The Priority Pass airport lounge program will increase the standard cost of lounge visits from US$27 to US$32 from 18 September 2018.
However, the spend at selected restaurants, bars and bistros at Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Gold Coast airports will remain pegged at $36 rather than increase to a US$32-equivalent of $44.
Many business travellers find those outlets more appealing than airline lounges – for example, MoVida at Sydney's domestic Terminal 2 is favoured by many Virgin Australia flyers over Virgin's own lounge, with $36 landing you a hearty breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Movida at Sydney T2 is a popular stop for Priority Pass members
Favourites of Melbourne's high flyers include Bar Pulpo by MoVida and Urban Provodore, with Graze and Bar Roma popular at Brisbane's domestic terminals.
"It has been over 10 years since we have raised our visit fees and during this time we have done all we can to absorb the rising costs of providing airport lounge access to our members," Priority Pass said in a statement.
"Raising our fees ensures we can maintain the quality offering of Priority Pass and continue to invest in both the growth of offerings available to members."
A spokesperson for Priority Pass' parent company The Collinson Group confirmed to Australian Business Traveller that "at this stage, the entitlement amount available at our out-of-lounge airport partners will remain the same as they are currently,"' adding that "these partnerships with top dining experiences represent great value for these members."
David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.
05 Aug 2014
Total posts 8
Really disappointed with what they try to get away with in terms of the "lounge alternative" arrangement - charging unsuspecting PP members A$42 each visit in return for a maximum of $36 (it's rare you can order to that exact value?!) of F&B items. I have unlimited access so I am not worse off but this is just not fair to members who do not require unlimited access. I just hope there will be adequate customer backlash to compel them to come up with a more equitable arrangement.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
07 Dec 2014
Total posts 170
What? Why would someone pay $42 to get $36 in food?
25 Mar 2015
Total posts 30
I really hope they increase their partners in domestic terminals (almost all my domestic travel is CBR and MEL, which of course do not have any PP partners).
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
14 Feb 2018
Total posts 3
MEL has the REX lounge T4 (used by Jetstar, Tiger and some Virgin flights).
25 Mar 2015
Total posts 30
T4 is a hike away from the rest of the terminals; and I alluding to restaurant/eatery-style partners...
27 Apr 2017
Total posts 1
Are you saying saying that with the Priority Card you can dine at various restaurants in airport terminals rather than go to a lounge?
25 Mar 2015
Total posts 30
Not "various" restaurants, but a select few in 4 airports in Australia. Most are located in international area (after immigration), with a few in domestic terminals.
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