Qantas has announced a major expansion of its Frequent Flyer program in New Zealand, making it easier for Kiwis to earn Qantas Points through everyday spending and enjoy the benefits of loyalty status.
With enhanced opportunities to accumulate points from local purchases and new fast-track status options, the move positions Qantas as a more accessible choice for New Zealanders looking to boost their points and redeem them for travel rewards.
Boosted Points from Everyday Spending
From 2 December 2024, Qantas Frequent Flyers in New Zealand will be able to convert their Everyday Rewards points into Qantas Points, thanks to a new partnership with Woolworths’ Everyday Rewards program. Everyday Rewards points are earned from shopping at Woolworths supermarkets, bp petrol stations, Petstock stores, and other participating retailers across New Zealand.
In a competitive edge over their trans-Tasman neighbours, Kiwis will receive 50 per cent more Qantas Points when converting their Everyday Rewards points. This aligns with Qantas’ 16-year partnership with Everyday Rewards in Australia, which has been highly successful, generating billions of points and millions of bookings annually.
Qantas Loyalty CEO Andrew Glance highlighted the value of the new program for New Zealanders, saying, “With New Zealand home to the most Qantas Frequent Flyer members outside Australia, it’s important that we continue to grow the program and expand the ways members can earn points and redeem them on travel experiences. Now, grocery shopping or filling up the car will help Kiwis get closer to their dream holiday.”
To benefit from the partnership, Qantas Frequent Flyers need to be Everyday Rewards members and select Qantas Points as their rewards preference on the Everyday Rewards app or website.
Status Fast Track for High-Tier Kiwis
In addition to enhanced earning potential, Qantas is also inviting top-tier members of other airline loyalty programs in New Zealand to fast-track their status with Qantas Frequent Flyer. From January 2025, Gold or higher members of selected airline programs can reach Qantas Gold status by earning 100 Status Credits within a 90-day period, a significant reduction from the usual requirement of 700 Status Credits in a membership year.
The fast-track program offers complimentary access to Qantas Club lounges and increased checked baggage for participating members during the 90-day period. CEO Andrew Glance noted, “It’s not every day that frequent flyers have the opportunity to fast-track their status to Qantas Gold, so this is a great opportunity for travellers to experience the benefits from day one.”
Registrations for the fast-track promotion close on 14 January 2025, with the 90-day period starting on 15 January 2025. Examples of eligible travel to achieve Gold Status Credits include a return trip from Auckland to New York with Qantas, two return trips from Christchurch to Sydney, or five return trips from Dunedin to Auckland with Jetstar.
Waived Join Fee for New Zealand Members
Qantas has further streamlined its program for New Zealanders by removing the NZ $60 join fee for its Frequent Flyer program, making it free to register. According to Qantas data, billions of Qantas Points – representing the equivalent value of tens of thousands of trans-Tasman reward seats – remain unclaimed annually by travellers who have not joined the program or added their Qantas Frequent Flyer number to bookings.
With this fee waiver, more New Zealanders can access points-earning opportunities through all Qantas flights, Jetstar New Zealand domestic flights, and selected Jetstar international flights, as well as over 45 partner airlines, including Emirates, Cathay Pacific, and American Airlines.
New Zealand residents can register for the Qantas Frequent Flyer program at no cost by visiting Qantas’ New Zealand website.
