Qantas Frequent Flyer Program in 2026: Qantas is changing the way its Frequent Flyer program works, and some of the changes are really good for people who travel a lot. They are adding new ways to earn status, which many flyers will like. But they are also removing some perks, like lower requirements for keeping your status, which might upset a few people. Let’s look at what’s happening.
Airlines always change their programs, but usually, it makes things worse for members. This time, Qantas’ update is more balanced and even has some good things for members. The updates include things like earning status without flying, rolling over extra credits, better rewards tools, and more.
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Earning Status without Flying
In the United States, it has been normal for a long time to earn elite status just by spending money on certain credit cards. In other countries, this idea is newer. Qantas tried this feature last year and it worked really well. “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.
Later in 2026, Qantas will let Frequent Flyer members earn status just by spending money, not only by flying. Members can earn up to 140 extra Status Credits each year by spending in 10 categories. This is almost half of the 300 Status Credits needed to get Silver status.
For people in the U.S, many travel rewards credit cards already let you earn up to 17x points or miles in certain spending categories. This can really help you get airline elite status faster.
Rolling over extra status credits
Qantas noticed that some members earn more Status Credits than they need. Instead of losing the extra credits, members will be able to roll them over to the next year. This is very customer-friendly and should make it easier for many people to reach higher status. It would be nice if other airlines did the same.
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New Tools and Rewards
Qantas will launch a new tool in March 2026 to help members see which reward seats are available on Qantas and 30 partner airlines, including 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. This will make booking flights with points or miles easier for everyone.
Starting in 2027, Qantas will also add more lifetime milestones. Lifetime Gold members will get an extra year of Platinum status for every 10,000 Status Credits they earn beyond the usual threshold. Members can get up to 5 bonus years at once.
Silver members will get more benefits too. Since they do not normally get free lounge access, Qantas will now give them one extra lounge invitation every year. These changes are part of a bigger update to the tier system that will come in 2027.
Changes to Status Rules
Qantas is removing the lower thresholds for keeping status. Currently, it takes fewer Status Credits to keep your status than to earn it. Like if you need 700 credits to get Gold status but only 600 to keep it. Starting in 2027, members will need the same number of credits to earn and keep status at all levels.
Qantas will also remove two ways to earn status. The Points Club and Green Tier programs will end by the end of 2026. Qantas plans to bring some of the useful parts of these programs into new features, like giving rewards for making sustainable choices.
