Qantas has launched a new initiative to help its Frequent Flyers keep the benefits of their membership status while on parental leave.

Previously, Silver, Gold and Platinum Frequent Flyers would often see their status drop when they took time out to raise a child if they were not flying as frequently as they used to.

From today, the Status Hold initiative lets eligible Silver, Gold and Platinum Frequent Flyers keep their status for up to 18 months, even if they are not earning the number of Status Credits usually required to retain that tier. These members will also continue to enjoy their existing tier benefits, which may include lounge access, bonus points offers and preferred seating options.

In addition to the launch of the Status Hold initiative for parents, Qantas Frequent Flyer has increased its Family Transfer points limit and removed the restriction on the number of transfers. Members can now make an unlimited number of transfers to eligible family members up to 600,000 Qantas Points each year, compared to 400,000 previously.

Qantas Loyalty CEO Lesley Grant said the changes have been prompted by feedback from members wanting more flexibility from their Qantas Frequent Flyer membership, especially when they take parental leave and are more ‘grounded’ than normal.

“The Qantas Frequent Flyer program is about rewarding loyalty and someone’s Silver, Gold or Platinum status is a symbol of the loyalty they’ve shown Qantas over the years so we really want to recognise that,” Ms Grant said.

“Status Hold is designed to suit their evolving lifestyle and family needs. A new addition to a family is an exciting time, so this initiative means new parents don’t have to worry about losing their hard earned membership benefits for up to 18 months.

“We recognise that all families are a bit different, so Status Hold will apply to men and women and those welcoming a foster or adopted child,” added Ms Grant.

Details on Status Hold criteria  

Status Hold is available to eligible Silver, Gold and Platinum Frequent Flyers who are taking at least six consecutive months off paid employment to spend time with their family. Both parents can apply and may be eligible if they are:

·         A parent of a baby or babies that are due to be born within the next three months or were born in the last six months

·         A foster parent who will be caring for a child within the next three months or who has started caring for a child within the last six months

·         A parent who will be adopting a child within the next three months or who has adopted a child within the last six months.

Members looking to continue expanding their family can apply for Status Hold twice during a five year period.

Full details on eligibility and how to apply can be found here.

More generous Family Transfers

Members can now make an unlimited number of points transfers to family members of up to 600,000 Qantas Points each year.

The ability to transfer an extra 200,000 Qantas Points each year – the equivalent of a return Business Class Classic Reward Flight redemption from Sydney to Los Angeles[i] – gives families the opportunity to travel together on Reward flights if an individual doesn’t have enough points.

Previously Qantas Frequent Flyers were able to transfer a maximum of 400,000 Qantas Points each year, with only four transfers of up to 100,000 points each time during that 12 month period.

A minimum transfer rule of 5,000 Qantas Points still applies.

[i] Plus taxes, fees and carrier charges.

Qantas family-friendly programs

The changes announced today support Qantas’ broader family-friendly programs, including:

·         ‘The Joey Club’ – Qantas’ Frequent Flyer program for kids aged up to 10 years of age

·         Family Zones in Lounges

·         Inflight Entertainment, over 10 family movies each month, a Kids TV channel with a range of programs, plus a dedicated Kids Zone with a parental lock

·         Joey Playbox Kids iPad App – available free to download from the App Store

·         Kids packs and meals inflight

·         Infant meals (up to 2 years) – provided with a limited range of top brand baby food, milk, baby bottles, cereals and rusks

·         Priority family boarding (staff will be on hand at the boarding gate ready to collect the stroller and to further assist  with pre-boarding the aircraft)

·         Additional Baggage Allowance (include a collapsible stroller or push-chair, collapsible cot or bassinet; and car seat or baby capsule)

·         Strong unaccompanied minor offering

·         Advanced seat selection

·         Range of Family Travel information available on qantas.com

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