Qantas Announces Major Changes for 2026
Qantas has announced a series of significant changes to its Frequent Flyer program, set to take effect in 2026. These updates are aimed at reshaping the way members access lounge facilities and earn status credits.
Lounge Access and Complimentary Invitations
Starting from 1 July, the complimentary lounge passes that were often used by friends and family members traveling separately will now only be valid if the person is with you. This change applies to both domestic and general lounge passes, and guests must be on the same flight to gain access using them.
Additionally, the airline will remove access to lounges for those on international Jetstar flights unless they are traveling on a Qantas codeshare flight. This rule will apply even to Qantas Club, Gold, and Platinum Frequent Flyer members. However, Platinum One members can still use the lounges when flying with Jetstar.
The reaction to these changes has been mixed. Some members have expressed frustration, stating that the new rules make it less convenient to travel with family or friends. One member shared:
“You get more value flying with Virgin, especially if you have family. You can pool their points and status credits to you. I stopped flying with Qantas… and I’m a lifetime member too.”
Another traveler commented:
“Direct flights to Asia (excluding Singapore) are only available on JQ and there is no QF codeshare available, bit of a rort really.”
A Gold member added:
“I am LT Gold. So when my wife travels with me, she gets lounge access. But in the past when she travels solo for work, she has been able to use my passes. Now she can’t. That is cruel and nuts.”
On the other hand, some regular flyers have welcomed the changes. One traveler said:
“Fair enough. The last time I was in the first lounge in Melbourne it was far too busy with Jetstar passengers.”
Another wrote:
“Bravo.”
Expansion of Status Credits
This is the latest in a series of major changes for the airline, including the biggest overhaul of its Frequent Flyer program in history last month. Members will soon be able to earn Status Credits through everyday spending on the ground, as they can with Qantas Points. This will be via select credit cards and program partners.
Status Credits are the only way a new tier (Silver, Gold, Platinum) can be achieved, and could previously only be earned from flying. The changes, which follow ‘extensive feedback’ from thousands of frequent flyers and loyalty experts, will be introduced progressively from later this year and will impact the 41 per cent of Aussies who currently collect Qantas Points.
Among the changes will be the ability for members to roll over up to 50 per cent of their excess Status Credits, which currently reset from one membership year to the next. This will be capped by tier. Unsurprisingly, this means the amount of credits needed to keep status level is rising.
Retirement of Green Tier and Points Club Plus Schemes
In news deemed less positive by many Qantas customers, the airline has also announced the retirement of the popular Green Tier and Points Club Plus schemes.
The removal of the former means members will no longer be able to earn an annual bonus of 50 Status Credits or 10,000 Qantas Points by completing five ‘sustainable’ activities like offsetting a flight, doing a quiz, or buying eco-wine.
The retirement of Points Club Plus means no more complimentary Qantas Club membership (worth $700+) for those who earned over 350,000 points on the ground.
Qantas says these schemes were canned due to ‘program complexity’; the team wanted to remove any ‘overlapping sub-programs in favor of one core recognition pathway’.
Additional Changes
Other changes to roll out throughout the year include greater recognition for Lifetime Gold members, including the ability to earn and ‘bank’ up to five complimentary years of Platinum Status. An additional lounge invitation each membership year will also be included for Silver members, alongside new on-the-ground vouchers and discounts for all higher tiers.
Finally, a new search tool will be implemented on the Qantas website to help members find international Classic Reward seats on Qantas and partner airlines in seconds.
Financial Performance and Future Outlook
The news comes as Qantas Group announced an underlying profit before tax of $1.46 billion on Thursday and a 19 per cent spike in Qantas Loyalty revenue.
Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson said the overhaul will deliver greater flexibility, faster recognition, and more pathways to status.
“With more than 18 million members and nearly 40 years rewarding loyalty, this represents a new era for the Frequent Flyer program in the face of a changing loyalty landscape,” she said.
“Our members have an incredible appetite for earning points, but we know they also place immense value on their status. Our most frequent flyers tell us that status retention is the single most important milestone as a member, with thousands achieving or retaining their tier every day.
“These changes are about creating more opportunities for members to unlock status, while ensuring the program remains as relevant and rewarding in the future as it has been for the past four decades.”
