The very nature of frequent flyer programs is that they require members to fly frequently, but that hasn’t been possible or even appealing for over a year now, and no-one is quite sure when it will be possible again.
While your frequent flyer status may have been the least of your worries during the pandemic, Qantas has moved to reassure customers that they will not lose the frequent flyer status as a result of not being able to maintain their miles.
The airline has announced that it will assist its top-tiered frequent flyers retain their membership status by extending support for members who are facing a possible tier downgrade between now and June 2022.
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The airline made the same offer in November last year for members facing a possible tier downgrade (such as platinum to gold, or gold to silver) in 2021.
The Qantas frequent flyer program offers five membership levels, from bronze up to platinum one. The higher the tier, the more member benefits.
The airline has decided to extend the current offer so that all Australian and New Zealand-based tiered members (silver and above) with a membership year ending in or before June 2022 will be able to maintain their status for another year by booking an eligible flight prior to their membership year end, for travel until June 2022.
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Once the offer is activated, the program will also roll over any eligible status credits that members earned this year into their new membership year.
Chief executive of Qantas Loyalty Olivia Wirth said the offer was designed to make it easy for members to hold on to their highly sought-after status.
“We know how important tier status is to our members and many of them have built it up over many years of flying with us,” Ms Wirth said.
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“The offer to retain their current status by booking just one eligible flight is a great way for them to secure the additional 12 months of the benefits that come with being silver or gold, platinum or platinum one members, which will come into its own when everyone is back flying.
“Our members have remained highly engaged with the program even in the midst of a global pandemic. We’ve seen bookings spike when restrictions have eased after previous outbreaks and we’re confident we’ll see the same when borders reopen this time.
“In fact, our data shows that 96 per cent of Qantas customers intend to travel domestically in the next 12 months.
“Maintaining their tier is not just about status for our highly valued frequent flyers, it’s about the range of benefits they enjoy when they fly with us or partner airlines, including the most extensive network of domestic and global lounges, extra checked baggage allowances and priority airport privileges.”
Are you a Qantas frequent flyer member? Will you be booking an eligible flight to maintain your tier status? Why not share your thoughts in the comments section below?
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