Qantas Announces Major Status Overhaul to Its Frequent Flyer Program

Qantas has announced major changes to its Frequent Flyer loyalty program, including how members earn and retain elite status. Many of these changes will take place starting in December 2026.

Though some of these changes were noted earlier this year, Qantas has now provided a timeline as to when they will take effect. While there are a few positive things to write about, there are quite a few downsides.

Here’s everything you need to know about these changes.

Landmark Status Overhaul

Qantas has been in the news quite a bit lately. Earlier today, the airline announced its new business class suites for its Boeing 787 and Airbus A321XLR aircraft, which will be delivered to the airline starting in 2028.

Unfortunately, the carrier followed up with major changes to the Frequent Flyer loyalty program, which the airline is calling a “landmark status overhaul.“

Maintaining Status Becomes Much Harder

Currently, Qantas has a threshold for earning elite status and another for renewing it. However, Qantas is entirely removing the lower thresholds to retain status.

Beginning in late 2027, the number of Status Credits needed to maintain Qantas Frequent Flyer elite status will be increased to match the number needed to initially earn that elite status.

This will be the new requirements:

• Qantas Silver: 300 Status Credits to earn and maintain status
• Qantas Gold: 700 Status Credits to earn and maintain status
• Qantas Platinum: 1,400 Status Credits to earn and maintain status

Members will still need 4 eligible Qantas or Jetstar flight segments to qualify or retain Silver, Gold, or Platinum status.

There is no change for Qantas Platinum Ones members, who will need to earn 3,600 Status Credits to earn and maintain status.

Status Credits Can Rollover Into Next Year

Beginning on December 8, 2026, Frequent Flyer members will be able to earn Status Credits through everyday spending. Additionally, members will be able to carry over “unused” Status Credits into the following year, giving them a head start on next year’s status.

Rollover Status Credits will capped, depending on your status tier, at the following annual levels:

• Silver: 100 Status Credits
• Gold: 250 Status Credits
• Platinum and Platinum One: 500 Status Credits

Members will need to meet a specific number within each category to receive the Status Credits. Qantas has announced that a points-earning credit card will allow members to earn 20 credits, with everyday shopping unlocking another 10 credits.

Earning Status Credits on the Ground

Frequent Flyer members will be able to earn Status Credits on the ground, rather than just on flights. With this change, members will be able to earn up to 140 Status Credits per membership year across 10 categories, including credit cards, insurance, hotels, and everyday shopping.

Best of all, these Status Credits will also count towards Lifetime tier balances, which will ultimately help members reach Lifetime status quicker.

Loyalty Bonus Going Away

The new Frequent Flyer program will also be removing its Loyalty Bonus system, which currently provides up to 200 additional Status Credits each year.

Points Club and Green Tier to Be Removed

The Qantas Points Club and Green Tier programs will also be removed on December 8. Frequent Flyer members can continue to earn with Points Club until then. Benefits will continue for the remainder of the current and following membership year.

Meanwhile, Green Tier members will have an additional 90 days to select their final benefits.

What This Means for Travelers

While there are a few positives, the majority of these changes will be difficult to swallow. Occasional travelers and members who spend heavily with Qantas partners will have more ways to accumulate Status Credits.

On the other hand, frequent flyers who relied on the lower thresholds or the Loyalty Bonus system may find it significantly harder to maintain elite status. Inevitably, this overhaul will also force members to focus on other methods of earning Status Credits, such as credit cards and everyday spending.

Final Thoughts

Qantas has announced major changes to its Frequent Flyer program, which the airline is calling a “landmark status overhaul.” While there are some positive changes, like additional ways to earn Status Credits, the bulk of the changes will be negative for a majority of travelers.

The program is removing key perks, including its Loyalty Bonus system, Points Club, and Green Tier. Additionally, maintaining Qantas elite status will be quite a bit more difficult

These changes will begin to take effect in December 2026.