Qantas has locked in a date for some of the biggest changes to its Frequent Flyer program years: December 8. And unlike most of the recent loyalty and subscription news doing the rounds — where customers end up paying more — this time, flyers actually come out ahead (mostly).
The airline first flagged an overhaul back in February, but it's now filled in the details on exactly what's changing, when, and how members can squeeze the most value out of their points and status going forward.
What’s changing?
The big winner among all these changes is Status Credits. Status Credits determine your Frequent Flyer membership tier — Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum or Platinum One. The more Status Credits you have, the higher your membership tier and the better the benefits.
In addition, there’s good news for Jetstar fliers who want to upgrade to business, but bad news for Points Club members.
Here’s what you can expect to change:
- More ways to earn Status Credits: Previously, Frequent Flyer members could only earn Status Credits through flight fares. Under the new rules, members can earn up to 140 Status Credits per year across 10 categories, including Qantas credit cards, Woolworths’ Everyday Rewards, Qantas insurances and more.
- New roll-over for Status Credits: Until now, Status Credits have reset to zero every year. Now, members will be able to roll up to 50% of their Status Credits into the next year. This will make it easier for customers to move into the next membership tier and enjoy the benefits. While it’s good news, there’s a catch. The number of Status Credits you can roll over is capped at 100 for Silver members, 350 for Gold members and 500 Platinum/Platinum One members.
- Simplified Status Credit target: Previously, there were two Status Credit targets to hit in order to earn, and then maintain membership status. For example, members needed 700 credits to reach Gold status, and then 600 to maintain it. This will be changed to a single number (ie. 700 to reach and 700 to maintain).
- Use points to upgrade Jetstar flights: From early September, Frequent Flyers who choose to fly Jetstar can now use points to upgrade their seat. This coincides with an upgrade to Jestar’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet, which is adding more than double the amount of business class seats.
- Additional Silver tier benefits: Silver members will now be given an additional lounge invite every membership year, as well as new discounts and vouchers to spend outside of flights.
- Lifetime membership milestone upgrades: Launching in 2027, Qantas is giving members on Lifetime journey more benefits. Lifetime Gold members will now receive a complementary year of Platinum status for every 10,000 Status credits earned. These can be banked for up to five years and activated when wanted.
- Programs retiring: Qantas is retiring its sub-programs Points Club and Green Tier on December 8. Existing members can continue earning points towards these until December 8 and can utilise benefits until the end of their next member year.
How to join Qantas Frequent Flyers for free
If you aren’t already a Frequent Flyer and want to take advantage of these changes, here’s how to sign up. Qantas advertises its Frequent Flyer program with a $99.50 once-off joining fee. However, this fee is incredibly easy to avoid paying.
- Sign up through a partner website: If you are already signed up to Frequent Flyer partners like Everyday Rewards or Red Energy, you can get the joining fee waived.
- Use direct promo links: You may be able to find promotional links for free sign-up through reputable websites like PointsHacks.
- Utilise friend and family’s account promos: Qantas often gives existing members the opportunity to gift a membership for free. So, if you know anyone with Frequent Flyer memberships, take advantage!
