Qantas Frequent Flyer Program Revamp Coming Soon
Qantas Frequent Flyer is introducing the most significant changes to earning and retaining status since the program’s inception, giving members the ability to roll over unused Status Credits and earn them through everyday spending for the first time. Most of the changes will go into effect later in 2026 or 2027.
A summary of program changes that were shared in a press release can be found, and further details will be provided to members before they are introduced.
Status Credits on the Ground
All members will be able to earn up to 140 additional Status Credits each year from ten everyday categories. This follows a record-breaking trial in 2025, where members embraced earning Status Credits via credit cards, retail partners, and utility providers. Status Credits earned on the ground will also count towards Lifetime tier balances, helping members to reach Lifetime status sooner. This expansion launches later in 2026 and will coincide with more major partners joining the program.
Status Credit roll over
For the first time, members will have the flexibility to roll over up to 50 per cent of their unused Status Credits into their next membership year. Roll overs will be capped at 100 Status Credits for Silver members, 350 for Gold, and 500 for Platinum. This permanent benefit will replace the previous loyalty bonus offered to some members. This new roll-over benefit will launch later in 2026.
More lifetime milestones
Lifetime Gold members will now enjoy greater recognition on their journey towards Lifetime Platinum. For every 10,000 Status Credits earned beyond the Lifetime Gold threshold, members will receive a complimentary year of Platinum status. These years can be ‘banked’ and activated at a time of the member’s choosing (with a limit of five banked years). This feature will launch in 2027.
Enhanced tier benefits
Silver members will enjoy an additional lounge invitation each membership year, alongside new on-the-ground vouchers and discounts for all tiered members Silver and above. Additional benefits will be announced before the new-look tiers launch in 2027.
Removing program complexity
Points Club and Green Tier will be retired later this year, with the benefits valued most integrated into the core frequent flyer program. This will remove program complexity and the overlapping eligibility requirements of these sub-programs. With the retirement of Green Tier, the airline will consider new ways to reward members who make sustainable choices when they fly. Points Club and Green Tier will be phased out gradually from late 2026.
Single Status Credit targets
With Status Credit roll over and expanded earning opportunities on the ground, the program will also move to a single Status Credit target for each tier. For example, Gold status will require 700 Status Credits annually (previously 700 to attain and 600 to retain). The removal of these separate attain and retain requirements will be introduced in 2027.
An improved digital experience
Launching next month, a new search tool on qantas.com will display Classic Reward seat inventory on Qantas and 30 partner airlines in seconds. Members will be able to search millions of seats by destination and cabin type over a 12-month booking period.
Guru’s Wrap-up
Qantas is proving that loyalty program updates don’t always have to be a race to the bottom. By introducing status rollovers and non-flying earning methods, they are making a real improvement for members. The upcoming award seat tool is also interesting as it could make it easier to find awards.
There is some bad news, as loyal members will lose their discount for maintaining status. But overall it looks like a positive refresh.
