family transfers

[aleaf]

How strict is Qantas on 'eligible family member' and how does it have to be proven? If two people have same address, can they claim half-siblings or domestic partners? Or would evidence be needed?

 

[TheInsider]

If you get caught, your account is basically gone. Highly unlikely though, but still has happened with people on OzBargain.

 

[NM]

I have no experience with family transfers, but when booking FF award flights for family members I have never been asked to prove the relationship. I have always abided by the rules with such award bookings, being for people like my niece, sister-in-law etc. who have different surnames and addresses but are eligible family members for the purpose of such bookings. The relationship has never been questioned in these circumstances. However, YMMV. But breaking such rules is not a risk I would be willing to make as my account, status and points are too valuable to me.

 

[TheRealTMA]

How strict is Qantas on 'eligible family member' and how does it have to be proven? If two people have same address, can they claim half-siblings or domestic partners? Or would evidence be needed?

Qantas never check AFAIK. They have more serious issues to chase. We've bought FF tickets for many friends over the years with no issues.

And, it's probably against privacy rules for them to actually force you to prove it, and how? With birth/marriage certificates?

 

[defurax]

They probably have an algorithm to look for suspicious activity e.g. an account transferring millions of points to dozen of people would probably look like someone is selling points...

 

[TheRealTMA]

They probably have an algorithm to look for suspicious activity e.g. an account transferring millions of points to dozen of people would probably look like someone is selling points...

Most probably if their IT department is actually capable of doing that!

But I didn't think the OP was asking to transfer millions of points, just use points for relations or friends.

 

[TheInsider]

Qantas never check AFAIK. They have more serious issues to chase. We've bought FF tickets for many friends over the years with no issues.

And, it's probably against privacy rules for them to actually force you to prove it, and how? With birth/marriage certificates?

They do check, as people on OzBargain have found out, and it's not against any privacy rules. If you don't want to follow QFF T&C's then it's within QFs right to suspend the account.

 

[TheRealTMA]

They do check, as people on OzBargain have found out, and it's not against any privacy rules. If you don't want to follow QFF T&C's then it's within QFs right to suspend the account.

Interesting. I don't disagree that they "could" suspend your FF account. We aren't talking about "selling" FF points here AFAIK so, actually, how can they check your statement that someone is your relative? Reference?

 

[TheInsider]

Interesting. I don't disagree that they "could" suspend your FF account. We aren't talking about "selling" FF points here AFAIK so, actually, how can they check your statement that someone is your relative? Reference?

AFAIK people on another website were asked to provide stat decs stating that they were family.

Doesn't matter what term you use, either selling or whatever. It can happen and has happened. Like I said before though, very unlikely. Defacto partner anyone?!

 

[UP4014]

There is such a big list of family I'm sure you can find a suitable connection.

 

[TheRealTMA]

AFAIK people on another website were asked to provide stat decs stating that they were family.

I don't doubt your statement but reference please?

 

[TheInsider]

I don't doubt your statement but reference please?

Qantas frequent flyer suspended - OzBargain Search

 

[TheRealTMA]

Qantas frequent flyer suspended - OzBargain Search

Ta. But as we discussed above, that's really about trying to game the system by selling points, not just use for friends etc as I suggested the OP intended.

 

[aleaf]

Useful info above. Thanks all for the responses.

You are correct in that I am not aiming to sell - I like my points, tyvm. Goal was to lock in availability for a friend who is low on points for a few months. Once he's flush with points again, would reimburse my points used by transferring them to me.

One thing from various comments - I thought the family-only restriction applied to transferring points. I didn't realise same applied to booking a flight for some else using my points. I thought I could use my points to book a flight for anyone I wanted. No?

 

[TheRealTMA]

Useful info above. Thanks all for the responses.

You are correct in that I am not aiming to sell - I like my points, tyvm. Goal was to lock in availability for a friend who is low on points for a few months. Once he's flush with points again, would reimburse my points used by transferring them to me.

One thing from various comments - I thought the family-only restriction applied to transferring points. I didn't realise same applied to booking a flight for some else using my points. I thought I could use my points to book a flight for anyone I wanted. No?

Might be wrong but I thought you had to specify the relationship when you booked a FF award for someone else.

 

[NM]

One thing from various comments - I thought the family-only restriction applied to transferring points. I didn't realise same applied to booking a flight for some else using my points. I thought I could use my points to book a flight for anyone I wanted. No?

No.

Per current Qantas FF terms and conditions section 12.3 and 13.1.4

12.3 Members may assign Rewards that they obtain through Qantas Frequent Flyer to their Eligible Family Member subject to any terms and conditions applicable to the Reward. However, there may be tax implications on such a transfer

13.1.4 Reward Flights are available only to Members and their Eligible Family Members. Members will be required to provide Membership details prior to obtaining a Reward Flight. Eligible Family Members may use the Reward Flight whether the Member travels with them or not. A Reward Flight issued for an Eligible Family Member must be redeemed in the name of the Eligible Family Member as shown on their passport or any other identification acceptable to Qantas Loyalty.

Frequent Flyer Terms and Conditions | Qantas

These Terms and Conditions form the basis of Qantas Frequent Flyer, to protect both Members and the Qantas Group.

www.qantas.com

 

[aleaf]

okay, certainly learned something new. thx for the education all. I'll do my best to stay w/in the rules (and be very careful when I'm not )

 

[NM]

okay, certainly learned something new. thx for the education all. I'll do my best to stay w/in the rules (and be very careful when I'm not )

Note that this requirement of "eligbile family members" does not apply to all frequent flyer programs. For example, AAdvantage allows flight redemption for anyone. But this restriction has always been part of the Qantas FF program.

 

[sudoer]

Not condoning breaking the Qantas T&C and would never do this myself .. but I have always wondered what is to stop someone creating a QFF account for a family member who has zero interest in flying, transferring the points legitimately to them, and then letting their account take the risk?

 

[NM]

Not condoning breaking the Qantas T&C and would never do this myself .. but I have always wondered what is to stop someone creating a QFF account for a family member who has zero interest in flying, transferring the points legitimately to them, and then letting their account take the risk?

I suspect there may be quite a number of QFF accounts in the names of family pets ...