Qantas Unveils Major Changes to Lounge Access and Frequent Flyer Program for 2026
Qantas is set to implement significant alterations to its customer benefits program, particularly impacting lounge access and the mechanics of its Frequent Flyer program, beginning July 1, 2024, and continuing into 2026. These changes, announced by the Australian airline, have generated a mixed reaction among its loyal customer base, with some expressing frustration and others welcoming the adjustments.
Key Changes to Lounge Access
One of the most immediate and impactful changes concerns the use of complimentary lounge passes. Effective July 1, 2024, these passes, often shared among friends and family travelling on separate itineraries, will only be valid if the pass holder is travelling on the same flight as the guest. This new rule applies to both domestic and general lounge passes, requiring co-travelling for access.
Furthermore, Qantas is restricting lounge access for passengers flying on international Jetstar flights. Unless the journey is on a Qantas codeshare flight, these passengers will no longer be permitted to use Qantas lounges. This policy change will affect even members holding Qantas Club, Gold, and Platinum Frequent Flyer status. However, a notable exception has been made for Platinum One members, who will retain their ability to access lounges when flying with Jetstar.
These lounge access modifications have sparked considerable debate. Many frequent travellers have voiced concerns about the reduced flexibility, with some contemplating discontinuing their Qantas membership. One long-time member, a lifetime status holder, expressed disappointment, stating they find more value in flying with Virgin, particularly for family travel, due to their ability to pool points and status credits. The sentiment is echoed by another who highlighted the lack of Qantas codeshare options for direct Jetstar flights to certain Asian destinations, deeming it unfair. Another member, a Lifetime Gold status holder, lamented the loss of the ability for their spouse to use their passes for solo work trips, calling the new policy "cruel and nuts."
Conversely, some Qantas patrons have welcomed the changes, citing concerns about lounge overcrowding. One traveller noted that the first-class lounge in Melbourne had become excessively busy with Jetstar passengers, suggesting the new policy is a necessary step to improve the lounge experience for eligible Qantas flyers. Another simply offered a "Bravo" in support of the airline's decision.
Overhaul of the Frequent Flyer Program
Beyond lounge access, Qantas is undertaking the most substantial overhaul of its Frequent Flyer program in its history, with changes rolling out progressively from later in 2024 and into 2026. These updates are designed to offer greater flexibility, faster recognition, and more avenues to achieve and retain status.
Earning Status Credits on the Ground
A significant innovation is the introduction of earning Status Credits through everyday spending on the ground, mirroring the existing Qantas Points earning mechanism. This will be facilitated through select credit cards and program partners. Historically, Status Credits, the sole currency for achieving new membership tiers (Silver, Gold, Platinum), could only be earned by flying. This expansion aims to provide members with more opportunities to advance their status.
The changes are a result of "extensive feedback" from thousands of frequent flyers and loyalty experts and are expected to impact the 41 per cent of Australians who currently collect Qantas Points.
Status Credit Rollover and Increased Requirements
Members will soon be able to roll over up to 50 per cent of their excess Status Credits from one membership year to the next, a feature currently unavailable as credits typically reset annually. This rollover will be capped based on membership tier. However, this enhanced flexibility comes with a consequence: the amount of credits required to maintain status levels is also increasing.
Retirement of Popular Schemes
In less welcome news for many Qantas customers, the airline has announced the discontinuation of the popular Green Tier and Points Club Plus schemes. The Green Tier offered members an annual bonus of 50 Status Credits or 10,000 Qantas Points for completing five "sustainable" activities, such as offsetting flights, taking quizzes, or purchasing eco-friendly wine. The retirement of Points Club Plus means that members who earned over 350,000 points on the ground will no longer receive complimentary Qantas Club membership, valued at over $700.
Qantas attributes the retirement of these schemes to "program complexity," stating a desire to streamline the program into a single core recognition pathway by removing overlapping sub-programs.
Enhanced Recognition and New Tools
Other enhancements planned for the coming year include greater recognition for Lifetime Gold members, granting them the ability to earn and "bank" up to five complimentary years of Platinum Status. Silver members will receive an additional lounge invitation each membership year, and all higher tiers will benefit from new on-the-ground vouchers and discounts.
To assist members in finding international Classic Reward seats, a new search tool will be implemented on the Qantas website. This tool aims to expedite the search for reward seats across Qantas and its partner airlines.
These program adjustments coincide with a strong financial performance for the Qantas Group, which announced an underlying profit before tax of $1.46 billion and a 19 per cent surge in Qantas Loyalty revenue. Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson stated that the overhaul is designed to provide members with greater flexibility, faster recognition, and more pathways to status, ushering in a "new era" for the Frequent Flyer program in a dynamic loyalty landscape. She emphasized that the changes are a response to members' desire for both earning points and achieving status, with status retention being a paramount goal for many.
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