Finder.com.au
Credit Card Finder Comparison Service Australia

Complete Guide: Qantas Frequent Flyer Points Rewards Program

Posted May 15th, 2010 and last modified December 28th, 2011
Earn More while Shopping. Earn as many points as you can for Qantas Frequent Flyer rewards. Shop at stores that are affiliated with this rewards program. Earn More while Shopping. Earn as many points as you can for Qantas Frequent Flyer rewards. Shop at stores that are affiliated with this rewards program.

The Qantas Frequent Flyer rewards program provides some amazing benefits to members. If you are thinking of joining the program then this guide is for you. We discuss the primary elements of the Frequent Flyer program, from earning points to the best way of spending them.

The Basics

To enjoy the benefits of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program you need to gather more points. You can earn Qantas Frequent Flyer points in a variety of ways. The most obvious method is to take more flights which qualify for points. But there are lots of points earning opportunities on the ground as well. Qantas Frequent Flyer members can receive points when they shop at any of the over 400 partners’ stores, ranging from supermarkets to cafes and restaurants. This includes the banks as partners to the program, since they issue special airline reward credit cards. These credit cards can accumulate Qantas Frequent Flyer points every time you purchase something through the card. Certain participating retailers and stores will even provide bonus points on these credit cards. This is one particular way to really accelerate point gathering, by using a direct earn credit card to shop in a Qantas partner store to gain dual points, both from the card issuer and the partner store.Membership in the program is tiered, with new members starting out at the Bronze Frequent Flyer level.

Table of Contents: Guide to Qantas Frequent Flyer Points Rewards Program

As you gain more airline miles in travel your membership status get elevated to Silver, then Gold, and finally to Platinum Frequent Flyer status. As you can guess, the Gold and Platinum level members enjoy extra benefits such as access to exclusive lounges, priority check-ins, preferred seating, extra baggage allowance, membership in the Qantas Club, and higher reward points per flight. Once you’ve collected enough Frequent Flyer points you can use them to buy a new flight (including Qantas & Partners Classic Awards or Qantas & Jetstar Any Seat Awards) or upgrade an existing booking to a better travel class. Points can also be redeemed for gift or travel vouchers as well as thousands of other items, ranging from electronics to sporting gear, at the Qantas Frequent Flyer store. If you’re a little short on the requisite number of points, the store allows for Points Plus Pay method of payment. Once a year you may also top-up your Frequent Flyer points by purchasing them or making a family transfer from another account.

Member Benefits and Privileges

We have talked about the varying levels of membership in the Qantas Frequent Flyer program. Higher status levels imply greater benefits for the members. The following table provides detailed information about the privileges enjoyed by every level of members above the Bronze level.Member Status Privileges

Privilege Silver Gold Platinum
Status bonus 25% points
bonus
50% points
bonus
100% points
bonus
Qantas Club entitlements One complimentary
invitation
Complimentary
membership
Complimentary
membership
Complimentary Gold membership for your partner - - At 2,100 Status
credits in one
membership year
Priority check-in (regardless of the class you’re flying) Qantas Club/Business counters Qantas Club/Business counters Qantas Club/Business/First counters
Priority waitlist/Airport standby Yes Yes Yes
Checked baggage allowance – Qantas international Extra 10kg or
on USA flights, one extra piece
Extra 10kg or
on USA flights, one extra piece
Extra 15kg or
on USA flights, one extra piece
Checked baggage allowance – Qantas Australian domestic Extra 10kgs Extra 10kgs Extra 15kgs
Priority baggage - Yes Yes plus First class baggage tags on international flights
Advance Seat Selection Yes Yes, with a range of preferential options Yes, with a range of preferential options
Preferred seating Yes Yes Yes
On Departure upgrades within Qantas Club lounges. - Yes Yes
Priority Economy Seat Purchase - - Yes
Priority telephone reservation service Yes Yes Yes
Membership baggage tags Yes Yes Yes

Since Qantas is part of the oneworld alliance, Frequent Flyer members also get to enjoy similar benefits from the oneworld alliance programs. They have their own tiered structure of membership levels, a Ruby, Sapphire or Emerald level, as indicated by the symbol on your oneworld card. The following tables show the equivalence between the status levels in the two programs, and the benefits accorded to members in each level:

Qantas Frequent Flyer status
oneworld status
Bronze
-
Silver
Ruby
Gold
Sapphire
Platinum
Emerald
Privileges when travelling on oneworld alliance airlines
oneworld privilege
Ruby
Sapphire
Emerald
Access to oneworld alliance airline lounges
-
Business lounges
Business/First lounges
Priority check-in (regardless of the class you are flying)
Business counters
Business counters
Business/First counters
Priority waitlist/Airport standby
Yes
Yes
Yes
Preferred boarding
-
Yes
Yes
Preferred seating
Yes
Yes
Yes

Status Credits

Now that you know the additional benefits and privileges owed to members of higher status, you must be interested in the details of how to move up status levels. The answer lies in the number of your status credits. The more status credit you earn the higher your status level will be. Status credits are a measure of how frequently you fly with Qantas and participating airlines, and how far. They alone determine what level of membership you qualify for. It is important to note that status credits are completely separate from Qantas Frequent Flyer points. The only relationship between them is the loyalty bonus, which is the bonus 5,000 Frequent Flyer points you get every time you earn 450 more status credits.If you would like to know how many status credits you will earn in your next flight you may use the points calculator. The following table provides similar information:

Status credits earned per one-way flight
Zone One-Way Miles Discount Economy Economy/Premium Economy Business First
1 0-600 10 20 40 60
2 601-1,200 15 30 60 90
3 1,201-2,400 20 40 80 120
4 2,401-3,600 25 50 100 150
5 3,601-4,800 30 60 120 180
6 4,801-5,800 35 70 140 210
7 5,801-7,000 40 80 160 240
8 7,001-8,400 45 90 180 270
9 8,401-9,600 50 100 200 300
10 9,601-15,000 60 120 240 360

As soon as a member gains the required number of status credits they will automatically qualify for the next level of Frequent Flyer status, and start enjoying status privileges. Status promotions also require a minimum of four eligible flights (Qantas or Jetstar) undertaken in the membership year. Any status changes remain valid for the next year, after which the number of status credits are reset to zero. To retain those status benefits members need to earn the status credits every year. The following table shows you the exact number of status credits to qualify for, and retain each level of membership in the program.

Status credit thresholds for Qantas Frequent Flyer membership

Silver
Gold
Platinum
Qualify
Retain
Qualify
Retain
Qualify
Retain
350
300
700
600
1,400
1,200

If the system of status credits being reset to zero every year sounds too harsh, then you would be glad to know of the lifetime recognition option. Qantas will keep track of the total number of status credits earned on any member account, and once the required lifetime level is reached the account will permanently achieve that status level, no matter how often they fly thereafter. The following table shows how many status credits you need for lifetime recognition:

Status credits required for lifetime recognition
Silver 7,000
Gold 14,000

Platinum level Privileges

Platinum Frequent Flyers get to enjoy the maximum benefits of the program. Here is a list of the extra benefits and privileges that belong to Platinum members:

  • Members earn 100% points bonus – All Qantas Frequent Flyers (starting from Bronze level) earn points when they fly on eligible Qantas or partner flights. Points bonus is the extra points gained by Silver members and above. In the case of the Platinum members they get twice as many points per flight as Bronze level members.
  • Qantas Club membership – All Platinum members can get complimentary access to Qantas Club.
  • If any platinum member earns 2,100 status credits in one membership year, they can add their partner to a Gold level membership for free.
  • No matter what travel class you are flying, you can enjoy priority check-ins at Business or First counters, and Qantas Club counters where available.
  • Platinum members can have an extra 15kg baggage allowance on Qantas flights.
  • Members can purchase Priority economy seat for themselves, and on behalf of one other person.
  • On some Qantas flights you can get to choose your preferred seat from a range of options.
  • Extra baggage benefits such as priority baggage, and First class baggage tags on International flights.
  • Get instant On Departure Upgrades on Qantas flights.
  • Platinum members also enjoy oneworld Emerald status and all the associated benefits.

Gold level Privileges

Gold Frequent Flyers also get to enjoy most of the benefits of the program. Here is a list of the extra benefits and privileges that belong to Gold members:

  • Members earn 50% points bonus – All Qantas Frequent Flyers (starting from Bronze level) earn points when they fly on eligible Qantas or partner flights. Points bonus is the extra points gained by Silver members and above. In the case of the Gold members they get 50% points in bonus per flight.
  • Qantas Club membership – All Gold members can get complimentary access to Qantas Club.
  • No matter what travel class you are flying, you can enjoy priority check-ins at Business or Qantas Club counters.
  • Gold members can have an extra 10kg baggage allowance on Qantas flights.
  • On some Qantas flights you can get to choose your preferred seat from a range of options.
  • Extra baggage benefits such as priority baggage, and Gold membership baggage tags on International flights (the first time you qualify for a Gold status).
  • Get instant On Departure Upgrades on Qantas flights.
  • Gold members also enjoy oneworld Sapphire status and all the associated benefits.

Silver level Privileges

Silver Frequent Flyers start receiving the extra benefits of the program. Here is a list of the extra benefits and privileges that belong to Silver members:

  • Members earn 25% points bonus – All Qantas Frequent Flyers (starting from Bronze level) earn points when they fly on eligible Qantas or partner flights. Points bonus is the extra points gained by Silver members and above. In the case of the Silver members they get 25% points in bonus per flight.
  • Qantas Club invitation – All Silver members receive a complimentary invitation for a single visit to the Qantas Club.
  • No matter what travel class you are flying, you can enjoy priority check-ins at Business or Qantas Club counters.
  • Silver members can have an extra 10kg baggage allowance on Qantas flights.
  • They receive priority phone reservation services, as well as priority airport stand-by services.
  • Gold members also enjoy oneworld Ruby status and all the associated benefits.

Qantas tools for Frequent Flyers

Qantas makes a lot of tools – online and otherwise – available to their customers and members of the Frequent Flyer program. In demonstration of their commitment to the customer, they provide greater flexibility and choice in all aspects of the reward program. Here are a few areas where you see the customer commitment of Qantas put to practice:

  • Getting in contact – Managing your Qantas Frequent Flyer account is made as easy as possible. You can access your account online from any location to book a flight or see your account details. If you prefer to speak to someone over the phone, you can always call the Qantas Frequent Flyer Service Centre.
  • Fast response times – Every time you make a query over the phone or via fax, it will be answered within 10 working days. Any request made online will be actioned within a month. Qantas Frequent Flyer Service Centres are fully staffed and always ready for customers, in most cases you call will be answered within 60 seconds.
  • Earning more points – Qantas makes it easy for customers to collect more points. Use the online calculator to see how many points you can earn with every flight. Couple your spending with a Qantas Frequent Flyer partner to receive accelerated points.
  • Do more with your points – Members have an ever increasing set of options when it comes to redeeming their points. You can book a seat from Qantas and Partners Classic Awards, Qantas and Jetstar Any Seat Awards, or combine the two. You can also choose from 1,300 products and gift/travel vouchers from the Qantas Frequent Flyer Store. Members can also use Points Plus Pay at the Store or even when paying for flight bookings. Finally, points can be used for Flight Upgrades, or for Qantas Club membership.
  • Stay current – Qantas will notify customers with all the latest special deals and exclusive bargain offers from the hundreds of partner stores and institutions.

This concludes our guide. Hopefully you have received a comprehensive snapshot of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program. If you need more information about earning reward points, or making the best use of collected Frequent Flyer points, please consult our dedicated guides on those topics.

Compare Qantas Frequent Flyer Credit Cards

  Interest Rate (p.a.) Balance Transfer Rate (p.a.) Annual fee Cash Advance Rate (p.a.)  
ANZ Frequent Flyer
ANZ Frequent Flyer
Earn 1 point per $1 spent on AMEX, and 1 point per $2 spent on Visa 19.74% $95 20.99% Apply Now For The ANZ Frequent Flyer Read More About The ANZ Frequent Flyer
Westpac Earth Platinum Cards
Westpac Earth Platinum Cards
Earn 1.5 Qantas Frequent Flyer Points for every dollar you spend on your American Express Card and 0.5 points for every $1 spent on your MasterCard Earth Card. 19.99% 0.99% for 6 months $250 21.49% Apply Now For The Westpac Earth Platinum Cards Read More About The Westpac Earth Platinum Cards
American Express Qantas Premium Card
American Express Qantas Premium Card
The Qantas American Express Premium card was designed to allow you to fly in style. Receive Qantas Club invitations, earn 1.25 QFF points for every $1 spent and benefit from included travel insurance. 20.74% $249 20.99% Apply Now For The American Express Qantas Premium Card Read More About The American Express Qantas Premium Card
Westpac Earth Gold Card
Westpac Earth Gold Card
From the highly awarded Earth range from Westpac, the Earth Gold will give you added benefits of complimentary travel insurance, purchase security insurance and extended warranty cover on your purchases. 19.99% 0.99% for 6 months $125 21.49% Apply Now For The Westpac Earth Gold Card Read More About The Westpac Earth Gold Card
Westpac Earth Classic
Westpac Earth Classic
The Westpac Earth is the entry-level card in the Westpac Earth credit card range. Earn up to 1.5 Qantas Frequent Flyer points per $1 spent. 19.99% 0.99% for 6 months $75 21.49% Apply Now For The Westpac Earth Classic Read More About The Westpac Earth Classic
Westpac Earth Platinum Cards
Westpac Earth Platinum Cards
The card with the greatest Qantas Frequent Flyer points earning potential from Westpac, receiving a 5 star Cannex rating. Earn 1.5 QFF points per $1 spent on your AMEX, 0.5 per $1 with your Visa. 19.99% 0.99% for 6 months $250 21.49% Apply Now For The Westpac Earth Platinum Cards Read More About The Westpac Earth Platinum Cards
ANZ Frequent Flyer Platinum American Express/Visa
ANZ Frequent Flyer Platinum American Express/Visa

Earn 1.5 Frequent Flyer points for every $1 spent on your American Express card, and 1 point for every $2 spent on your Visa. Uncapped Frequent Flyer earnings. Complimentary International travel & medical insurance.

19.74% $295 20.99% Apply Now For The ANZ Frequent Flyer Platinum American Express/Visa Read More About The ANZ Frequent Flyer Platinum American Express/Visa
American Express Qantas Classic Card
American Express Qantas Classic Card
The American Express Qantas Classic Card is one of the best rewards credit cards to earn Qantas Frequent Flyer points on as you can earn 1 points per $1 on purchases. 20.49% $149 20.99% Apply Now For The American Express Qantas Classic Card Read More About The American Express Qantas Classic Card

Image source: long room

Check out today's featured offers:

Westpac Low Rate Citibank Clear Platinum Qantas AMEX Discovery ANZ Platinum
Westpac Low Rate Card St George Vertigo American Express Qantas Discovery Card ANZ Platinum Credit Card

0% p.a. for 6 months

on purchases & balance transfers

2.9% p.a. for 12 months
on balance transfers

$0 annual fee

Up to 10,000 Bonus QFF Points

0% p.a. for 6 months on

purchases & balance transfers

Subscribe to our newsletter and get "The Ultimate Guide to Balance Transfers"

If You Like This Post...

Get all the latest deals, guides and loopholes go in Credit Card Finder's free bi-monthly email. Don't miss out - join the thousands who get it emailed!

We Respect Your Privacy

Ask A Question

Please note: Question moderation is enabled and may delay your question.
There is no need to resubmit your question. Once approved, your question will be public and appear on this page.

Popular Credit Card Offers

  Interest Rate (p.a.) Balance Transfer Rate (p.a.) Annual fee Cash Advance Rate (p.a.)  
Westpac Low Rate Card - 0% Offer
Westpac Low Rate Card - 0% Offer
A credit card with a low rate offer on both balance transfers and purchases, plus a low annual fee.0% for 6 months (reverts to 13.49% )0% for 6 months$4521.49%Apply Now For The Westpac Low Rate Card - 0% Offer Read More About The Westpac Low Rate Card - 0% Offer
Citibank Clear Platinum Card
Citibank Clear Platinum Card
Competitive interest rate on purchases and balance transfers offer.11.99% 2.9% for 12 months$9921.74%Apply Now For The Citibank Clear Platinum Card Read More About The Citibank Clear Platinum Card
St George Vertigo
St George Vertigo
Take advantage of this great offer from St.George with a low rate on purchases and a low balance transfer offer.13.24% 0.99% for 12 months$5521.49%Apply Now For The St George Vertigo Read More About The St George Vertigo
ANZ Platinum Credit Card
ANZ Platinum Credit Card
An introductory interest rate offer on balance transfers and purchases, plus a $0 first year annual fee.0% for 6 months (reverts to 19.24% )0% for 6 months$0 annual fee for the first year( $87 thereafter)20.99%Apply Now For The ANZ Platinum Credit Card Read More About The ANZ Platinum Credit Card