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After many years of loyalty to the flying kangaroo, one dissatisfied member feels that Qantas has failed to return the favour. This member has held Platinum status for over a decade, but had to put overseas travel on hold for a year due to the birth of a child. Qantas does not allow members to pause their membership, and as a result this member’s Platinum status was due to lapse at the end of the month.
This member recently paid for first class Qantas flights to the USA, with travel to take place just days after their Platinum status expires. When a short Platinum status extension was requested in order to cover the trip, Qantas flat-out refused to entertain the idea. This left a particularly sour aftertaste as the member had been consistently loyal to Qantas for a decade.
Fortunately a positive outcome was eventually reached, but many members feel that common-sense took too long to prevail. They opine that Qantas should have been much more proactive in recognising the loyalty of their most valuable customers.
On the other hand, some agree that Qantas was right to deny the request. They argue that the airline had no obligation to extend the member’s status.
Virgin’s Velocity frequent flyer program allows new parents to pause their membership. One member is also quick to point out that for a regular international flyer, programs other than Qantas Frequent Flyer can offer significantly better value. They recommend seriously considering switching loyalty programs.
Follow the full discussion, and find out how the situation was eventually resolved HERE.
