Qantas extends frequent flyer status for a full year

Qantas Frequent Flyers grounded by the coronavirus get to keep their shiny status and perks for another year.

By David Flynn, March 18 2020
Qantas extends frequent flyer status for a full year

Qantas will allow Silver, Gold, Platinum and Platinum One frequent flyers to retain their prized status through to as far as 2022, even if they don't set foot on an airplane, through a one-off 'coronavirus status extension' program.

The move recognises the reality of vastly reduced flying by many of the airline's most loyal customers due to the impact of coronavirus-related travel restrictions and the airline's own drastically down-sized network, which from late March will see all international flights suspended.

While the coronavirus has clipped the wings of most business travellers, Qantas says their status "will automatically be extended for 12 months."

Qantas Frequent Flyers with a membership year anniversary date between March 2020 and February 2021 will automatically retain their current status for the subsequent 12 months.

How Qantas status extentions will work

Membership years ending between March and June 2020 will see status their extended by 27 March 2020, while membership years between July 2020 and February 2021 will have status automatically extended by 9 April 2020.

In both cases, a full 12 months will be added to the expiry date of their current status.

The gratis status offer also encompasses members who have received a complimentary Gold membership, or complimentary Platinum membership from a Platinum One member.

Qantas is also waiving the need for members to clock up four Qantas flights in order to retain their status.

Climbing the ladder

However, if you do still have some Qantas travel in your near-future, the status credits earned on that flight will go towards nudging you up to the next tier – such as from Silver to Gold, or Gold to Platinum – and you'll also be eligible for the usual loyalty bonus with every 500 status credits you earn.

In addition, Qantas says it plans to offer status credits "through a series of new offers from our program partners. This will allow you to earn Status Credits across the Qantas Frequent Flyer program in addition to flying."

Individual QFF members will be advised by email of the special status extension provisions over the coming days.

Qantas' move follows similar frequent flyer-friendly initiatives by Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways, Finnair and Aeroflot, while other airlines are reducing the threshold for customers to retain their current status level.

For more details on Qantas' frequent flyer status extention, click through to qantas.com/status-extension.

David

David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.

14 Oct 2016

Total posts 105

Fantastic move, well done Qantas

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

22 Jan 2015

Total posts 71

Let's hope the Roo can get through this! See you onboard, sometime.

05 May 2016

Total posts 624

Received an email advising of the extension. It is good news.

What will it mean for SCs at the anniversary date? Will QF still reset those or will one have up to two years to get the required SCs?

28 Jul 2018

Total posts 22

I have the same question.

It's not clear in the email.

In addition, while you're spending less time in the air, we'll be keeping Status Credits within reach through a series of new offers from our program partners. This will allow you to earn Status Credits across the Qantas Frequent Flyer program in addition to flying. You'll be hearing about the first of these offers very soon.

10 Jul 2018

Total posts 105

Qantas have a page answering some questions:

Can my current Status Credits be carried forward to my next Membership Year?

No. Any Status Credits you have earned so far in this Membership Year will reset at your current Membership Year end date.

28 Jul 2018

Total posts 22

Thank you. I just saw it. That means this is not going to help at all. I had to cancel my flights to covert in to credit vouchers. I'm shy of 95 SC for Golf. Even my work trips got cancelled with Qantas. Is there a way I could solve my issue?

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

07 Feb 2015

Total posts 150

My current status year will end in April and I've already reached the requirement for platinum for May 2020 - April 2021, does this mean my platinum will now be extended to April 2022?

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

07 Feb 2015

Total posts 150

It's alright I've already answered my own questions. Just found this through a link in the email Qantas just sent out:

What happens if I've already retained my status, will it still be extended by 12 months?
No. If you've already retained your status then you will automatically enjoy your current benefits for the rest of your Membership Year another 12 months. Status extension will not apply.

This is a shame as all of my affected flights are from May onwards which I was going to us to help retain my status for the following year. But looks like that's all gone and I won't be able to retain the status :(

Agi
Agi

18 Mar 2020

Total posts 1

That's unlucky for you! Did you receive an email from Qantas saying you'd get extended?

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

07 Feb 2015

Total posts 150

Yes I did get the generic email last night, but once you read the details through the provided link, it is clear it won't really benefit me directly. But still, good on Qantas for the initiative as many will benefit from it. I hope they will provide more support down the track to help flyers like me to retain our status.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

06 Oct 2015

Total posts 13

I have the same question it's unclear

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

18 Mar 2020

Total posts 4

I have a similar situation as jianga above. My current status year will end 31 Mar 2020, and I have earned sufficient status credits for the coming year till Mar 2021 already. It is the folliwing uear which I am concerned with as there would be much reduced travelling for the coming months for sure!!!! Will Qantas automatically extend the status for another year till Mar 2022??

28 Jul 2018

Total posts 22

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

07 Feb 2015

Total posts 150

This is also on that page. I guest it has also answered my other questions. Again good on Qantas for the initiative but it won't benefit some of us this time :(

My membership anniversary date is in March 2020, so while the extension will take my membership year to March 2021, I still may not be able to fly for much of this year. Will Qantas consider additional support to help me retain next year?
The situation is constantly evolving, as is our response. We will review whether additional support is required closer to the time.

If I booked a flight under the February 2020 Double Status Credits offer and I am no longer travelling, will Qantas honour the Qantas Points and Status Credit earn?
No. Qantas Points and Status Credits will only be awarded for eligible flights flown.

28 Jul 2018

Total posts 22

I had to cancel 200 SC worth of flights. For me the loss is significant. With the travel ban I'll never be able to get into the next tier. Status extension is useless for me.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

01 Nov 2016

Total posts 129

Jianga and Tweety2004 am in the same situation as both of you. Regardless Qantas have done the right thing for many that unfortunately can't fly. Good move and well done Qantas.

28 Jul 2018

Total posts 22

But all my status credits. will expire on APR 30. I need very few SC to step into the next tier level. Status extension will be useless for me.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

22 Nov 2019

Total posts 81

Olivia has sent out her letter in haste without a proof read by Alan. As far as I read the announcement All FF receive twelve months extension, period. Nowhere does it state if you have already retained your status and are still to enter your actual membership year you are Not entitled to an additional twelve months.

The executive office will certainly be fielding many emails regarding this millenial blunder.

28 Jul 2018

Total posts 22

Please take a look at the chart. For me the extension is useless.

https://www.qantas.com/au/en/frequent-flyer/status-and-clubs/status/status-extension.html

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

21 Jan 2014

Total posts 320

I am in the same boat as many previous comments, End May anniversary for me, already achieved status this year anyway which covers the next 12 months post May 31, so nothing of value in this announcement.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

22 Nov 2019

Total posts 81

Qantas needs to be transparent in the shock and awe email Olivia has sent, not expect people to then divert to Web for the fine print. Typical over zealous millenial wanting to click that send button without having another reading the letter before sending. Alan will choke on his Bollinger and Comte cheese and lavosh when he reads what she has sent out.

25 Feb 2015

Total posts 57

Credit where credit is due (ironically, in regard to STATUS credit). Well done Qantas. This is an incredibly applaudable decision.

P
P

17 Jan 2018

Total posts 84

Zero value to me. I retained platinum 3 months back until May 2021. 20 years as platinum and i still get nothing! Plus i am Singapore based so even more challenging past and present! They need to consider people that dont fit the standard profile.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

26 May 2014

Total posts 468

Life Gold, for the life of the customer or the life of the airline? Now the later is starting to look decidedly uncertain.

Joe
Joe

03 May 2013

Total posts 669

Now that's what you call an 'enhancement' Olivia and Alan ;). Can save my money this year and not have to worry about SC's anymore get to treat myself to a proper airline like SQ or QR in J or F(although will still have work travel domestically with QF). Now just take this opportunity of quiet to get the crap food in F and J right, shambolic priority boarding and priority baggage handling right and you may just have a true world class airline when things rebound.

QF

04 Apr 2014

Total posts 209

As expected, and appreciated.

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1424

Not sure it is a full year. Mine expires in November and it seems I get four months to April. Won't make much difference to me. I would need a full year assuming flying is dark in 2021

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1424

Oops I misread the email they are staggering the processing of extensions but not the extensions themselves so I have until Nov 2021 to get to renew my platinum. Hopefully I can move this year's flights to next year.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

05 Oct 2016

Total posts 90

That's rubbish! I just reached retain platinum prior to my year ending in Feb 2020 - how do they think I'm now going to "enjoy my retained status" when they're not even flying?? Let alone enough flights to retain it for next year.

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1424

MKSH I think yours will be extended to Feb 2022

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

05 Oct 2016

Total posts 90

Yeah sorry for mouthing off! I just read it again and I think you're right. I have received the email from them too so guess that confirms it! Apologies :)

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

25 Sep 2013

Total posts 1244

I don't think that's how the extension works.

OWF
OWF

06 Oct 2018

Total posts 12

I'm gearing up for crazy flying in 2021 to fully support Qantas.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

09 Jun 2017

Total posts 51

I think that I will be like many others. Anniversary date 31st August. 760 status credits earned before being grounded in February. Unlikely to get the remaining 440 before the end of August and fully accepting that I would be heading back to Gold. Thanks Qantas for this nice gesture.

I feel for the Qantas staff (and airline staff world-wide) as they are the ones that will really be suffering during this difficult time. These are people who do their best to make our travels safe and comfortable. I think we should all think about that rather than if we sit in a First Class lounge or somewhere less grand. I only hope that we can get back to some form of normality soon.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

01 Nov 2016

Total posts 129

Spot on. First world problems on which lounge we are going to sit in. The uncertainty facing the airline and travel industry as a whole is very sad.

MHG
MHG

21 Apr 2017

Total posts 17

Well done to Qantas for this, they did the same when SARS was active.

Good for me as my end is Oct20. At the moment I have flights booked from June on to the value of 1400SC, and all will have to be cancelled. I needed most of these to retain Platinum, and Qantas has shown that FF are a valuable asset.

11 Mar 2017

Total posts 7

I am in Singapore now flying back on Monday (at this stage still showing as going). This flight will get me to Platinum for the first time - currently on 1300 status. I have not received a personal email about an extension, but wondering if they will take into account the fact I will make Platinum before my anniversary (31/05) and extend for additional year. I believe I would get a soft landing back to gold anyway after my year as a P so another year of Gold is a given. Is that right? Anyone know how that may work for me?

Etihad - Etihad Guest

01 Feb 2019

Total posts 4

Well done Qantas.

I was worried that I had burnt all the goodness I was going to get from crazily booking so many flights on the Double Status Promotion end of Feb 2020. I feel deeply for you and your staff in these unprecedented times. :-(

I work in live events/conferences industry and have lost all our work for at least the next 6 months. Lots of pain out there for everyone, but feeling a bit more loved by this decision, recognition for all the years of having Qantas fly me and my staff & equipment safely around the country and the world. I love being a happy QFF.

To all the whingers, seriously, be happy if you have a job going forward. Maybe you should be giving away some of your hard-won QFF entitlements to the 20000 stood down, Unpaid Qantas staff!

28 Jul 2018

Total posts 22

Qantas made truck loads of profits in the last 10 years. They should given their 20K staff paid leaves. They were the ones who worked so hard for the success of Qantas.

Customers who're either whinging or complaining are the one who spent their hard earned money on Qantas flights, sticked to one Airline, being loyal to Qantas so that thy could earn their perks and benefits through that.

They are all personal flights. Therefore they are non tax deductible. Therefore it's certainly a loss for those people.

Times are crazy at the moment. When things become normal, they'll be the first ones to use Qantas again.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

14 Oct 2012

Total posts 43

Thank you Qantas. I cant believe the number of people whinging about this; wanting special exceptions. Get over it. They've made a significant decision which helps the majority of people in a time when they are trying to keep the company afloat. There's always people who say they are a 'special case'. I'll be thankful if the company is still operating after this crisis.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

21 Jan 2014

Total posts 320

Heathcor I am not whinging about this, my point is don't send me an email saying you are extending my status for 12 months when they are clearly not, it's just not factual, you can't give something to someone they already had. Now is not the time to have marketing departments pumping out the spin, they should have waited for a proper review and taken a more measured and tailored response to their customers needs.

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1424

GBRGB as I mentioned above I also misread the email and as I now see it they are staggering the processing of extensions but not the extensions themselves so I have until Nov 2021 to get to renew my platinum. Hopefully I can move this year's flights to next year. They are extending my status for 12 months so I will have platinum for more than 18 months now, and that time to build up 1000 status credits (I already have 200).

Does this mean that a number of people will actually go up a status tier? In my own situation, my "status year" ends at the end of March (albeit now march 2021 rather than 2020). I have 650 status points at the moment, so I was already on track to retain gold from March 2020. Now that it is extended until 2021, - if I earn another 750 points between march 2020 and march 2021 will the original 650 points I currently have be retained to i get to platinum? Or does it reset to zero despite the fact that status tier itself continues?

28 Jul 2018

Total posts 22

Your status credits with expire on the 31st of March. You will not have any benefit from the extension of status.

I got an email from qantas saying it will be extended automatically for 12 months. What i am unclear about is, what is being extended - the status tier itself, or the status credits.?

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1424

The status tier is extended so I think you will go to March 2022 but it will zero fro March 2020 so you have nearly two years to get another 650 but practically (with the shutdown) it will be 12-18 months.

28 Jul 2018

Total posts 22

HI Partickk,

Not until 2022. Only until 2021.

There is a chart available here on the FAQ page.

https://www.qantas.com/au/en/frequent-flyer/status-and-clubs/status/status-extension.html

28 Jul 2018

Total posts 22

https://www.qantas.com/au/en/frequent-flyer/status-and-clubs/status/status-extension.html

What happens if I've already retained my status, will it still be extended by 12 months?
No. If you've already retained your status then you will automatically enjoy your current benefits for the rest of your Membership Year for another 12 months. Status extension will not apply.

Can my current Status Credits be carried forward to my next Membership Year?
No. Any Status Credits you have earned so far in this Membership Year will reset at your current Membership Year end date.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

06 Oct 2015

Total posts 13

It is rubbish for those who have already attained platinum for the membership year

It will be a struggle since two months of the year they aren't even flying and there are company imposed travel bans. It seems that those who have supported and continued to fly with a membership year that is around now just haven't been considered

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1424

Neilc it is for the next membership year. So mine is November and it is now extended to November 2021. When the planes are back in the air 12-15 months of flying. Not sure why you think it is less.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

06 Oct 2015

Total posts 13

I don't get an extension because I've already made platinum with my membership year is up in April

So with the current turmoil It will be harder for me to make platinum again by April 2021

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1424

Neilc I think you will find it is April 2022. If it is not then it is certainly worth a chat.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

18 Mar 2020

Total posts 4

I wish but I don't think so as for the time being, my understanding is that they will extend to Feb 2022 at the most. Hope I am wrong!!

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

06 Oct 2015

Total posts 13

Not per the guidance on the website Patrickk

As I have made status it will only be extended for another 12 months

11 Mar 2017

Total posts 7

I just made Platinum today and is showing only to end of my membership year May 21, so no extension that I can see and many months of no ability to use any benefit.

On another note the Qantas staff were excellent on the flight - SIN-MEL in J - even though they are facing time off with/without pay for the foreseeable future and their industry in a devastating situation.

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1424

Husko I think it is well worth giving them a call to see if they can do a manual extension as it I'll be only for a few months at best

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

06 Oct 2015

Total posts 13

this was QFF response - no mention of an extension since I already have retained status. Of course it will already by extended since I have made status this year.

Thank you for contacting the Qantas Frequent Flyer Service Centre.

With regards to your membership, we know and understand that your travel plans have been affected with the unprecedented impacts of Coronavirus which continue to evolve on a daily basis. We appreciate the need for flexibility during this time and the importance of preserving the travel benefits that you've earned through your loyalty to Qantas.

To give you one less thing to worry about right now, as your membership anniversary falls 30th of April 2020, I can confirm that your Frequent Flyer status of Platinum will automatically be extended for 12 months and it will reflect in your account on April. To find more information and for the terms and conditions of Status Extension, please visit qantas.com/statusextension.

We also understand that given the flight network changes in place that you may have had travel booked. If you do have travel booked, we are offering all customers departing up to and including 31 May 2020, the option to cancel your flight. We will hold the value of your ticket as a credit voucher. You are able to request this online, and you must take action by 31st of March 2020 by visiting Qantas.com, and selecting 'Manage Booking'. You will also be able to find via qantas.com updates on how to cancel and how to convert your booking into a credit voucher.

We have also launched our new Points Club program to reward our members who earn predominantly on the ground and through everyday purchases and activities. Whether you're strolling to work or paying your energy bills, there are lots of ways to unlock more Qantas Points. More information can be found at qantas.com/pointsclub

We're encouraging you during this time to keep your points balance active by continuing to earn and redeem points, this is to ensure your points don't expire during this period.

We value and thank you for your continued loyalty to Qantas and trust that this has brought some peace of mind amidst the changes we are all experiencing at the moment.

Qantas

19 Apr 2012

Total posts 1424

Neilc82 well worth giving them a call as the cut off date is quite arbitrary.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

16 Nov 2017

Total posts 9

For those of us who have already retained our status, it would be nice for QFF just to deduct the SC's needed to retain that level and carry forward the balance into the next year. This sounds fair to me.

11 Mar 2017

Total posts 7

Thanks patrickk will give them a call next month when it is past the 27 March sweep. At the end of the day status extension to those who reach a certain status within their anniversary date should get an additional 12 months from anniversary = 12 (qualified) + 12. If I had reached a certain status a few weeks before the announcement I would have an additional 12 months at that status on top of the current years achieved status?

I'm probably not alone with getting perceived negative value from my investment in travel with Qantas in the last 10 months.

Am I missing something?

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

06 Oct 2015

Total posts 13

Nothing at all. It's my exact issue. Some people may of not made status and now have been gifted status, whereas those that have earned it in the membership period get nothing

11 Mar 2017

Total posts 7

Thanks neilc82, that's how I see it in terms of the status "extension" offer

Yes, there are people with bigger issues including the whole travel and airline industry ATM (and maybe my family and friends at any stage in the future) but I would think this forum is appropriate for this type of discussion

28 Jul 2018

Total posts 22

Hi Neile82,

Spot on! Qantas should have taken time to consider all aspected and then come up with a plan that would have benefited all.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

06 May 2016

Total posts 33

Thank you QANTAS - even though I have just maintained my Gold status so will not be directly affected, I appreciate the genuine move you have made. It seems to be the most generous of all airlines detailed in this article. Although not directly related to this article, we flew from London on QF1 arriving in Sydney on 17th March, and it was the best flight ever. On both legs, even though the crew were under pressure of not knowing their immediate future, they were absolutely amazing - pleasant, professional, personal and extremely co-operative. Congratulations to all concerned.

08 Apr 2020

Total posts 2

I'd say I'm in the 1% category here, but thought worth sharing:

Gold QFF member, with a renewal date of June 2020.

I already retained Gold some 8 months ago, and was on for Platinum.

Booked Business Class trip on Double Credits for late May trip, which was going to nudge me over the line and into Platinum just a few weeks within my renewal anniversary.

Now my flight has been cancelled, the Status extension has no benefit to me (as I already retained this months back), and Qantas's position on this is "tough luck". They also want to give me a credit and not a refund, where the only reason the flight was booked was to get the Platinum.

Look, I get it - the world is in a tricky place right now, but would at least have expected they would:

A) Honor the status upgrade based on flights booked within the renewal period.
B) Extend the membership Anniversary to after they can fulfill flights
C) Al least give me my cash back that was in my pocket.

Thoughts / anyone got any suggestions?

Many companies are extending product warranties that expire in this period..

28 Jul 2018

Total posts 22

Well said. I'm in the same boat. Exactly my point too.

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

22 Nov 2019

Total posts 81

Yes agreed, Qantas are not extending or rewarding those who have invested in their status to gain prior to anniversary year. This is actually illegal and not fulfilling contract. Stand by Slater and Gordon have been approached for class action for those qff members effected and told to Nick off. Stay tuned I'm sure Alan will fix prior to suit

08 Apr 2020

Total posts 2

I know people may think "just get over it", but for the amount of personal sacrifice I have given up, through flying about 50 flights a year to get there, you would think they would maybe consider the fallout from committed flyers.

Like others I had earned enough status credits last year to retain my Platinum status until 30 April 2021. So because I spent the money to fly with Qantas and earned the status credits I am not eligible for the complimentary status extension.


I have so far had two international and two domestic trips cancelled and expect at least one other international trip will be cancelled all of which would have extended my Platinum status until April 2022. When all of this ends it will be too late to extend my status with flights before my membership renewal date next year, which will send me back to Gold.


Maybe Qantas needs to look at what bookings people had before this all began and extend on the basis of lost flight bookings not just the vague possibility of status credits not obtained (given that a lot of people wouldn't have flown with them anyway).

09 May 2020

Total posts 1

After reading all the details the 12 month extension will only apply to those who were unable to retain their status between 2019 to 2020 which are people who did not support Qantas by spending the money to fly,

As such who did support Qantas and spend the money on flights to retain their status it seems to me Qantas don't care about them, as l reach 850 status credit points Nov 2019 my membership expired May 2020 due to covid-19 had to cancel flights unable to increase status points so as May 2021 l have to start from square one,

The fair way to do this extension would be to extend 12 months without the loss of status credits, all people who have retained there status keep all all their credits till their membership expiry 2021

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

06 Oct 2015

Total posts 13

Totally agree

Someone who hasn't flew at all this would retain status whilst those like you and I who have , would effectively be penalised

28 Jul 2018

Total posts 22

I've called Qantas a few times. I explained them that I flew only Qantas throughout the year. There were several domestic and international flights that I flew in past 12 months. I have been loyal to them. I told them I could have flown cheaper flights. But I chose to fly Qantas because I'm a big fan of Qantas and I wanted to keep moving to the next tiers. They told me about the status extension. I told them it doesn't help me in any way because I have already achieved number of SCs needed for the current tier and the 12 month extension is only until Apr 2021. I asked them for a 6 to 12 month Status Credit expiry extension. But they hung up on me each time when they said they will discuss with their supervisor and get back to me. Finally there was a gentleman who pickup my call understood the issue. He told me he will give me a call back to resolve my issue. but it's been 10 days. No calls. Never expected this would happen with Qantas. I have learned my lesson.


Hi Guest, join in the discussion on Qantas extends frequent flyer status for a full year