Members of the Priority Pass independent airport lounge scheme can now flash their card for access to the Plaza Premium Lounge at Brisbane Airport’s international terminal.
Regardless of which airline you’re flying with or where you’re sitting on board, Plaza Premium welcomes all guests travelling through the airport – so if you’re flying in Qantas premium economy to Los Angeles, for example, a Priority Pass card now gets you through the door.
There’s just one catch: Priority Pass members must pay for any alcoholic drinks and can stay for a maximum of three hours, whereas other guests visiting this lounge aren’t charged for alcohol.
You can still order a fresh barista-made coffee, but a glass of wine will cost you...
While Priority Pass sells all-purpose lounge memberships to the general public, some Australian credit cards do provide a completely free Priority Pass membership among their roster of perks.
Westpac Altitude Black and St. George Amplify Signature are two examples, both offering two complimentary visits each year to any lounge that participates in the Priority Pass scheme, which now includes the Plaza Premium Lounge in Brisbane.
Higher-priced cards like the $700/year Citi Prestige Visa Infinite and the $1,200/year American Express Platinum Charge Card instead include an unlimited use Priority Pass membership – so you’re free to visit the Plaza Premium Lounge as many times as you like when flying from Brisbane.
Priority Pass card acceptance has long been on the decline in Australia following the withdrawal of the (now closed) Melbourne Airport United Club in 2015 and the removal of Virgin Australia’s domestic lounges from the program back in 2011.
Beyond Brisbane, Priority Pass calls only one other Australian lounge home – being the Reef Lounge in the international departures area at Cairns Airport.
Also read: Plaza Premium Lounge, Brisbane Airport review
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Chris is a a former contributor to Executive Traveller.
23 Feb 2016
Total posts 33
Disappointing about the alcohol, will probably stick with the ANZ lounge if that's the case.
25 Sep 2013
Total posts 1245
How will bar staff police who entered via Priority Pass (and therefore will need to be charged for alcohol) vs other passengers?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
06 Nov 2014
Total posts 357
They probably need you to show them your boarding pass or a purchased voucher when you order the drink. If all you can show is PP then they charge you.
Some thing similar when I used PP to use the Star Alliance lounge in GRU when I wanted to use shower. They wanted the boarding pass and when I showed it they noticed it wasn't a Star Alliance airline I was asked to pay $20 as PP didn't include use of shower.
NZ Elite
03 Jul 2014
Total posts 109
PP coverage of Australia is woeful. Case in point - New Zealand has more PP lounges than Australia.
28 Oct 2011
Total posts 650
It's a great option for those who don't hold alcohol in such a high regard :)
18 Nov 2013
Total posts 46
I'm guessing that this will now further increase the likelihood that I'll be refused entry as a Qantas Club member while the Qantas lounge is currently closed?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
29 Nov 2013
Total posts 475
Why?
Qantas has a deal in place with the louge operators to accomodate eligible guests whilst the two Qantas lounges are upgraded to a single premium lounge.
There is a post here on AusBT re who can access the lounge during the reno
18 Nov 2013
Total posts 46
From the article you mention:
"However, during peak travel periods when the Plaza Premium lounge is at capacity, Qantas Club members may find themselves unable to use the lounge and instead handed $40 vouchers to redeem at the terminal's many cafes and restaurants."
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
29 Nov 2013
Total posts 475
I understand the context of your post now!
I don't think it will significantly impact the number of guests because as others have noted, PP has a very small user base in Australia.
The $40 voucher offer isn't too bad a plan B by the way...
24 Jul 2018
Total posts 1
Any one tried the new Priority Pass lounge in Brisbane International since the upgrade at the airport. Travelling with my wife and wondering whether to stick with the $36 priority pass credit at one of the cafe/restaurants or pay the extra $36 and use the new Priority Pass lounge. An 11am flight so only looking for breakfast and coffee. Maybe a glass of bubbles before boarding
Hi Guest, join in the discussion on Priority Pass expands lounge network in Brisbane