Going on parental leave but don’t want to lose your Qantas frequent flyer miles?
Qantas has the ‘Parental Pause’ initiative to help its Frequent Flyers keep the benefits of their membership status while on parental leave. Previously, Silver, Gold and Platinum Frequent Flyers would often see their status drop when they took time out to raise a child if they were not flying as frequently as they used to.
However, the Status Hold initiative enables eligible Silver, Gold and Platinum Frequent Flyers keep their status for up to 18 months, even if they are not earning the number of Status Credits usually required to retain that tier. These members will also continue to enjoy their existing tier benefits, which may include lounge access, bonus points offers and preferred seating options.
Details on Status Hold criteria Status Hold is available to eligible Silver, Gold and Platinum Frequent Flyers who are taking at least six consecutive months off paid employment to spend time with their family. Both parents can apply and may be eligible if they are:
- A parent of a baby or babies that are due to be born within the next three months or were born in the last six months
- A foster parent who will be caring for a child within the next three months or who has started caring for a child within the last six months
- A parent who will be adopting a child within the next three months or who has adopted a child within the last six months.
Members looking to continue expanding their family can apply for Status Hold twice during a five year period. Full details on eligibility and how to apply can be found here.
Also, Qantas Frequent Flyer has a generous Family Transfer program. Members can make an unlimited number of transfers to eligible family members up to 600,000 Qantas Points each year. A minimum transfer rule of 5,000 Qantas Points still applies. Sign up your kids for their own frequent flyer account so you can transfer points in and out of their account!