David Lloyd's Premium Tennis Pass Trial Ignites Member Fury
The prestigious health club chain David Lloyd has ignited significant controversy by trialling a new premium membership package that grants priority access to tennis court bookings. This initiative, which requires an additional payment of £140 per month, has been branded as unfair "queue-jumping" by many existing members who feel marginalised by the policy.
The Signature Tier Package Details
Currently being tested at six of David Lloyd's 109 clubs across the United Kingdom, the "signature" tier allows members who pay the extra £140 monthly fee to book tennis courts a full day earlier than other members. This supplementary cost comes on top of regular membership fees, which can already reach as high as £250 per month, making the total expenditure substantial for those opting for the premium tier.
The trial is scheduled to conclude on 31 March 2026, with the company emphasising that only a limited number of these signature memberships are available. Despite this assurance, the introduction of tiered booking rights has provoked a strong reaction from the membership base.
Member Backlash and Petition
Discontent among members has manifested through organised protest, most notably via a Change.org petition launched last month specifically for members at the Raynes Park location in west London. The petition, which has garnered over 360 signatures, calls on David Lloyd to abandon the preferential booking system.
Petition signatories argue that tennis court availability is already a contentious issue, with many members struggling to secure slots when they are initially released. The introduction of a premium tier that exacerbates this competition has been described as worsening an "existing access problem." One signatory expressed profound disappointment, stating: "The club has lost sight of what is important - its members. Please start looking after your community and stop focussing on profit margins."
Company Response and Justification
In response to the growing criticism, a spokesperson for David Lloyd Clubs defended the trial, explaining that the signature package is designed to offer a comprehensive health and wellness experience. The package includes:
- Bi-annual physical assessments conducted by medical clinicians
- Specialist personal training sessions
- Clearly defined action plans for health improvement
- A range of additional member benefits alongside full in-club access
The spokesperson stated: "We offer a range of membership packages designed to suit different needs and budgets. The booking rights benefit is being trialled at just six of our 109 clubs across the UK, so we don't anticipate any meaningful impact on court booking availability."
However, this explanation has done little to quell the anger among members who perceive the move as prioritising profit over community values. The debate highlights broader tensions in the luxury fitness industry between commercial innovation and member equity.
