Qantas has relaunched its fast track to Gold Status offer. And while it was at it, has extended the offer to New Zealand members.
To take advantage of the offer, you will need to get in quick. Qantas is accepting ‘Expressions of Interest’ in the fast track until the end of April – just three weeks away.
To be eligible, you will need to be an elite member of one of a range of Frequent Flyer schemes. Not surprisingly, one of those programs is Velocity – the program of Virgin Australia.
Once you have been accepted, you will have until 31 July to meet the requirements of the Fast Track.
(Note that if you successfully joined the previous Fast Track, you still have until June 30 to complete the challenge. You will not be eligible for the new Fast Track)
Details
Under the fast track offer, members will have until 31 July 2021 in which to complete the fast track. In that time, you will need to earn 100 Status Credits. Given that it is a three month period, this should be more achievable than the normal 700 Status Credits required over a membership year.
During those 90 days, Qantas will offer some perks of Gold Status. Firstly, you will be granted access to the Qantas Club lounges. Secondly, you will be eligible for an extra luggage allowance.
You will need to apply for the offer by 30 April 2021 to be considered.
Note that it is only Gold on offer. Qantas isn’t going all the way and offering a fast track to Platinum. If you want that, then you are up for the full 1,400 Status Credits.
How to apply
Firstly, you need to be an Australian or New Zealand based Qantas Frequent Flyer, at either Bronze or Silver level.
Secondly, you need to hold an eligible elite level in one of 16 airline programs. Not surprisingly, none of the programs are those of other OneWorld partners. The programs and required levels you need to apply for the offer are
| Qualifying Airline | Eligible status |
| Air Canada – Aeroplan |
|
| Air China – Phoenix Miles |
|
| Air India Flying Returns |
|
| Air New Zealand Airpoints |
|
| ANA – Mileage Club |
|
| Asiana Airlines Asiana Club |
|
| Delta – Skymiles |
|
| Eva Air Infinity MileageLands |
|
| Etihad – Guest |
|
| Korean Air – Skypass |
|
| Shenzhen Airlines PhoenixMiles |
|
| Singapore Airlines – KrisFlyer |
|
| South African Airways SAA Voyager |
|
| Thai Airways Royal Orchid Plus |
|
| United Airlines – MileagePlus |
|
| Virgin Australia – Velocity |
|
Finally, collect together your documentation, and head over to the Qantas website to register an expression of interest.
Thoughts
The timing of this offer coincides with the Trans-Tasman bubble announcement. Clearly they are still targetting Velocity members, given that Virgin Australia has delayed its return to New Zealand.
It is a good offer. 100 Status Credits should be achieveable for many, while at the same time keeping the tire kickers at bay.
For further information, refer to the Qantas promotion page for the offer.
