QANTAS: Club joining fee reduced. Renewal fees increased

Its now about 75% cheaper to join the Qantas club, with the joining fee reduced from AU$399 down to AU$99.

However, if you are renewing, then the fees have gone up by roughly 10% – slightly lesser or greater according to how long your renewal period is:

• Joining fee: was $399, now $99
• 1 year renewal: was $540, now $600 (+11%)
• 2 year renewal: was $980, now $1,100 (+12%)
• 4 year renewal: was $1,850, now $2,000 (+8% )

Benefits

Lounge access is the big one, and you can invite a guest, but there are a few other things you might value, such as more checked baggage and the ability to request a points-based upgrade to Business ‘on departure’ for domestic flights. You can also request this if you have Gold status or above.

2PAXfly Takeout

This is another timely reminder to wear your seatbelt when seated. Holding you close to your seat will protect you from the sort of injuries sustained on this flight, when unsecured passengers flew to the ceiling of the aircraft, and then came crashing down once the ‘drop’ ceased.

The hope will be that this is an anomaly – a ‘freak accident’ in casual parlance. If it is a systemic error either mechanical or electronic, then this is a larger concern for the airlines that fly Boeing Dreamliner 787 aircraft. Let’s hope it isn’t. If it is, it will pile on the woes to Boeing’s existing stack.

Expect this to bring in the pack. Qantas domestic clubs will soon be heaving if people take up this amazing reduced price offer. For me, this provides even more incentive to retain my Platinum status so I can still get into the Business lounges.