Qantas status extension 2022: How it works
The airline is giving frequent flyers extra time to maintain their status.
Worried that your Qantas status is going to slump because you haven't been flying much?
Don't panic.
Qantas has once again offered a 12-month extension to Silver, Gold, Platinum and Platinum One frequent flyers.
The latest extension applies to anyone who will see their membership reviewed between July and December 2022.
As long as you book a single Qantas flight with a QF flight number before your review date for travel before 31 December 2022, your current status tier will be automatically extended for another 12 months, even if you don't earn enough status credits to qualify.
My review date is at the end of October, so I've got some time to plan and book. (That said, I wish I'd known this before I booked a Qantas flight yesterday!)
You can use points or existing travel credits to pay for the flight, and there's no need to specifically register to score the extension.
Any Qantas flight is eligible, as are Jetstar international flights. However, Jetstar domestic flights don't count.
In a mark of how paranoid travel has become, the email announcing the change includes this sentence: "Don't worry, if after booking your eligible flight, it's cancelled by Qantas, we'll still extend your status and rollover your eligible Status Credits."
An identical offer was already in place for members up for renewal in the first half of 2022.
Qantas is also offering to roll over Status Credits from this membership year into the next year if you qualify for the extensions, giving you a head start on the following year's requalification.
These are the maximum number of Status Credits you'll be allowed to transfer:
| Tier | Maximum rollover credits |
|---|---|
| Silver | 100 |
| Gold | 250 |
| Platinum | 500 |
| Platinum One | 1,800 |
The bottom line? Yes, you'll have to book a flight to qualify for this extension. But it's still a pretty generous extension offer, and you can make the process less painful by waiting for a Qantas sale before making your qualifying booking.
Want to keep your frequent flyer points balance growing? Check out the latest credit card sign-up deals.
Angus Kidman's Findings column looks at new developments and research that help you save money, make wise decisions and enjoy your life more.
Picture: Angus Kidman
