally: the lounge you're visiting has to be operated by Qantas itself. If it's a partner lounge, your status won't be enough to get you in if you're flying Jetstar.

So flying from Honolulu, you can potentially use the Qantas lounge, since that's a Qantas-operated facility. However, flying from Denpasar, where there's a partner lounge, you won't be allowed in.

One final note: if lounges are super-crowded, you might be refused admission at a Jetstar passenger, since Qantas passengers always take priority.

Yes, the rules are fiddly. But knowing how they work means you'll know whether you'll be getting the lounge experience or not on your next Jetstar flight. Enjoy your travels!

We updated this guide on 13 September 2024 with additional information on lounge restrictions in Perth.