Get an extra year of Qantas status with just one flight
The easiest way to lock in those perks for all of next year, and also get a head start on 2022.
By David Flynn, November 23 2020
Qantas is rolling out a generous status extension which will see many frequent flyers retain their Silver, Gold, Platinum or Platinum One tier through 2021 – and in some cases to the end of 2022 – with just a single flight.
In addition, many frequent flyer will be allowed to roll over status credits earned in the membership year ending in 2021 to give them a head start on their 2022 status.
The move comes as the airline faces not only a downturn in travel but a dramatic downsizing of its network, especially with regard to the overseas flights where many high flyers earn their Gold, Platinum and Platinum One status.
"To help Qantas Frequent Flyers maintain their status, all Australian and New Zealand based members need to do is simply book and pay for an eligible flight between now and the end of their membership year for travel until the end of 2021, and we will extend their status for a further 12 months," the airline says.
Eligibility for the single flight status extension
The almost-gratis status applies to all Qantas Frequent Flyers whose status end date falls between 31 March 2021 and 31 December 2021.
This includes members who have received complimentary Gold status, or complimentary Platinum from a Platinum One member, as well as those on a 'status hold'.
To mint your following year of status, the airline requires you to make
- one Qantas operated flight with a QF flight number, or
- any Qantas Points earning Jetstar international booking with a JQ flight number including Jetstar flights within New Zealand (JQ), Jetstar Japan (GK) and Jetstar Asia (3K) flights.
(Note that domestic Jetstar flights within Australia don't count.)
However, this will need to be a new booking: a trip that's already sitting on your calendar doesn't count.
That fresh flight must be booked between 23 November 2020 and before your current status end date of between 31 March and 31 December 2021, for travel before 31 December 2021.
Unlike many Qantas status promotions, there's no need to register: just book that flight.
As for Qantas Frequent Flyers whose membership year closes in January or February 2022, Qantas notes that "to support your ability to retain your status in 2022, you will still be gifted 50% of your annual Status Credits needed to keep your status as part of the Status Credit Boost as previously announced."
These flyers, however, won't qualify for the year-long status extension courtesy of a single flight.
Status credit rollover
If that's your next year of status sorted, what about the year after that?
After all, while the possibility of relatively short hops to New Zealand and some Asian countries remains on the cards for the first half of next year, Qantas doesn't expect to see significant international travel resume until the second half of 2021, and perhaps well in to 2022.
This will likely include Qantas' flagship routes to the USA and the UK, although Covid-19 will likely have a knock-on effect which will reduce attendance at international conferences and trade expos.
With this in mind, Qantas says it "will rollover accrued status credits for eligible members up to a maximum amount, from their eligible membership year to help kick-start their new membership year."
At least 40% of the status credits required to retain your tier will be rolled over if your membership year ends between 31 March 2021 and 31 December 2021 – or, to put it another way, if your following membership year starts between 1 April 2021 and 1 January 2022
The maximum number of status credits that will be rolled over are:
- Silver: 100
- Gold: 250
- Platinum: 500
- Platinum One: 1,800
Those status credits will be rolled over from the membership year that's ending.
For example, frequent flyers with a status end date of 31 March 2021 may be eligible for the one-year extension by taking one eligible flight as above, which pushes their status to 31 March 2022.
But come March 2022, that traveller will need to have enough status credits in their account to retain their status for another year (until March 2023), and that's where the status credit rollover comes into play.
Up to those limits above, status credits earned in that 'first' membership year (ending in 2021) would be rolled over into the 'second' membership year (ending in 2022), and would contribute towards retaining status in a 'third' year (ending in 2023).
Activating the status credit rollover also requires booking an eligible Qantas or Jetstar flight by the end of 2021, along the same lines as the status extension arrangement detailed above.
If you're already planning on making one of those flights to extend your status in 2021, this will also serve to activate the status rollover.
For all the details, follow this link to the Qantas Frequent Flyer website.
Living outside Australia and New Zealand?
Qantas Frequent Flyers who live anywhere apart from Australia and New Zealand will qualify for an automatic 12-month extension of their status without even needing to set foot on a plane.
The airline says this will apply to members whose 2021 status reset date is between 31 March 2021 and 31 December 2021; they'll also receive a status credit rollover to help jump-start their 2022 membership.
Read more: Qantas' free status extension to frequent flyers living outside AU, NZ
Additional reporting by Chris Chamberlin
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.
28 Mar 2018
Total posts 32
The terms and conditions look pretty generous. The payment types that qualify include classic reward redemptions.
How can I pay for the new booking?
Eligible bookings can be paid with cash, Qantas TravelPass, Qantas Flight Credit, or with Qantas Points (via a Classic Flight Reward or Points Plus Pay).24 Dec 2013
Total posts 97
The only exclusion seems to be a pre-existing gift voucher.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
14 Sep 2016
Total posts 28
Hi Nalanji; where did you find this T&C's ("via Classic Flight Rewards)" counting towards this? I couldnt see this anywhere.... much appreciated. I am just sorting out a ticket; and wanted to ensure I did it correctly. cheers
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
04 Mar 2014
Total posts 204
So almost as close as they can get to a status rollover - without giving it away for free
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
21 Jan 2014
Total posts 319
Generous and clever, many of us will only have a flight or two in the next few months so this will ensure QF are one of those at least, timed well as new competition joins the market, well done to QF.
17 Jun 2020
Total posts 235
Credit to Qantas for finally seeing the light.
I am slightly confused over what status support and which status credits rollover one qualifies for, but it seems everyone's status has been extended in some way which is better than not at all.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
22 Nov 2019
Total posts 86
I'll give Alan credit where it's due. Incredibly generous.
07 May 2019
Total posts 14
Yes this is very generous and a great thing for Qantas to do, but do you know what it doesn't fix? I was all ready to clench Plat for the first time in many years, had enough status credits plus enough bookings in the system to get there. Then Covid came and everything was cancelled. Sure I hadn't earned WP but I was definitely going to. I feel happy for those that get to keep their status for another year or two but I was so close, and had all these plans, that I feel it would be nice if QF would comp those in my position out of goodwill. And yes, this is a first world problem. I am LTG BTW.
16 Oct 2012
Total posts 52
My status renewal is Feb 21... I guess we miss out ☹️
09 May 2020
Total posts 573
IMO it actually doesn’t make sense for QFF to deliberately exclude members whose membership ends during Jan 01 - March 30.
Maybe one of these day when you get a chance you may want to call QFF or email them to see if there is any opportunity to take advantage of this offer.
24 Oct 2010
Total posts 2561
Wouldn't you be entitled to the first 12 month extension introduced earlier this year, which would see you status continue through to Feb 2022?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
28 May 2014
Total posts 12
I'm LTG with my rollover date as Jan 31. So no extension :-) to my lifetime, but also no SC help to try and get me back to Platinum. So at this rate I won't have a chance to get back to Platinum before 2022/3
Qantas
19 Apr 2012
Total posts 1429
I think I am eligible for a roll over now until nov 2021; then it seems if I take flight next year it moves to 2022 and if I can earn 500 SCs in the latter half of next year then to the end of 2023. This last bit will be tricky as the 500 (hard to get in less than six months) still needs another 600 in quite short order (by March 2022) unless I read it wrong and I actually have more of 2022 to get the numbers up.
24 Aug 2011
Total posts 1207
Getting 500SCs without international is a challenge
09 May 2020
Total posts 573
@reeves35
Agreed.
No status run go far without international connection.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
06 Mar 2017
Total posts 19
Not if you are weekly domestic commuter.
Qantas
19 Apr 2012
Total posts 1429
I think my current 250 gets rolled over but still a bit tight for enough for 2023; sigh back to lifetime gold.
09 May 2020
Total posts 573
Sorry, did anyone actually get an email informing you of this offer? (As of 23 Nov 2020)
While I am glad ET has done well in highlighting this generous offer, I am curious that the QFF has not reached out to their members of this, and there is no doubt that it will stimulate another run of bookings which I suspect will help their cash flow at this point
24 Aug 2011
Total posts 1207
Here's the details from the QF website. I think I glazed over half way through.. https://www.qantas.com/au/en/frequent-flyer/status-and-clubs/status/status-support.html
09 May 2020
Total posts 573
@reeves35
Yes thanks for the link
There is also a link provided in the article as well.
But did anyone get a email from QFF so far about this, or was it hidden in all those “offers” that was sent out before?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
20 Dec 2019
Total posts 1
@XWu, I got an email tonight (24th Nov) around 6:30pm.
21 Jun 2019
Total posts 5
I did this evening.
09 May 2020
Total posts 573
Yes thanks to all.
I noticed that last night as well.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
29 Apr 2016
Total posts 13
yes I got an email today about this.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
06 May 2016
Total posts 33
Yes.
Singapore Airlines - KrisFlyer
07 Mar 2018
Total posts 18
X Wu, some did. My partner on silver got an email yesterday. I’m platinum but didn’t receive notification. But the outcome is good anyway you look at it.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
14 Sep 2016
Total posts 28
Yes I did get an email on the day it came out... Platinum Qantas. BUT rarely do I get an notifications... which is weird... hope that helps.
12 Dec 2012
Total posts 1031
Wait, you only have to book and pay for a flight that would earn points, you don't actually have to fly on said flight? o.O (that's how this would seem to read)
My last flight was in early Dec 2019. Status rollover at end of July. I'm currently sitting on 750SCs thanks to the "bonus" SC they gave out a few months ago.
I would have been raking up points and flights on holiday now, but well borders are closed and can't leave the country so no holidays for me this year. :(
99.9% of my flights are international with most within a 6 week period.
Given timing of rollover, ability to get away, and when travel is likely to start again, it seems likely that I'm going to drop back to LTG. :/
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
20 Aug 2014
Total posts 168
HImeno - From the T's and C's
"If you cancel your booking, you will not be eligible for the status extension unless you make another eligible booking."
So I guess you are right. If you book then do a no-show, you should be eligible?
NZ Elite
03 Jul 2014
Total posts 110
This is a bit confusingly worded. For NZ based travelers does the JQ flight need to be an international flight? Or does a domestic JQ flight that earns Qantas points suffice?
Qantas
19 Apr 2012
Total posts 1429
Domestic I suspect you may need one of those fares that include Status Credits as well. But certainly worth checking.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
29 Nov 2013
Total posts 475
This is a great offer from Qantas.
My status year ends March 31 and having gotten back to Platinum after being out for 2 years I was really looking forward to a super busy year - sitting at 960SC's now I was starting to think it would be back to the middle of the bus when travel resumes...
30 Nov 2016
Total posts 20
Not to be pedantic, but believe that for Platinum One, the number of status credits noted as being potentially rolled forward should be 1,440 not 1,800 (40% of 3,600 - not 50% per the article) - unless of course I am being dense and missing something which is entirely possible!
09 May 2020
Total posts 573
The Qantas website did say its 1800 rollover. I suppose it’s the “ at least 40%” bit that allowed for the discrepancy
30 Nov 2016
Total posts 20
Ah yes, good pick up. I had not read that in the post. Wonder why they're allowing up to 50% for P1 but clearly cap at 40% for the other tiers...
09 May 2020
Total posts 573
Let’s put it this way:
Firstly no one is really sure when the QF international flights are returning and it can be a big ask for someone to try to gain that much credit for P1 with domestic travel in the new post COVID business where consumer confidence is down, spending is guarded, budget for travelling is reduced if videoconference is possible, and not least the shift to flexible economy seats instead of business for bug corporate.
And the hair trigger of border closure in some states doesn’t help either.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
26 Nov 2012
Total posts 125
28 Feb membership date. Why exclude us?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
08 Aug 2016
Total posts 11
Because in theory you have already been given a 1 year extension to feb 2022... Check your expiry date in the mobile app
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
19 Mar 2019
Total posts 5
I'm a bit confused, my status end date is 30th November, will this apply to me?
Qantas
19 Apr 2012
Total posts 1429
Flying I’m in the same situation but I think we are covered by the earlier roll-over announcement to cover 2021. This latest one for us covers 2022 and possibly 2023 if the roll over current status credits to 2022 thus meaning we can fly a little less in 2022, which makes sense as there won’t be a sco-mo snap back on this.
31 Jul 2018
Total posts 24
That was close! December 31 is my anniversary date. So Platinum until 31st December 2022 after my next flight. Very happy.
17 Jan 2018
Total posts 83
Finally somebody in QF FF has woken up and done the right thing (hope nobody is excluded). Plus no marketing hype! Maybe they are beginning to listen and understand what loyal customers expect and deserve.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
06 May 2016
Total posts 33
Thank you indeed QANTAS. Best wishes also to your current staff - very trying times. My wife and I are appreciative that QANTAS recognizes our loyalty. We are so looking forward to international flights once more.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
23 Feb 2017
Total posts 3
what if I have already achieved status renewal for next cycle by flying the past couple of months? My expiry is 31/1/2021. If I book a flight do I get another year until 31/3/2022?
08 Dec 2019
Total posts 4
I’m still a little confused by the comms, my year ends March 31, is this actually included or excluded from this promo? Obviously I missed on the last extension as it only started in April, was irrelevant anyway as had already retained plat.
Answer is probably obvious but I would appreciate any input or interpretation? Thanks
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
29 Nov 2013
Total posts 475
The almost-gratis status applies to all Qantas Frequent Flyers whose status end date falls between 31 March 2021 and 31 December 2021.
I'm 31/3 also. My interpretation is that we're both eligible...
12 Aug 2020
Total posts 5
One thing to notice is if an existing booking was made before 23rd Nov 2020, and you chose to cancel the flight to get travel credit, then use the travel credit to re-book for a flight after 23rd Nov 2020, it won’t work because it will still recognise the initial booking date (before 23rd Nov 2020). I have verified this with Qantas frequent flyer few times.
17 Jan 2018
Total posts 83
Let's hope that they also review the rediculous qualification requirements for lifetime platinum. It was virtually impossible pre Covid so should now be revisited.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer - Chairmans Lounge
01 Sep 2011
Total posts 416
@fergo it 1800 point. I got that amount as a Plat1
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
22 Jan 2015
Total posts 71
Am disappointed that this offer excludes those with status end dates between Jan and Feb 2022. So had my membership year ended 30 days earlier, I would have been eligible for a free 1 year extension and 40% SC rollover till Dec 2022, but now I have to get 600 SC in 2021 to retain status through to Jan 2023, without any real prospect of international travel in 2021.
I don't think I'd be up for 30 return trips on the east coast, or pay ~$12k in domestic business just to retain Platinum. After all, work travel is all but off the table, and there's only so many times you can visit Melbourne in a year, and BNE is out with the QLD boycott.
Qantas
19 Apr 2012
Total posts 1429
Alan you have the previous rollover from earlier this year will take you to early 2022 then the one flight takes you to early 2023 plus credits rollover easier to hit the number in early 2024. That’s how I see it so a while before you really have to worry.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
29 Apr 2013
Total posts 14
One QF flight for 1200 SC’s (without getting the points)...very generous Alan and QF. Loyalty secured for another 2 years.
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