Qantas launches new Jetstar loyalty program - but there's a catch
Updated . First published at
Travellers will now be able to earn more Qantas frequent flyer points and status credits when flying with Jetstar – but it will cost an extra $199 a year.
A new annual membership called Qantas Frequent Flyer Extra will allow customers to now earn points across all eligible Jetstar fares, including Starter Fares.
Qantas Frequent Flyer Extra is available for an annual fee of $199, and you also need to be a member of Club Jetstar, which has a yearly $65 membership fee (or $55 for a renewal).
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You can now earn Qantas points flying with Jetstar. Getty
Jetstar CEO, Stephanie Tully, said the new program offers "the best of both worlds".
"Jetstar's famous low fares and extensive leisure network while accruing highly valued Qantas Points and Status Credits across all flights," she shared in a statement.
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David Flynn, who runs Executive Traveller, said the move by Qantas was to "sway travellers away from Virgin's cheapest fares".
"Jetstar's starter fares and Virgin's lite fares are comparable in price and features, so if you're flying to a budget … the ability to pocket those extra Qantas points and status credits is likely to be very appealing," he said, as reported by the Australian Financial Review
How many points can you earn?
Members can now earn up to an additional 1300 Qantas Points and 10 Status Credits per international flight and 725 Qantas Points and five Status Credits per domestic flight within Australia, New Zealand, and Japan.
For example, Jetstar customers participating in the new scheme can earn 2400 points on a Brisbane-Bali basic fare, climbing to 18,400 for Cairns-Tokyo in business.
Status credits are capped but you can earn unlimited extra points. Getty
Status credits are capped at 75 per year through Club Jetstar, while points are unlimited.
Previously, status credits and points were only available when Qantas frequent flyers paid for higher-priced fares.
From next year, Frequent Flyers will also be able to use their Qantas Points to upgrade to Business on Jetstar international flights.
It comes after new data released in September showed Jetstar had the best cancellation rate among all domestic carriers that month.
According to the figures released by the Federal Government, Jetstar had a cancellation rate of just 1 per cent last month, which was the lowest of any major carrier.
Jetstar also recorded its best September on-time departure rate in 10 years (outside of COVID) at 78.3 per cent.
