Qantas status extension for Platinum frequent flyers
Many of the airline’s most frequent flyers will need 20% fewer status credits to keep their membership and perks to 2024.
By David Flynn, July 17 2023
Qantas is rolling out an exclusive status extension for its Platinum and Platinum One frequent flyers whose status expires in July, August or September 2023.
The ‘status support’ measure will see the number of status credits those members need to keep their shiny card – and all the perks that come with it – reduced by 20%.
- Qantas Platinum members whose status expires in July, August or September 2023 will need to earn only 960 status credits – down from the usual 1,200 – plus take the mandatory “four eligible Qantas group flights” on or before their membership year date
- Qantas Platinum One members whose status expires in July, August or September 2023 will need to earn only 2,880 Status Credits – down from usual 3,600 – with 2,160 (normally 2,700) of those from flying on Qantas marketed flights on or before their membership year date
The airline’s rationale is that Platinum and especially Platinum One members earn a large chunk of their annual status credit haul on international flights, at a time when Qantas and partner networks remain “in recovery... making it hard to achieve the particularly significant target of the Platinum and Platinum One tier.”
“With Qantas Group Domestic capacity back to pre-Covid levels, and international capacity continuing to climb back to pre-Covid levels, the vast majority of frequent flyers have been able to earn the required Status Credits they need to retain their tier benefits,” the airline says.
“As the most premium tiers, Platinum and Platinum One members have very high status credit targets to qualify for their benefits, which means they are most impacted by reduced networks within their membership year.”
When will these Qantas Platinum, Platinum One status extensions land?
Those Platinum and Platinum One members who are eligible for the status extension, having already earned enough status credits to meet the reduced number of status credits, won’t need to do anything, as extensions will be processed automatically and members will be notified via email.
- Platinum and Platinum One frequent flyers with a membership year ending on 31 July 2023 can expect their status extension to be activated in late July.
- Platinum and Platinum One frequent flyers with a membership year ending on 31 August 2023 can expect their status extension to be activated in late August.
- Platinum and Platinum One frequent flyers with a membership year ending on 30 September 2023 can expect their status extension to be activated in late September.
But those are the only breaks Qantas is giving, with the airline noting “Gold and Silver Frequent Flyers, as well as Platinum One and Platinum Frequent Flyers whose status expires from October 2023 onwards, will need to earn the usual number of Status Credits required to retain.”
This is the fifth status extension provides by Qantas since the global pandemic clipped the wings of frequent flyers in March 2020, with the most recent being a blanket 12 months of gratis status stretching as far as June 2024 as part of an unprecedented ‘apology package’ announced by airline CEO Alan Joyce in August 2022.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
25 Feb 2017
Total posts 5
As someone who re-qualified last year and has already re-qualified platinum for this year with 6 months to go, I feel it is time the band-aid that is status support was ripped off and the overcrowd are lounges are thinned somewhat!
15 Mar 2018
Total posts 92
Totally agree. Those of us who have spent the money and put ourselves out to requalify have once again been given the short shift. Last year we didn't get an extension and again this year we didn't, where those who got a hand-out got a second year as well. Sadly Qantas, I don't think I'll bother again.
The airline is giving points left, right and center to people earning points on the ground, allowing those who don't fly to scrape in and penalizing we flyers who have supported the airline through thick and thin. Seems like management is playing a numbers game and ignoring the quality.
QF
11 Jul 2014
Total posts 1010
Back in 2018 if anyone ever told me there would have been "Freeeee Status Extensions" for so many years I would have said, "Your Dreaming Sunshine Your Dreaming"
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
28 Oct 2011
Total posts 467
Very generous, probably excessively so. As a Platinum whose year ends 31 July, I made sure that I requalified. Anyone who's serious about it would have done the same.
17 Apr 2018
Total posts 4
One of our staff ended up taking a Qatar airways trip, for more $$ and less convenience just last week to make sure he qualified, and now, needn't have bothered. Customer service fail.
27 Mar 2019
Total posts 54
This is a ridiculous comment, how exactly is it QF's fault? An example of a situation where QF would get criticised no matter what they did.
27 Mar 2019
Total posts 54
^this was in response to aussieflyer78 by the way, not John.
I agree with what John's said, other than 2020 itself, I've exceeded 1,200 every year (ok, there's been support, but I've still managed it).
15 Mar 2018
Total posts 92
No, once again Qantas have supported people who aren't flying, at the expense of those who are and who did bother to requalify. Sadly, management have ignored those who have proven the Customer Lifetime Value and are pushing them away. Silly move. Filling planes with people on shopping points and allowing people with points who don't fly to grab available seats does not get loyal customers. Qantas management seem to have still to learn this lesson.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
07 Aug 2019
Total posts 2
Perhaps they have run a report to see how many Platinum and P1 customers are potentially not going to requalify and, particulalrly given their service issues of late, do not want to see them consider an alternative airline program.
03 Aug 2020
Total posts 22
Hello Nolsen … if we are talking about competition on the domestic front, Qantas’ main rival I don’t think is that flash at the moment. My company policy is generally best fare on the day which usually means Virgin but to be honest, personally I’ve had far more luck with Qantas of late and if the government’s statistics are correct, Qantas seems to be leading the pack over the last however many months as far as reliability goes
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
07 Aug 2019
Total posts 2
Hi JD1, ..... Assuming that you dont bundle JQ in with QF their on time perfomance has been better than VA however they are worst off for cancellations, Include JQ and there is no comparison, they are a long way behind. I was more thinking that they are targeting the international travelers who travel a couple of times a year in business, where the revenue is sky high at the monet, just get the 1200 SC needed or rely on status credit promotions to keep their platinum. If these people drop back to gold then there are cheaper options in that space all offering a very good product. QF just seems to get much more negative publicity and with QF higher cost people may start to question their loyalty, but if they have Platinum for another year they might make that booking, do a status run or book their next years overseas travel with QF.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
23 Sep 2015
Total posts 33
You're right ... Qantas is invariably dearer hence why I am often on Virgin and no I was not including Jetstar which of course does appear not to be rating well at all. It has just been that my experience with Virgin with cancellations and delays this year has been far greater than Qantas. My Virgin flight last Friday afternoon was cancelled and was told the next available flight was the next day. Our travel provider rebooked me to a Qantas flight at 10pm but when I arrived was offered an earlier flight which left pretty much on time. Again today my Virgin flight to Brisbane has been cancelled but fortunately I am on another flight an hour later which isn't too bad
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
16 Jan 2018
Total posts 58
I think it is rather excessive too - I requalified with many months to spare. But I would not complain if Qantas allows status credit roll overs, only for those extra SCs beyond 1200. Wishful thinking eh?
20 Oct 2019
Total posts 2
I was thinking this for a long time. It would be great if they can rollover any extra SC at least at 50% (and even remove reduced qualifying rates. )
15 Mar 2018
Total posts 92
Yes, my year ends August 31 and I'm on 2750SC. Don't qualify for P1, but didn't get any of the extensions since 2020 as I've requalified under the standard terms through flights. Now I feel like someone who is an outcaste. Totally unwanted. Lucky I'm a LTG equivalent with three alliances. I had been happy to stick with Qantas, but now need to question this loyalty.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
24 Aug 2018
Total posts 6
That's kind of a relief.
I'm P1, with October 31 renewal. Going to miss 3,600 by a mile.
If they had extended the support, I'd have kept chasing it, as I'm more than half way, and will naturally land at about 2,400. So I would have chased 2880. But at least I know I can stop now.
(Mind you, that demonstrates the tricky behavioural economics. It's going to cost Qantas revenue from me by not extending.)
05 Mar 2015
Total posts 416
IMHO, It's a bit late in the day for Qantas to be announcing this for July memberships. I'm not looking a gift horse in the mouth, am sure many are grateful for the 'status support' but for those of us who already requalified, I saw a post on a Facebook group that I agree with, suggesting Platinum and Platinum One members with those July-August-September renewals who have already hit the 1200 and 3200SC marks should be allowed to roll-over 20% of their SC count to the following year.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
24 Jan 2018
Total posts 767
You're . . . too clever for your shirt, too clever for your shirt, too clever it must hurt, too clever for Milan (MXP), New York and Japan. Can't remember the rest of the words QFP1, but what a great idea !!
Why . . . . I'll bet the overpaid and under-worked carpet-walking marketing boffins at 10 Bourke Road are positively gnashing their teeth that they didn't think of it first.
Kudos to you, Amigo, kudos to you.
15 Mar 2018
Total posts 92
Totally agree. My year finishes in August and I've already requalified for 2024. With my booked flights for 2024, I've already requalified for 2025. Giving people who keep missing the points to requalify, while giving nothing to those who do is such a short-sighted stand. If I got a 20% roll-over, I might book a few more flights to try for P1. Even a bonus towards LTP would make me feel better. Giving me nothing, is tantamount to saying bye-bye customer.
07 Mar 2022
Total posts 65
Both Qantas and Virgin need to up some extra benefits to those FFs who have achieved the required status credits as per the standard terms and conditions if they are going to give others the same luxuries who didn't make the grade.
I'm all for them doing this but It really isn't that fair on the people who have achieved the requirements.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
13 Nov 2015
Total posts 2
I agree with infinity_and_beyond. There are still many P1's who will have achieved & exceeded the required 3600 status credits and while it is well and good for those who fall short to gain P1 status, what about giving some kind of bonus to those people who do achieve the required 3600 status credits - maybe a few bonus FF points, or even status credits towards achieving lifetime Platinum.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
24 Jan 2018
Total posts 767
A nudge towards lifetime P1 status (FWIW) or, perhaps better still, ten (10) days complimentary valet parking (15 days for P1) at Terminal over the next 12 months, or . . . . . but you're BOTH quite right.
15 Mar 2018
Total posts 92
Especially those who did it in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 and have now done it for 2024 without a hand-out.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
20 Aug 2014
Total posts 168
So a Platinum member doesn't need to earn the full 1200 to requalify, but as a Gold FF who's earnt 1250 SC (but won't make it to 1400 to get Platinum) I get nothing.
Oh well, good luck to all the Plat/Plat1's that were just short. Nice score.
27 Mar 2019
Total posts 54
If you're that close, just earn the extra 150. We all had to earn 1,400 to start with.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
28 Sep 2021
Total posts 20
If not for the status perks, there would be few reasons to fly QF.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
15 Sep 2011
Total posts 9
As a Platinum (for 20 years) I will finish somewhere close to 3000 SC's this year - not enough to get to P1, whereas a former P1 will get their status renewed regardless of how much they've flown. If Qantas really wants to incentive their premium travellers to get in the air, offer current Platinum members a one-off opportunity to get P1 with a reduced number of points (e.g. 2000 points).
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
22 Nov 2019
Total posts 86
Once again trying to ensure as many great unwashed who havent spent the dough to already re qualify, the chance to stay platinum. Not sure why we bother.
17 Jul 2023
Total posts 1
As a Platinum member for quite some time, I tend to be left out in the cold with the gifting to re qualify. I think it is a bit unfair for the peeps who plan ahead to maintain the status and book in advance to make the quota. What would be gr8 is to see loyalty rewarded. Q know who they are... I recall flying with Cathay to NYC and they automatically upgraded me and my family without asking! This would never occur with Q. I think their staff believe it is a privilege having a higher status, when the sentiment should be reversed. I forecast that Loyalty will take a dive as loyalty towards the customer is becoming more marginalised. Wouldn't it be nice to have points. gifted into the next year, particularly for the ones who have qualified b4 the deadline? More serious consideration for our company's travel spend is on the agenda...
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
22 Nov 2019
Total posts 86
Fully agreed. We have already made the change to Virgin Business Rewards, cant fault them, across all parts of the travel process. Please consider. Hudson is not the best as valuing her clients
27 Nov 2016
Total posts 24
So many valid points made already here & so much opportunity for QF to do something that FF would actually appreciate. And I don't mean sending a supposed limited edition amenity kit to me at home, ugh! QF clearly have no idea as to the profile of their customers. I also agree with @Nicol who said I think their staff believe it is a privilege having a higher status, when the sentiment should be reversed. That is absolutely correct and it is at the heart of many of the QF issues.
As a P1 I miss out on this extension but I have planned my year and hopefully will hit P1 even without it so not feeling completely bitter and twisted. However it is definitely the last time I will be doing so. Not only do I not plan to chase P1 or probably even P again, lifetime Gold will suffice as QF prices & product are just not competitive any longer. I am becoming expert at flying one stop out of Oz and then purchasing next segments from there. Other OneWorld airlines definitely seem to value high level QF flyers which is a joy to behold and I guess as soon as I hit P1 I will need to do some work equalising up on the Star Alliance side.
Flights are so erratic domestically that I find it is worth having P with Virgin as well on an every day basis but honestly, flying with either VA or QF should not be this hard.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
22 Nov 2019
Total posts 86
So true, i think this knee jerk reaction by joyce and hudson is the final straw for people like us, loyal. Ive qualified for Plat for this year, and the year after already with fwd flights, but shall be giving Bain capital our future business spend if they keep up their superior product especially with the Max, in leie of Alans airbussses
05 Mar 2015
Total posts 416
LOL, you think the Virgin Australia 737 Max has "superior product" to the Qantas Airbus A330, or are you talking about the Airbus A321XLR for which Qantas hasn't even revealed its business class yet? Sure, praise Virgin for lower airfares if that's the case, or for "better value" overall, but "superior product" is a stretch.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
24 Jan 2018
Total posts 767
Hudson is first and foremost a bean counter, and proving not all bean counters are the same.
QF
11 Jul 2014
Total posts 1010
I think there is a strong case to throw customer loyalty out the window and forget about chasing status that only lasts 12 months; those people with Life Time Gold shouldn't care who they fly with they should be looking for right price with right product for the right trip.
SQ
23 Oct 2015
Total posts 26
Been Platinum with QF for more than a decade
Been Platinum with VA for more than a decade
Been PPS with SQ for close to the same decade
I pay for every single one of my own tickets - my QFF Platinum status will lapse in November having accrued 250'ish credits.
I have sufficient VA status credits to qualify for QFP1 (if they offered such a thing)
Why?
QF hates me - I have over $10k of 'credits' they won't release unless I spend a few days on the phone to them.
VA business is a third of the price of QF business on most days in the golden triangle. The food is nearly as good and the service is more fun.
Recent we both flew AU-NZ - over on QF (A330) and back on NZ (787) in J - seat was way better in QF, but everything else was extraordinarily better on NZ - fare back to AU was $2.7k on QF and $0.8k on NZ
Who you going to choose when you actually pay for it???
No brainer
Bye, bye QF - thanks for the disdain
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
22 Nov 2019
Total posts 86
By the looks of these comments from valuable high tier flyers , I would be very surprised if one of Hudsons minions will bring these comments to her attention, that is, if she has any marketing skills whatsoever, and reward those already qualified for P or P1, a bonus 50,000 for P or 100,000 points for P1.
15 Mar 2018
Total posts 92
Not sure most p or P1 are going to be excited by the 50,000 or 100,000 points. I earn more than 380,000 points a year and Qantas are giving so many points to non-flyers, that I struggle to use them for either flights or upgrades. Qantas are carrying a liability of millions of points and haven't clicked on the value of loyal customers versus non-flying points generators!
Now if they offered a boost to LTP, that might be of interest or some other real benefit, not a benefit on paper that can't be executed. The more P and P1 who fly using points once a year, and compete for any upgrades, the less the perk becomes a value.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
22 Nov 2019
Total posts 86
Ill take anything off them I can get
29 Jan 2012
Total posts 183
Take the SC's and run boys and girls. QF is nothing more than a utility focusing on profits and volume - forget about customer service or quality anymore. Its the corporate approach for them now, with micromanaging to the last cent.
Airline loyalty is now the cheapest on the day whichever class we choose to fly and all QF can do to try and retain loyalty is market to the masses is inefficient over crowned lounges like they attracting moths to the bright lights.
Run I say and find value elsewhere for your hard earned dollars! There are quality alternatives out there.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
14 Oct 2012
Total posts 46
Having already qualified for P anniversary in Oct I read this and thought why bother...? Being a LT Gold I think that's where I'll settle from now on and spread my hard earned $'s elsewhere and pay significantly less for a similar or better experience...
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