Qantas, Emirates unveil frequent flyer synergies

Qantas and Emirates have unveiled a range of frequent flyer benefits under their proposed partnership, as the two airlines further aligned their individual schemes.

Members of either scheme will earn Qantas Frequent Flyer points or Emirates Skywards Miles on all flights operated by the combined network, with some exceptions for Skywards members on the Qantas domestic network.

In addition, there will be an expanded network for members of each program to earn Qantas Status credits and Status bonus or Skywards Tier Miles and Tier bonus, with the ability to redeem points or Miles on any part of the Qantas or Emirates network.

Gold members or above will also have access to both Qantas and Emirates lounges in Australia, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and North Africa with tier status in either program to be recognised by both airlines.

Lesley Grant, chief executive of Qantas Loyalty, said the benefits announced today would increase opportunities for frequent flyers of either airline to earn and redeem points or miles.

“Our shared goal has been to offer Qantas and Emirates customers the best global network, flying the largest combined A380 fleet and supported by the best rewards for our frequent flyers,” she said.

“Both airlines already offer some of the highest quality travel experiences, including our lounges and loyalty benefits, so this is about bringing together the best of both worlds."

The changes follow Emirates' announcement it will add a Platinum tier to its Skywards frequent flyer program from April 1, to sit above its existing Blue, Silver and Gold memberships, aligning it more closely with the four tier Qantas Frequent Flyer program.

Members who have earned more than 150,000 miles with the scheme will be eligible for the new tier, benefitting from services usually reserved for first class passengers, with access to lounges and 20kgs of additional baggage among the privileges.

Thierry Antinori, executive vice president passenger sales worldwide, described the move as a "significant development" to offer rewards for its "most valued" customers.