Remember that quote from Jesus, about how it's easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter heaven? It's almost that tough to score an airline upgrade. Revelations this week around Prime Minister Anthony Albanese receiving Qantas upgrades for travel through direct requests to the then-chief executive Alan Joyce have offered a glimpse into the hidden inner workings of airline member benefit schemes. The claims, featured in the newly launched book The Chairman’s Lounge by journalist Joe Aston, dive into the airline perks enjoyed by politicians – among them, free money-can’t-buy membership to Qantas Chairman’s Lounge , described by Joyce as “probably the most exclusive club in the country”.
Anthony Albanese with then-Qantas CEO Alan Joyce at a 2023 gala celebrating the airline’s 100 years of operation. Credit: Getty Images As Albanese’s personal relationship with the former Qantas head continues to face scrutiny, the question of how Qantas hands out upgrades has come to the fore. Is it a game of climbing the status ladder? Do you just need to dress nicely at check-in? And how much power do airline executives and staff really wield to upgrade? According to the book, while the airline’s executives can approve “space available” upgrades for flights if there are seats available after check-in has closed, Joyce was the only senior staff member with the authority to guarantee upgrades.
The reality is the majority of Qantas�.