Qantas extends current status Until at least March 2021

[Kangol]

Did anyone else get the email?

 

[love_the_life]

Yep. just got it. Unfortunately for me I had just prequalified but will help some people here I think.

 

[dylarr]

Yep. Just landed in my inbox seconds ago.

For those who haven't yet received the e-mail, here is the full text:

###

Dear dylarr,

The impacts of Coronavirus are unprecedented and continue to evolve on a daily basis.

Among the many impacts, we know your travel plans have been affected. We appreciate the need for flexibility during this time and the importance of preserving the travel benefits that you’ve earned through your loyalty to us.

To give you one less thing to worry about right now, your Qantas Frequent Flyer Gold status will automatically be extended for 12 months. The extension will be actioned in two phases - if your membership year ends:

- between March and June 2020, it will be automatically extended by 27 March 2020; and
- between July 2020 and February 2021, it will be automatically extended by 9 April 2020.

Your Membership Year end date is located in My Account or the Qantas App. If you have more questions visit qantas.com/statusextension. There is no need to register or call the contact centre, we will take care of everything.

In addition, while you’re spending less time in the air, we’ll be keeping Status Credits within reach through a series of new offers from our program partners. This will allow you to earn Status Credits across the Qantas Frequent Flyer program in addition to flying. You'll be hearing about the first of these offers very soon.

Qantas has faced and overcome adversity throughout our 100 years of operation. We will be here ready to welcome you back when your travel plans resume.

Our thoughts continue to be with all those affected and we recognise the work of everybody to contain the situation.

Thank you for your loyalty and support.

Olivia Wirth
CEO Qantas Loyalty

 

[dylarr]

Most interesting point:

In addition, while you’re spending less time in the air, we’ll be keeping Status Credits within reach through a series of new offers from our program partners. This will allow you to earn Status Credits across the Qantas Frequent Flyer program in addition to flying. You'll be hearing about the first of these offers very soon.

 

[sudoer]

new offers from our program partners

Suggests this isn't related to Points Club - I wonder which partners it could be. Other than perhaps another ANZ CC style offer, my guess would be certain hotel chains booked through Qantas Hotels.

Good news about the status extension otherwise.

 

[dylarr]

And finally, more information and FAQs here: Qantas Frequent Flyer Status Extension

 

[RichardMEL]

Very surprised (but happy!) they have included P1 extensions for a year.

Now maybe people can all calm down about this and focus on the really important things going on hmm?

 

[Brettmcg]

I really do appreciate the gesture, and I know given the challenges airlines, and indeed the whole world is facing, this will sound incredibly selfish, but here goes anyway.

Unfortunately, this won't be of any use to me, as I've already retained P1 until May 2021, so won't qualify for the status extension. Given the COVID-19 situation is expected to last at least six months, it means I'll get maybe six or seven decent months of use of the benefits I've actually earned, and then I'll likely no longer be P1, as I won't have returned to adequate flying to retain for 2022.

I know this is a completely self-centered view, but it's a scenario I'm sure many of us are facing. Just want to put it out there for discussion!

Hopefully they consider adjusting on a rolling basis depending on how long this situation goes on. Having said that, they may not be in a position to if it really drags.

 

[Himeno]

Just got the same email.

 

[Cessna 180]

I just received it too. It is appreciated although possibly not needed (for me), depending on what happens before my renewal date in May.

It is a nice touch however, even though I would have thought airlines had many more important things to worry about at this time.

 

[ozmouse]

I just attained platinum April 2020 for the first time .... useless for me after just cancelled 2 international trips already. A completely wasted year

What happens if I've already retained my status, will it still be extended by 12 months?
No. If you’ve already retained your status then you will automatically enjoy your current benefits for the rest of your Membership Year another 12 months. Status extension will not apply.

 

[sudoer]

I just attained platinum April 2020 for the first time .... useless for me after just cancelled 2 international trips already. A completely wasted year

They've addressed this. Keep reading.

My membership anniversary date is in March 2020, so while the extension will take my membership year to March 2021, I still may not be able to fly for much of this year. Will Qantas consider additional support to help me retain next year?
The situation is constantly evolving, as is our response. We will review whether additional support is required closer to the time.

 

[Falcs]

Yup, my dad will be happy as the situation messed up his platinum requalification!

 

[flyingfan]

I got the email too, exactly the same timeframes for this P1. Normally an email with the word 'Important' doesn't bring good news. Surprised and happy, went beyond what I expected. Well done QF.

Now to think about what to do with the vouchers I created from my cancelled bookings. Website not loading them properly currently.

Those saying QF was working on/wargaming something, dead right. The page looks like it's been well thought out. And if there was any doubt, the last FAQ does say 'Qantas Points and Status Credits will only be awarded for eligible flights flown.'

 

[NickCorr]

Awesome news!!

 

[SeatBackForward]

This is a good gesture by Qantas, quite generous IMO

 

[Pushka]

Thankyou Qantas. Although this issue dropped off our radar with news of unpaid leave for the family with new baby tonight it is a little ray for the future. We haven't received any email though.

 

[mrsterryn]

Havent got the email but that is great news as per the site. I wouldn't have been able to maintain this year specifically due to the virus

 

[justin23]

I'm pretty happy. I'm going to have to change a May trip to Tokyo in J for DSC's which would have retained gold easily. Then I figured I'd actually be better off earning those DSC's in my next Calender year anyway to earn status in 21/22. Well now my status will be extended to July 21, I'm definitely going to move my flights, although I think in May I still won't have a choice regardless.

 

[mviy]

I thought this would be what they would do. Doing something more complicated would require too much manual work.

Additional support if needed could be another extension or perhaps a status challenge e.g. perhaps do something like 400 standard SC of flying in 90 days to regain Platinum but still needing to get the 1400 SC to keep it beyond a year.