Qantas has introduced a Green tier to its loyalty program, to exist alongside its Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum and Platinum One flying tiers.
According to Qantas’ press release, the initiative aims to reward frequent flyers who offset emissions in their everyday lives by earning Qantas Points.
To achieve Green tier status, members will need to complete at least five sustainable activities across six areas: flying, travel, lifestyle, sustainable purchases, reducing impact and giving back.
Qantas Group CEO, Alan Joyce, says: “This new Green tier is a way of encouraging and recognising those who want to do their part by offering Qantas Points or status credits, which we know helps shape customer choices.”
However, Qantas is facing a backlash from climate campaigners who claim the scheme is “greenwashing”.
The main concern is that the Green tier scheme encourages people to fly, one of the most polluting activities an individual can do, and will result in more harm than good.
Much of the Green tier scheme hinges on members buying carbon offsets, which are highly disputed in terms of effectiveness.
In an interview with The i, Dr Doug Parr, chief scientist and policy director at Greenpeace in the United Kingdom, said: “It’s potentially rewarding lower carbon activities with a very high carbon activity.”
“The only sustainable frequent flier programme is not frequently flying.”
