Big changes for Qantas Brisbane lounge access

Flying overseas from Brisbane on Qantas or one of its partner airlines such as Cathay Pacific, Fiji Airways or Malaysia Airlines? Or Jetstar, for that matter?

Then you’d better catch up on these changes to Qantas’ Brisbane International Lounge which take effect today, April 14.

For the next six months, through to early September 2026, you’ll find a new temporary entrance to the lounge directly after checking in (near check-in counters 1 and 2), and before you go through security.

If you’re a frequent flyer operating on auto-pilot mode and you pass through the security checkpoint just like every other time, you won’t be able to enter the lounge.

Qantas says this shuffle is due to “essential works to the lounge entrance escalators and elevators.”

Don't get too relaxed – after leaving the lounge, you'll still have to go through security.

This also means you’ll need to leave the Brisbane International Lounge before your flight begins boarding, because you’ll still need to clear security – so give yourself a bit of extra time.

Additionally, most Jetstar passengers will find themselves barred from Qantas’ Brisbane International Lounge as of April 18 – well ahead of the previously-announced July 1 cut-off.

(That’s the same date that Qantas’ new rules on Complimentary Lounge Invitations come into effect.)

“Due to the scheduled upgrade works, Platinum and Gold Frequent Flyers, and Qantas Club members travelling on international Jetstar (JQ) flights will be unable to access the Brisbane International Lounge from 18 April 2026 onwards,” Qantas says.

“Lounge access will continue to be available when flying on Qantas codeshare flights operated by Jetstar and for customers travelling on Jetstar Business Max fares.”

Read more: Qantas cuts lounge access for Jetstar passengers