Retired federal politicians have failed in their bid to claw even bigger retirement pensions and more free travel from taxpayers.

The High Court has dismissed a challenge brought by four former MPs – Labor's Barry Cunningham, Tony Lamb and Barry Cohen, and Liberal John Moore – that would have resulted in a big boost to the already generous entitlements given to about 350 retired politicians.

Not only has the case failed but the plaintiffs have been ordered to pay the costs of the long-running case - estimated to be many thousands of dollars.

The four men used section 51 of the constitution – made famous in the Aussie comedy classic The Castle – to challenge recent changes to the law that have slowed the growth of their retirement allowances and limited the number of trips they can take on the Life Gold Pass.