Qantas has kicked off an expansion of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program in New Zealand. There are three parts to the initial expansion aimed at capturing a bigger slice of the New Zealand market.
- Kiwis to earn more Qantas Points from everyday shopping on the ground
- New Zealand members of other airline programs invited to fast track their status with Qantas
- Frequent Flyer program join fee to be waived for New Zealand residents
Everyday Rewards transfer partner
As noted in another article, from 2 December Everyday Rewards New Zealand members will be able to convert their points to Qantas Points. The conversion rate in New Zealand is 2,000 Everyday Rewards points to 1,500 Qantas Points. Interestingly, this is a better conversion rate that that available to members in Australia.
In order to earn points Qantas Points this way, Everyday Rewards members will need to select Qantas Points as their rewards choice. Once selected, the points are automatically converted each time you earn 2,000 Everyday Rewards points.
Get on the Status Fast Track
As part of the push into New Zealand, Qantas is offering kiwis a Qantas Status Fast Track. In order to be able to take part in the fast track you will need to
- Have a New Zealand home postal address
- Be a Bronze or Silver Qantas Frequent Flyer
- Have an eligible status with one of the following airlines
- Air Canada
- Air China
- Air New Zealand
- Delta Air Lines
- Korean Air
- Singapore Airlines
- United Airlines
- Virgin Australia
If you meet those conditions, you will need to register an expression of interest at the Qantas Status Fast Track website by 14 January 2025. Once you have applied, Qantas will assess your application. If you are approved, you’ll need to earn 100 Status Credits (instead of the usual 700 Status Credits) between 15 January 2025 and 15 April 2025.
According to Qantas, those 100 Status Credits can be earned with one return trip from Auckland to New York or two return trips from Christchurch to Sydney. You can even do it without leaving New Zealand – five return trips from Dunedin to Auckland with Jetstar will do.
While you are completing the Status Challenge, you’ll have access to the Qantas Lounges and enjoy an extra baggage allowance.
Qantas Frequent Flyer Join Fee Waived
Finally, Qantas will be removing the joining fee for New Zealand residents. At present, New Zealand residents are charged $60 to join, and this fee will be removed later in November.
In the interim, Qantas is offering ways to join the program for free in New Zealand.