Qantas big frequent flyer revamp targetting Kiwis

• November 18, 2024
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Qantas is stepping up efforts to enhance its frequent flyer program for New Zealanders, introducing a major update that promises new earning and reward opportunities

Kiwis enrolled in the Qantas Frequent Flyer program can now convert their Everyday Rewards points into Qantas Points. Everyday Rewards points are earned through purchases at Woolworths supermarkets, BP petrol stations, Petstock stores, and various other New Zealand retailers. From 2 December 2024, New Zealanders will receive 50% more Qantas Points than Australian members when converting their Everyday Rewards points. E.g. 2,000 Everyday Rewards points can be converted to 1,500 Qantas points through the Everyday Rewards app. There are also opportunities to boost points on the Everyday Rewards app offering additional points and faster reach.

Qantas Loyalty CEO Andrew Glance highlighted the importance of this expansion, noting the strong Kiwi membership base. “With New Zealand home to the most members outside of Australia, it’s important that we continue to grow the program and expand the ways that members can earn points and redeem them on great travel experiences,” he said. Glance emphasized that the partnership with Everyday Rewards offers benefits beyond flying.

To participate, Qantas Frequent Flyers must join the Everyday Rewards program and select Qantas Points as their rewards preference via the Everyday Rewards app or website.

Top-tier loyalty members of other airlines can seamlessly switch to Qantas Frequent Flyer and fast-track their status to Gold. Eligible participants who hold equivalent Gold or higher status with other select airlines can achieve Qantas Gold by earning 100 Status Credits in 90 days on flights with Qantas, Jetstar, and partner airlines—a significant reduction from the usual 700 Status Credits required within a membership year.

During the 90-day fast track, members can enjoy complimentary Qantas Club lounge access and additional checked baggage benefits. Qualifying travel options include earning 100 Status Credits through a return trip from Auckland to New York with Qantas, two return trips from Christchurch to Sydney, or five domestic return trips between Dunedin and Auckland with Jetstar.

However, currently, there isn’t a direct earning opportunity through a credit card partnership and Qantas Rewards but the message is ‘watch this space’.

Qantas is also making its program more accessible by removing the NZ$60 join fee on its website later this month, offering free membership to New Zealand residents. This change aims to attract more Kiwis, as data reveals that billions of Qantas Points remain unclaimed each year by travellers not registered with the program or failing to add their Frequent Flyer number to bookings.

Qantas Frequent Flyers can accumulate points on all Qantas flights, Jetstar New Zealand domestic routes, select international Jetstar services, and more than 45 partner airlines, including Emirates, Cathay Pacific, and American Airlines.