Priority Pass Adds “The House” Lounges To Sydney & Melbourne – Will Charge $20AUD To Access

Priority Pass members can now access “The House” lounges at two Australian airports – Sydney (SYD) & Melbourne (MEL). Unfortunately Priority Pass members cannot access these lounges for free, they have to pay a $20 AUD copay. Given that both SYD & MEL airports have a number of restaurant options that are included with Priority Pass, I can’t see this being a popular option for members apart from maybe American Express cardholders as they no longer get access to these restaurant option. This isn’t the first time a Priority Pass lounge has charged an additional fee, no1 lounges charge a fee of ~$6.5 for example.

Hat tip to OMaaT

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Pbjclimbing
Pbjclimbing (@guest_810453)
September 15, 2019 16:27

They have a very good alcohol selection and bar. The drinks are significantly better than your average lounge.

Sam
Sam (@guest_810341)
September 15, 2019 09:44

Priority pass is worse and worse, in Shanghai they set up some worthless lounge only for priority pass

corherentPanda
corherentPanda (@guest_810344)
September 15, 2019 09:59

Guangzhou is the same. It’s a really generic lounge, just nicer chairs and easier access to hot water. Really doesn’t feel like an upgrade.

aubergine
aubergine (@guest_810364)
September 15, 2019 11:48

I don’t know about that. I would say adding restaurants in the last couple of years was a pretty big improvement from what it was before, at least once they effectively lost all domestic us carrier lounges.

Nick
Nick (@guest_810311)
September 15, 2019 03:40

Would be interesting to see whether they expand this to more lounges (in the US), and how that changes (or doesn’t really change) people’s perception of the value of many travel cards that offer PPS.

Matt Katakis
Matt Katakis (@guest_810298)
September 15, 2019 02:25

While not free (and free is certainly better), it’s only 13.75 USD. Not bad actually for what this lounge is tbh.

Vy
Vy (@guest_810320)
September 15, 2019 05:18

“it’s only $13.75.”

That’s exactly what Priority Pass and No1 want you to think.

But to be fair, the copay should discourage most of us from going and hence prevent overcrowding. The Melbourne location was originally designed for Etihad and Virgin Australia passengers anyway.

John
John (@guest_810295)
September 15, 2019 02:09

What’s the rate without Priority Pass?

John
John (@guest_810307)
September 15, 2019 03:23

Found it, looks like $80 AUD. Citing this article – https://www.vacationstravel.com/the-house-lounges-open-to-all-passengers/

Substantial discount. May be worth it if you need a shower but food options are ala carte so really not worth it otherwise.

Looks like these are also run by No1 lounges as well.

Vy
Vy (@guest_810322)
September 15, 2019 05:46

à la carte menu is actually supplemented by a small buffet spread and an extensive drink menu. might be worth it if you can eat and drink your money’s worth within 2 hours before your flight.

Vy
Vy (@guest_810321)
September 15, 2019 05:36

The House is actually open to anyone with a boarding pass and 80 AUD. Certain Etihad and Virgin passengers also get access from status/cabin. The T minus 3-hour departure rule is strictly enforced though, which means that actual time you can spend in the lounge will be <3 hours.

Unless you desperately need a shower, there's no reason to use this lounge at MEL if you can access the Plaza Premium in Terminal 2.