Qantas unveils the biggest changes to status in program history

[transpactraveller]

So much for the ‘having PC was too complicated’ justification in killing it.

Yeah I bet the replacement is even more complicated, but they'll market it as 'simpler and fairer'

Or it'll just be something like you need to earn 150,000 points on a credit card to activate it, or have to earn 100 SC on the ground or something like that.

Whatever it is, I'd bet it's linked to spending and not flying.

 

[clifford]

I suspect you'll see lower on-the-ground tiers/milestones.

I don't think so. It's not the Qantas way (unless they throw in some other unrealistic hurdles).

 

[justinbrett]

If QF makes it too easy to earn status from QF CR that may annoy partner airlines.

Other airlines hand them out with credit cards - gaining PC membership and then flying enough CRs to get any status of concern (OWE) is quite an effort! They deserve it IMO.

In order to get value out of the new home for earning SC from CR you will need points to spend on CR.

You earn a lot of points flying premium.

I can see a status + points requirement for the CR SCs but i can't see them applying to someone who only flies - they need to be earning QF $$$s through their ground partners.

 

[RooFlyer]

o, this feature will definitely be sticking around, just the way in which you can qualify for this benefit will change.

Is it an enhancement?

 

[Aeryn]

If QF makes it too easy to earn status from QF CR that may annoy partner airlines.

Why? Status would be from QF metal CR flights only.

Some hotel progtams give status nights for points stays, so same ilk.

If its just for on the ground spend then its still points club.

 

[Mattg]

oh what a teaser!! But that sounds like it will be something to look out for. Any whispers about when we might know what's happening?

I don't know much more at this point, but I believe that whatever it is will launch either before Points Club gets axed or at the same time. So there wouldn't be a period in between with no way to earn SCs on reward flights.

 

[Laptop Jockey]

I don't think so. It's not the Qantas way (unless they throw in some other unrealistic hurdles).

The impression I get from their press release email is there will be a bit of effort to juice up silver and the sub-gold incentives. Right now silver is by far the weakest link in the QFF tiers, and a potentially lucrative market. The lack of credit cards offering complimentary lounge access, and relatively high price/low value of Qantas Club leave this cohort fairly underserved, and free from the loyalty trap.

"Status Credits on the ground
Earn Status Credits on the ground by collecting Qantas Points on everyday spend across cards and banking, utilities, hotels, fuel, shopping and more - getting you closer to the tier you want.
Launching late 2026
New tier benefits
Unlock more value across travel and program partners, with new vouchers and discounts for Silver tier and above and an extra lounge invitation for Silver members each year.
Launching 2027"

 

[Aeryn]

There are heaps of CCs that give QPub lounge passes, not sure why you think there is a shortage.

 

[justinbrett]

I don't know much more at this point, but I believe that whatever it is will launch either before Points Club gets axed or at the same time. So there wouldn't be a period in between with no way to earn SCs on reward flights.

They’ve said if you attain PC before they axe it later this year, you keep it for the rest of your membership year and then the next membership year.

So for example, my year starts 01 April, if I can attain PC in 3-6 months, I will have it until end of March 2028. So plenty of time to transition to the new system.

 

[Laptop Jockey]

There are heaps of CCs that give QPub lounge passes, not sure why you think there is a shortage.

Usually only two or so entries per year, not standard walk-in access like American cards commonly do.