Qantas is reaching out to hundreds of thousands of customers with ‘COVID credits’ – travel credits left over from the pandemic – and offering double Frequent Flyer points on eligible flights if they book before February 2023.
During the pandemic, Qantas provided customers with more flexibility for flight changes and credit redemptions than ever before. Each time borders closed, more travel credits were created as people were unable to take planned trips, with more than $1.2 billion used by customers over the past two and a half years.
An analysis of the $600 million in COVID credits still held by Qantas customers shows:
Almost 900,000 customers still have COVID credits.
Almost $300 million of COVID credits are made up of bookings worth under $1000.
52 per cent of COVID credits are worth between $100 and $499.
15 per cent of COVID credits are worth between $1000 and $5000.
1 per cent of COVID credits are worth over $5000.
The offer applies to the base rate of points earn and extends to all domestic and international flights with a Qantas flight number booked before February 2023 using a travel credit.
COVID credits received during the pandemic expire at the end of 2023, with customers needing to book and travel before then.
Over the coming days, Qantas will send reminders to customers with COVID credits either directly or through their travel agent about how to access the double points offer. Customers who are not already members will be able to sign up as a Qantas Frequent Flyer for free.
The double points offer follows a number of other initiatives earlier this year to make using travel credits easier for customers. This included establishing a dedicated travel credit helpline resourced with specialist contact center staff, as well as an updated Travel Credits Hub with advice for customers using their travel credits.
Example bonus points earn:
Sydney – London (family of four, return in economy). Additional 74,400 bonus points. (148,800 in total)
Melbourne – Dallas (single traveller, return in premium economy) Additional 24,500 bonus points (49,000 in total).
Brisbane – Perth (couple, return in business class) Additional 13,200 bonus points (26,400 points in total).
