QF introducing "Parental Pause" & increasing transfer limits

[Mattg]

Looks like Qantas is following Virgin's lead in allowing new parents to pause their membership. The status hold can be for up to 18 months, which beats the 6 months offered by Virgin.

They are also removing the 4 annual family transfer limit and increasing the annual limit from 400,000 to 600,000 points.

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’ ‘PARENTAL PAUSE’ FOR FREQUENT FLYERS - Qantas News Room

 

[njba]

Cynically speaking, isn't this an easy way for people to extend their status by claiming the existence of a possibly fictitious child?

And it's interesting that Platinum Ones do not have children. I haven't seen that pop up in the P1 experience thread.

 

[medhead]

Cynically speaking, isn't this an easy way for people to extend their status by claiming the existence of a possibly fictitious child?

And it's interesting that Platinum Ones do not have children. I haven't seen that pop up in the P1 experience thread.

IIRC Virgin ask to see a birth certificate. I'm sure Qantas will have some procedures in place to verify.

 

[Katy]

One would hope that they would require some supporting documentation to be submitted in the form of doctor's note/birth certificate etc.

 

[Princess Fiona]

IIRC Virgin ask to see a birth certificate. I'm sure Qantas will have some procedures in place to verify.

One would hope that they would require some supporting documentation to be submitted in the form of doctor's note/birth certificate etc.

They do. It's detailed on the QF website

 

[njba]

Hooray for paperwork! It's a decent and savvy move by QF.

 

[love_the_life]

Does getting a new puppy or kitten count?
Some may say this is discrimination against those who choose not to procreate. [Ducks out of firing line]

 

[mviy]

I wonder whether the increased transfer limits will lead to more demand for award seats and upgrades further reducing the chances of getting them?

 

[coles525]

Regarding the change from 400k points (x4 per year), to unlimited at a max of 600k; for every member, or in conjunction with having kids?

Obviously, the answer is for everyone; but it could be simpler & fairer!

 

[Natalie_B]

Bahhhh. MissNatalie_B just turned 8 months so I miss out. Two kids in two and a bit years has put a dent in my points haul!

 

[mviy]

When I achieve SG status, I may ask a family member who only has PS status or NB status to do a family transfer to me so we can apply for 2xJ seats together on points taking advantage of my SG status to give my family member a higher chance of being able to get a seat on points. I have a family member with NB status who has an ever rising points balance because of a lack of being able to get seats on points when looking for them. With the previous family transfer limits this would have been harder to do.

 

[Pushka]

Cynically speaking, isn't this an easy way for people to extend their status by claiming the existence of a possibly fictitious child?

And it's interesting that Platinum Ones do not have children. I haven't seen that pop up in the P1 experience thread.

They do require proof.

Wish they could do this for illness that prevents flying.

 

[mviy]

Wish they could do this for illness that prevents flying.

Would be nice, but if they do change the rules to allow that they would likely need a medical certificate to prove that you are unfit to fly for an extended period (which they would be able to cross check against the dates of flights you have flown with QANTAS). If they did make such a change I doubt it would be for an illness that only prevents flying for a couple of weeks.

 

[DavidFlynn]

Also part of the new family transfer package (not mentioned in the Qantas press release but confirmed to me by Qantas): the previous cap of 100,000 points per transfer has been axed. You can now max out your annual 600,000 point limit in a single transfer.

 

[anat0l]

I wonder if potential parents (or parents who are thinking of another child) take this into account now to maximise their status lengths, i.e. when to conceive?


One of the required documents (in any case) is a letter from employer confirming that you have at least six months parental leave. Does this exclude anyone who would benefit otherwise from this status (in earnest! Not someone who doctors up a fake birth certificate just to get more time on their status)?


The removal of the number of transfers between people is really cool. Just have to keep track of how much of the 600k you've used up per year.

 

[mviy]

Also part of the new family transfer package (not mentioned in the Qantas press release but confirmed to me by Qantas): the previous cap of 100,000 points per transfer has been axed. You can now max out your annual 600,000 point limit in a single transfer.

Which means you can transfer more than enough for 2xJ return to London in one go. So say a family member is e.g. NB and has a huge points balance (e.g. from credit card spend and sign-up bonuses) they can transfer up to 600,000 in one go to a family member with status and then the status holder can book the award flights for the two of them on points.

 

[Standby]

Credit where it's due ,for me and my family this is a very positive change. I dont care if it has been done to match a competitor that I dont fly with.

 

[Cool Cat Phil]

An Excellent Move by Qantas and will certainly benefit plenty of Working Mum's who no doubt find it difficult to hold status whilst trying to be a mother to a new born.

 

[DavidFlynn]

Agreed. I don't have kids and won't be having them, but can appreciate that this type of 'parental leave' status pause is a great facility for those with kidlets - was a smart and welcome move when Virgin Australia introduced it, and great that Qantas is now doing likewise.

 

[medhead]

Also part of the new family transfer package (not mentioned in the Qantas press release but confirmed to me by Qantas): the previous cap of 100,000 points per transfer has been axed. You can now max out your annual 600,000 point limit in a single transfer.

Seems to be there in the OP.

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.