Qantas extends frequent flyer status, offers gifts as an apology

There’s no denying the post-COVID travel boom is a tumultuous time for airlines around the world – and Qantas has endured its fair share of criticism. In a move that’s aimed at appeasing Qantas Frequent Flyer members, the Flying Kangaroo is rolling out a raft of benefits as part of an ‘apology package’.

Headlining the package is a welcome 12-month extension to members with Silver status and higher. But some frequent flyers are also in for extra lounge passes or bonus Qantas Points, plus a flight voucher.

In a YouTube video, Qantas CEO Alan Joyce acknowledges that the return to flying hasn’t gone smoothly.

Over the past few months, too many of you have had flights delayed, flights cancelled and bags misplaced. There are good reasons why, but when it comes to what you expect from Qantas, it’s not good enough. On behalf of the national carrier, I want to apologise and assure you that we’re working hard to get back to our best.

– Alan Joyce, Qantas CEO, 21 August 2022

What bonuses are frequent flyers getting in 2022?

At the time of writing, the specifics of each bonus – including which membership dates are being extended and when lounge passes and bonus points will be added – haven’t been finalised yet. But here’s what we know of the Qantas ‘apology benefits’ so far.

1. Further status extension for Silver and higher

At the time of writing, Qantas has only mentioned that tiered Silver members and higher will ‘enjoy the benefits associated with their tier for another year.’ We expect more details will be updated on Qantas’ Status Support page in due course. We’ll also update our guides when we know more.

2. Extra lounge passes for Silver and Gold

Silver members will receive an additional ‘General’ lounge pass that can be used at domestic Qantas Clubs and Qantas International Business Lounges. Gold members will enjoy an upgraded pass that also grants entry into a Domestic Business Lounge.

3. Bonus Qantas Points for Platinum and Platinum One

Platinum and Platinum One members won’t get extra lounge passes – but they’ll get bonus Qantas Points instead. The carrier hasn’t formally revealed how many points each member will get. But the Sydney Morning Herald claims that members will be offered between 15,000 and 30,000 Qantas Points, each.

4. $50 flight discounts for Australian/NZ members

This gift is for all Australian and New Zealand-based frequent flyer members, including entry-level Bronze flyers. Qantas will issue a $50 off promo code that can be used towards a return Qantas flight.

5. Classic Reward availability extension

Finally, Qantas will continue to provide up to 50% more reward seat availability on International, trans-Tasman and domestic routes until 30 June 2023. New reward seats are being released from 12:00 pm AEST on Monday 22 August 2022. We’ll be monitoring flights to see when and where premium cabin availability is being released.

Summing up

Qantas is trying to appease its frequent flyers with a range of ‘apology benefits’. High flyers with Gold, Platinum and Platinum One status will likely be happy with the extra year of status. But the extra lounge passes for Silver and Gold are a good gesture, as are the bonus points for Platinum and higher.

Here’s hoping that Qantas can also make good on its promises to improve, and offer a better experience for travellers jetting off soon.

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