Qantas updates frequent flyer program and status earning rules

Qantas is implementing significant changes to its frequent flyer program, introducing new ways for members to earn status credits through everyday spending. The overhaul will allow members to accumulate status via activities such as grocery shopping, eligible credit card spending, and Uber rides. Under the new system, members can earn between 10 and 20 status credits per category, with a cap of 140 credits per year. Additionally, a new rollover system will permit eligible members to carry over up to 50 per cent of excess status credits into the following year.

Starting in September, Qantas points will also be usable for business class upgrades on eligible Jetstar international economy tickets. For example, an upgrade from Melbourne to Singapore is estimated to cost approximately 37,000 points.

For travelers transitioning between loyalty programs, such as moving from Qantas-earning to Velocity-earning credit cards, existing Qantas points remain in the Frequent Flyer account and are not affected by the change in card type. However, users should ensure all pending points from the final statement cycle have transferred before closing a card to avoid losing uncredited bonuses or pending transactions.