Australian airport lounges that will let you in for a small fee

While many assume that access to these havens of tranquillity is restricted to those with premium credit cards or frequent flyer memberships, the good news is, that’s not always the case. 

While many assume that access to these havens of tranquillity is restricted to those with premium credit cards or frequent flyer memberships, that’s not always the case. If you’re looking for a way to access airport lounges in Australia without a credit card or flyer status, here’s how you can do it.

Pay-per-use airport lounges

Whether you’re looking for a quiet space to work, a place to freshen up, or just a more comfortable spot to wait for your onward flight, these airport lounges provide a great option.

The House lounge – Sydney and Melbourne International Airports

The House is open to all, irrespective of airline or travel class, to visit before your journey.

Facilities include Wi-Fi and charging stations, showers, an extensive bar menu featuring award-winning Australian sparkling wines, craft beers and premium spirits, buffets and a la carte dining.

Travellers can gain access for a fee. At the time of writing it’s $36 for one hour, $56 for two hours, and $75 for a three hour stay.  Access can also be purchased using certain frequent flyer points through airline partners.

Booking: Advance booking is recommended, and you can reserve a spot online (bookings for Sydney or bookings for Melbourne). Alternatively you can try at the lounge entrance on the day.

Plaza Premium Lounges – Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney

Plaza Premium Lounges offer lounge access at major Australian airports and are open to all travellers for a fee. Prices start at $39 per person for an hour, with longer stays available at additional cost. Some Priority Pass members may be able to use their membership or points to gain access.

Facilities include food and drinks, showers, and business facilities, including Wi-Fi.

Booking: Travellers can book online in advance to get 10 per cent off the rates, or pay at the front desk based on space availability.

Book Plaza Premium Lounge Adelaide Airport

Book Plaza Premium Lounge Sydney Airport 

Book Plaza Premium Lounge Brisbane Airport

Book Plaza Premium Lounge Melbourne Airport

Skyteam Lounge at Sydney International Airport

The Skyteam Lounge at Sydney International Airport features showers, complimentary Wi-Fi and private work booths. As well as a buffet, there’s a noodle station and a bar where you can choose from a selection of sips. Barista coffees are also available.

Book online at a cost of $68.98 for two hours or $76.50 for five hours.

Marhaba Lounge at Melbourne Airport

Inside this lounge you’ll get free WiFi, showers, massage chairs, departure screens and a quiet zone for relaxation. Hudsons coffee is served in the lounge, along with a restaurant serving both buffet and a la carte meals. An extensive selection of wine and alcoholic beverages are available. A four-hour visit costs $69.66 and six hours is $137.60.

You can book online in advance here.

Aspire Lounge at Perth International Airport

Inspired by Western Australian nature and culture, this pay-per-use lounge features a fresh contemporary design and plenty of natural light with floor-to-ceiling windows. The lounge also offers shower rooms, comfortable seating, complimentary WiFi and a kid’s space for young travellers.

Access costs $75 per adult and $44 per child.

You can book online in advance here.

Priority Pass: A membership for lounge lovers

Priority Pass is a global membership program that provides travellers with access to over 1,700 airport lounges worldwide, including several in Australia. Members can use their Priority Pass card or digital pass to enter participating lounges, regardless of the airline they are flying with.

The program offers different membership tiers, ranging from pay-per-visit options to unlimited lounge access. Priority Pass lounges can be found at major airports such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, with many offering complimentary food and drinks, Wi-Fi, business facilities, and shower amenities. Some lounges also allow members to bring guests for an additional fee.

Both the Plaza Premium Lounges and The House lounges are included in the Priority Pass.

Access is subject to space availability, and while advance booking isn’t always required, it’s recommended during peak travel periods.

If you’re a frequent traveller who doesn’t have a frequent flyer membership or credit card perks, Priority Pass offers an alternative way to gain unlimited access to airport lounges worldwide, including in Australia. Priority Pass membership provides access to lounges such as Plaza Premium and other airline lounges that participate in the program.

Cost: Standard Membership: $US99 per year (and you pay $US35 per visit)

How to use Priority Pass in Australia:

Priority Pass members can enter participating lounges at airports like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.

Airline lounges with guest access options

Some airline lounges allow non-members to gain access through special guest passes, partner airline programs, or by paying a fee. In some cases, travellers can use frequent flyer points to purchase passes.

You usually have to be flying on the airline (or on a code-share flight), and be able to present a boarding pass to prove this.

How to access Qantas Lounges without a membership

Qantas lounges, including Qantas Club and Qantas Domestic Business Lounges, are often reserved for Qantas Club members and Qantas Frequent Flyer members with elevated status. However, there are ways to gain guest access without a Qantas Club membership or status.

Purchasing single-visit lounge passes

Qantas offers single-visit lounge passes for travellers flying on Qantas or Jetstar Airlines. The price of a Qantas Lounge Pass varies by port and can be purchased online or at the lounge entrance if space allows. Qantas also allows members to pay for single-visit lounge passes with frequent flyer points.

Facilities: Complimentary food and drinks

Booking: Advanced booking is recommended, especially during peak travel times. You can book Qantas lounge passes online.

Virgin Australia Lounge – Pay-per-visit options

Virgin Australia lounges, (available at Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth and Canberra airports) allow casual lounge access for a fee. Non-members can purchase a one-time pass for $65 per visit when flying with Virgin Australia, provided there’s space available.

You can book single-entry passes here.

Facilities: Complimentary food and beverages