Starting December 8, Qantas Frequent Flyer members can earn tier status on the ground through everyday spending and roll over up to 50 per cent of excess Status Credits, marking the program’s most significant overhaul in history alongside upcoming Jetstar Classic Upgrades.
Qantas is reshaping how members climb its tiers. Qantas Loyalty and Customer CEO Andrew Glance announced structural changes designed to match modern travel and spending habits.
Ground Spending and Status Credit Roll Over Rules
The upcoming adjustments introduce mechanics previously unseen in the program. Beginning December 8, members will be able to earn status through everyday purchases, including credit cards and routine shopping. For the first time in the program’s history, tiered members can also carry over up to 50 per cent of their excess Status Credits into the following membership year.
This carry-over benefit carries distinct caps depending on membership tier. Silver members can roll over up to 100 excess credits, Gold members up to 350, and Platinum alongside Platinum One members can carry up to 500. Additionally, members can earn up to 140 Status Credits each membership year through ten separate ground categories. Everyday shopping through Everyday Rewards at Woolworths contributes 10 credits, while co-branded credit cards can unlock 20. These ground-earned credits also apply directly toward Lifetime tier balances.
Jetstar Classic Upgrades and Boeing 787 Cabin Refits
Budget travel options are expanding as part of the broader program shift. Jetstar Classic Upgrades launch in early September, coinciding with Jetstar’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet refit. The cabin refresh programme, scheduled to run through late 2027, more than doubles each Business Class cabin from 21 seats to 44. This expansion opens tens of thousands of additional Business seats across routes in the Asia Pacific region.
Pricing for these upgrades operates on a fixed-points-per-route basis, mirroring Classic Upgrades on Qantas flights. A Melbourne to Singapore upgrade requires 37,000 Qantas Points, while a Sydney to Osaka journey costs 45,300 points. Upgrades include 30kg of checked baggage, in-flight meals, and priority boarding. Bookings open initially through Jetstar’s official website, with availability on Qantas’ website to follow.
Financial Services Coalition and Credit Card Partnerships
Financial partnerships remain a core pillar of the program. Qantas Loyalty has finalized revised commercial terms and extended agreements with its largest banking partners. Members currently access over 30 Qantas Points-earning credit cards with earn rates reaching up to 1 point per $1 spent. Qantas co-branded cards account for approximately 35 per cent of all credit card spend nationally.
“Qantas Frequent Flyer is stronger and more diversified than it’s ever been. Our nearly 19 million members now engage with us across almost every part of their daily lives, and two-thirds of all Qantas Points are now earned on the ground.”
Mr Glance, Qantas Loyalty and Customer CEO
That heavy reliance on ground transactions reflects how member habits have evolved. Ground engagement now drives two-thirds of all point generation across 700 coalition partners spanning banking, retail, insurance, and travel.
Promotion Timelines and Retiring Sub-Programs
While long-term structural changes roll out gradually through early 2027—including the removal of separate attain and retain requirements, new Silver tier benefits, and Lifetime milestones—certain existing features face immediate retirement. Sub-programs Points Club and Green Tier will retire on December 8, though members can continue attaining Points Club until that date and enjoy those benefits through their next membership year.
Concurrently, short-term promotional activity continues to support member progression. The Double Status Credits and Points promotion is available for Qantas-marketed regional, domestic, and international flights. Travelers registered through the Qantas App receive double credits or points based on fare type, route, and distance. Flyers close to tier thresholds, such as moving from Gold to Platinum, benefit from Double Status Credits, while members further from thresholds may get more value from accumulating flexible point balances.
Program Evolution and Future Milestones
The sweep of changes reflects a balancing act between rewarding ground members and maintaining incentives for frequent flyers in the air. Qantas reported that a record number of flight rewards were booked with points in FY26, alongside a 7 per cent increase in Business and First upgrades on international routes. Additional partner airlines are scheduled to join the network during FY27, adding to the 30-plus carriers already accessible to members.
“We know how deeply members value their status and the travel benefits that come with our tiers. These changes represent the most significant status overhaul in our program’s history, ensuring it remains Australia’s most rewarding and relevant loyalty program long into the future.”
Mr Glance, Qantas Loyalty and Customer CEO
As the December rollover implementation approaches alongside the ongoing Cabin refresh programme, the airline positions its loyalty ecosystem to capture daily consumer transactions long before passengers step foot on an aircraft.
