Last week, Qantas announced a major shake-up to its Qantas Frequent Flyer program. In this episode, former Head of Loyalty at Malaysia Airlines, Mark Ross-Smith, joins Matt to discuss the changes, why Qantas announced them and what this all means for frequent flyers.

Episode contents:

• 1:05 – Fortnightly news round-up
• 4:07 – Overview of Qantas Frequent Flyer program changes
• 8:48 – Status challenges (upcoming webinar)
• 10:38 – Interview with Mark Ross-Smith – changes to Qantas award availability & pricing
• 22:49 – Interview with Mark Ross-Smith – lifetime Qantas Platinum status
• 30:33 – Interview with Mark Ross-Smith – Qantas Points Club

Links:

• AFF on Air Discussion thread – a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions
• Major Qantas Frequent Flyer Changes – June 2019
• Qantas Frequent Flyer forum on AFF
• American Airlines Status Challenge Unlocks Qantas, Oneworld Perks
• Webinar: How to earn top-tier Airline Status using Status Challenges (1 July 2019)

Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up:

• Qatar Airways Named World’s Best Airline in 2019
• New Westpac Altitude Velocity Rewards Program
• Fiji Airways Ends Adelaide Service
• Delays to Virgin Australia Los Angeles Flights
• Last Chance to Book Aer Lingus Award Flights

Matt Graham

The editor of Australian Frequent Flyer, Matt's passion for travel has taken him to over 90 countries… with the help of frequent flyer points, of course!
Matt's favourite destinations (so far) are Germany, Brazil & Kazakhstan. His interests include economics, aviation & foreign languages, and he has a soft spot for good food and red wine.

You can connect with Matt by posting on the Australian Frequent Flyer community forum and tagging @AFF Editor.