Qantas Revamps Loyalty Program — New Award Search Tool on the Way

We’re used to headlines like this signaling bad — sometimes even painful — news for frequent flyers chasing status.

But Qantas is breaking the mold with its loyalty program overhaul, which will include several positive changes for its frequent flyers. New ways to earn status, for example, will be a welcome addition.

That said, removing the thresholds for maintaining status is sure to ruffle a few feathers. Let’s take a look at the changes that are underway.

Big Changes Coming to Qantas Frequent Flyer

Airlines are constantly evolving, especially when it comes to routes and frequent flyer programs. Major program changes usually mean devaluations, not improvements. But this time, Qantas’ Frequent Flyer program update is a bit more balanced — and in some areas, genuinely positive for members.

Here are the 7 changes coming to the program:

• Introduction of non-flying status earning
• Status Credit rollover
• More lifetime milestones
• Enhanced Silver tier benefits
• New Classic Reward seat tool
• Removal of 2 status-earning methods
• Removal of lower thresholds for retaining status

Let’s take a look at each one in a bit more detail.

Non-Flying Status Credits

Earning elite status through credit card spending has been standard practice in the U.S. for years. But in many other countries, that concept is still relatively new.

After trialing the feature last year, Qantas will make earning status via spending (not just flying) a permanent feature later in 2026.

“Last year’s trial broke member engagement records, proving they want more ways to fast-track their status,” said Andrew Glance, CEO of loyalty and customer at Qantas.

Frequent Flyer members will have the option to earn up to 140 additional Status Credits annually by spending in 10 categories. That’s almost halfway to the 300 Status Credits needed to unlock Silver status.

Status Credit Rollover

Qantas has recognized that many of its Frequent Flyer members earn well over the number of Status Credits required to attain a certain level of status. Rather than these going to waste, members’ surplus Status Credits will be applied to status earning for the following year.

This is a very customer-centric move that should hopefully make status earning easier for many members. It would be great to see more airlines introduce this feature.

New Reward Seat Tool

If this is as good as Qantas promises, it will benefit more than just Australia-based Frequent Flyer members. The new tool, launching in March 2026, will display reward seat availability for Qantas and 30 partner airlines, including fellow Oneworld member airline American Airlines.

“With over 14,000 reward seats booked each day, the tool will provide a seamless window into our network and drive a further increase in flight redemptions,” said Glance. We’re looking forward to learning more about this feature and seeing how useful it will be for travelers booking award flights with points and miles.

More Lifetime Milestones

Starting in 2027, for every 10,000 Status Credits that Lifetime Gold members earn beyond the threshold, Qantas will award an additional year of Platinum status. Up to 5 bonus years can be banked and activated simultaneously.

Enhanced Tier Benefits

Since complimentary lounge access isn’t a benefit for Silver members, Qantas will give those members an extra lounge invitation each year. This is part of a wider tier system update, which we can expect to be revealed in 2027.

Removal of Lower Status Retention Thresholds

Qantas’ frequent flyers are used to needing fewer Status Credits to keep their status than to earn it in the first place. For example, you currently need 700 Status Credits to earn Gold status. After that, only 600 is required to maintain it. As of 2027, this perk will be removed, and the same number of Status Credits will be required to earn and retain status at all levels.

Removal of 2 Status-Earning Methods

Qantas’ so-called Points Club and Green Tier subprograms will start being phased out at the end of 2026. Qantas will find new ways to incorporate aspects of these programs deemed valuable, such as rewarding members for making sustainable choices.

Final Thoughts

Qantas’ loyalty program changes will likely feel like mostly good news for frequent flyers. Even the less favorable updates — like removing the lower thresholds for retaining status and tweaking the status-earning structure — shouldn’t dramatically impact the overall member experience.

Here’s hoping future loyalty program updates from other airlines follow a similar path.