As part of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program, members earn Status Credits by taking eligible flights with Qantas or oneworld alliance airlines.

Currently members have options to earn bonus status credits for every 500 status earned, along with a lower retention target the following year, once you’ve reached a particular tier. Since Qantas announced the removal of the lower retention rate earlier this year, it will move the goalposts and make it more difficult to keep your status level year on year.

For example, Gold status will require 700 Status Credits annually. To retain Platinum status, you need to earn the full 1,400 Status Credits. Currently you could earn 1,100 status credits, plus activate the 2 x 50 status credit bonus offers to retain your membership. Once the changes are live, it means Platinum frequent flyers will need to find another 300 status credits each year to retain their membership.

On the plus side, Qantas will be rewarding the over-achievers who often felt like they were stuck in a bit of a ‘dead zone’ between tiers. Once you hit your target, there was less incentive to earn more status credits that same year. With the new rules, if you earn over the target figure, you’ll see some of that benefit the following year.

Slated for “2026 or 2027”, Gold, Platinum and Platinum One members will be able to rollover 50% of their excess Status Credits, up to a maximum of 300 for Gold, and 500 for Platinum and Platinum One, per Membership Year. This change means those who previously fell short are penalised, whereas those who exceed are rewarded.

Despite these changes, there’s some great benefits that come for Gold and Platinum Qantas Frequent Flyers.

Key Benefits of Gold & Platinum

• Both Gold and Platinum members enjoy a wide range of premium travel perks, including:
• Priority check-in
• Priority boarding and baggage handling
• Additional checked baggage allowance
• Access to reward seats and preferred seating
• Priority waitlisting on flights
• Lounge access to Qantas Club and partner lounges worldwide, including oneworld® and selected partner airline lounges
• Partner benefits with Emirates and China Eastern

Gold status aligns with oneworld Sapphire, while Platinum aligns with oneworld Emerald, unlocking additional global recognition and benefits when flying with partner airlines.

Gold Status Highlights

Gold members receive:

• Earn 75% more Qantas Points on eligible Qantas, Jetstar and American Airlines flights
• Access to over 600 Business Class lounges worldwide when flying on eligible itineraries
• For every 500 Status Credits you earn on eligible Qantas or Jetstar flights, receive a Loyalty Bonus of 50 Status Credits

Platinum Status Highlights

Platinum members unlock a higher tier of premium travel benefits, including:

• Earn 100% more Qantas Points on eligible Qantas, Jetstar and American Airlines flights
• Access to First Class lounges globally, including Qantas First Lounges
• Enhanced priority across the journey, including security and immigration fast-track at select airports
• Greater access to premium seating options and upgrades
• For every 500 Status Credits you earn on eligible Qantas or Jetstar flights, receive a Loyalty Bonus of 50 Status Credits
• Reach 2,400 Status Credits on eligible flights in one Membership Year to receive a Platinum Bonus Reward. Choose between 50,000 Qantas Points or complimentary Gold membership for a family member or friend

Is Gold or Platinum Worth It?

If you travel internationally often, aiming for Platinum status can significantly enhance your experience. Particularly, with access to world-class First Class lounges and top-tier priority services. For many, a huge drawcard of Platinum will be access to additional inventory of coveted Classic Reward flights and the ability to request Classic Reward seats to be released by the Qantas Platinum Team. However, we have noticed in recent times that they are less likely to release ad hoc Classic Reward seats when requested with a more automated, and stricter, approach to these requests.

Looking for status advice with your next booking? Chat to an airfare specialist today about maximising your status earning potential and booking your next Qantas or oneworld flight!