Optus pulls the plug on Qantas partnership

Our members are disappointed that Optus will no longer award customers with Qantas points from July. A number of customers have threatened to leave the telco, while the news has frustrated some Optus customers on contracts they are unable to get out of.

Optus became a Qantas Frequent Flyer partner to much fanfare in 2011. There was so much hype that Qantas even painted one of its planes in an Optus livery. But it seems the relationship wasn’t meant to last, with the companies splitting paths after just four years. Qantas is now reportedly looking for a new partner. Some of our members tip Vodafone as a likely candidate, though time will tell.

Maybe vodafone can step in and partner with Qantas

Our members too are considering alternative telcos. For some, the ability to earn Qantas points was the main differentiator between Optus and the competition. With this key point of difference removed, the grass may be looking greener on the other side now for some.

I will shop around for a new carrier as soon as my contracts are up with Optus. Qantas Frequent flyer points were the only point of difference between Optus & other carriers for my choice of Telco.

Other Optus customers opine that they are satisfied with Optus’ plans and service, and will be sticking with them despite the lack of points.

The new Optus plans are great value. Better than most others out there. As long as you are using a new phone that supports Optus 4G 700MHZ the reception is great.

However, I am very very disappointed about the loss of QFF points, which were around 10K per year

Even if you’re locked into a contract with Optus, our clever members still have a few tricks up their sleeves. At least one member fortuitously suggests pre-paying several months’ worth of bills before the end of June. It is also pointed out that Optus is offering bonus points – from 500 up to 4,000. To receive them, all you’ll need to do is have an Optus account which is still active and linked to an active Qantas account at the end of July.

Join the discussion HERE.

The editor of Australian Frequent Flyer, Matt's passion for travel has taken him to over 70 countries… with the help of frequent flyer points, of course!
Matt's favourite destinations (so far) are Germany, Brazil & Kazakhstan. His interests include economics, aviation & foreign languages, and he has a soft spot for good food and red wine.

You can connect with Matt by posting on the Australian Frequent Flyer community forum and tagging @AFF Editor.
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