Qantas this week launched a status match offer targeted at New Zealanders, attempting to capture their business from the likes of Etihad, Virgin Australia, Singapore Airlines or Air New Zealand.
Qantas Gold is available to those who hold Gold status in another airline – except for Emirates Skywards – and who apply via their dedicated promotion page by March 9th.
The terms are pretty clear that it’s NZ residents only, but doesn’t dictate explicitly how they determine this, so I can only assume that it’s by the address stated on your account. However… there are ways to get yourself a New Zealand address, even if you don’t live permanently in NZ. Is it against the spirit of the status match? Sure – so let your own ethics determine if you use any of these methods.
Use a paid Private Box account for $10/month
Let me start by saying I haven’t used Personal Mailbox myself, so can’t vouch for their services – but I have used a similar US-based service and it works really well.
Personal Mailbox offer a NZ based PO Box and Street Address with free mail receipt for $10 NZD per month.
You’ll then be able to get your mail forwarded at an additional small fee, allowing your welcome letters, luggage tags and membership card to eventually reach you.
Leave your account registered in NZ for as long as you feel comfortable, and then change the address back to Australia when need to – probably before you make another Qantas booking on qantas.com yourself.
Work for a large corporate? Use your NZ office address and befriend the mailroom to help you out
I’ve done this successfully in a couple of different countries where my employer has offices – just use your employers address and put something like FAO Your Name / Your Dept / Location in the first address line. Easy.
Use a family or friend’s address
Say no more – an obvious tactic to employ if you have friends or family you are happy to trust overseas.
Status Match requirements
You’ll of course need to meet the other key eligibility requirement for this offer, which is having Gold status or above with another airline, and evidencing that as part of the application process.
The form will also require a New Zealand phone number – again, worth considering how to get this one, but Skype’s ‘SkypeIn’ Online Number service is probably a good place to start. Google for Virtual Phone number for more options.
AusBT also helpfully pointed out a free Qantas Frequent Flyer signup page for NZ residents in case you’re not already a member.
Would you use these tactics or steer clear?
I live in the states and changed my address to a relative’s in NZ. worked like clockwork. Had my relative forward card and received it today with some bag tags! getting 1.5 years of QF gold. Win!
Etihad said I missed out even though I submitted in Feb before Mar 9 deadline! I challenged them and they recently responded “you have our attention.” I presume this means they’re reconsidering. Hopefully they’re not plotting my demise.
Thanks for the heads up!
This worked for me from Velocity, although interestingly to retain gold I need 600 status credits which is still to be assessed on my membership anniversary which is only 5 months away. Not sure what will happen then but might not be good for a whole year depending on your date.
Got the gold status match from Velocity to Qantas. Great hack! I was a part time bronze traveller. Off to Cathay lounge…
Has anyone successfully completed this using a NZ address while living in Australia?
I applied last week using a NZ address. Still bronze 🙁
Thanks for the tip, I have just signed up for a NZ VPN and have just got a NZ address from http://bit.ly/Privatebox Thanks for sharing!
Hi Steve did this work?