Customers at New Zealand’s second biggest supermarket chain will now be able to earn Qantas frequent flyer points, in a significant breakthrough for the Flying Kangaroo.
The deal with Woolworths means customers can transfer ‘Everyday Rewards’ into either Qantas Points or Air New Zealand’s Airpoints.
The Australian carrier claimed Kiwis will earn “50 per cent more Qantas Points than their trans-Tasman neighbours” – though both schemes operate on significantly different models.
Currently, New Zealand’s biggest supermarket chain, Foodstuffs, has an exclusive tie-up with its national carrier only.
“With New Zealand home to the most members outside of Australia, it’s important that we continue to grow the program and expand the ways that members can earn points and redeem them on great travel experiences,” said Qantas Loyalty CEO Andew Glance.
Previously, Qantas customers could only convert shopping into loyalty points at Woolworths stores in Australia.
The expansion into New Zealand now means they can also earn points at BP petrol stations, Petstock stores, as well as other smaller retailers.
It comes weeks after Qantas announced a scheme to allow “top tier members of other airline loyalty programs” to switch to Qantas Frequent Flyer and fast-track their status to Gold in the new year.
“Those who hold Gold or higher equivalent status with other select airlines can fast track to Qantas Gold by earning 100 Status Credits in 90 days on flights with Qantas, Jetstar and partner airlines,” said Qantas.
“Gold Status is usually obtained by earning 700 Status Credits in a membership year.
“In addition, participating members will also enjoy complimentary access to the airline’s network of Qantas Club lounges and extra checked baggage during the 90-day fast track offer.”
Glance called the scheme a “great opportunity for travellers”.
“Many made the switch back in 2020, and we know there are more Kiwis travelling with Qantas and Jetstar who want to unlock great benefits like priority check-in and boarding, extra baggage allowance, and, of course, access to hundreds of lounges across the Qantas and oneworld network,” he said.
The initiative is the latest in the long-running stoush between Virgin, Qantas and Air New Zealand to encourage customers to switch programs.
Virgin Australia last year attempted to entice Qantas Frequent Flyer members with a trial status-matching offer for those who have achieved gold status or above in “other Australian airline loyalty programs”.
Virgin and Qantas’ respective loyalty programs, meanwhile, have been at war for years, with Virgin in 2022 launching a similar “Switch-a-Roo” scheme to lure the Flying Kangaroo’s frequent flyer customers over to Velocity.
At the time, Rohrlach – who had sensationally “defected” from Qantas Frequent Flyer in 2021, provoking a protracted court battle – called the scheme another example of Virgin’s “playful” nature.
This article was originally published by Australian Aviation on 18th November 2024. View original.
