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UPDATED 15 November 2021 | Did you miss out on Qantas’ recent ‘status challenge’ promotion? Well, here’s your chance to unlock the gilded perks of Gold after earning just 100 Status Credits.
Simply register your interest on the Qantas website by 11:59 pm on 30 November 2021. Then, earn those 100 Status Credits between 1 December 2021 and 28 February 2022. Qantas Gold is then yours for at least a year.
Here’s all you need to know to take home the Gold!
What is the Qantas ‘Fast Track’ status challenge?
A status challenge is Qantas’ way to encourage potential customers to earn elite status. But rather than give it out freely (known as a ‘status match’), a challenge involves some extra work from the participant to reap the rewards.
In this case, the Qantas status challenge requires customers to earn 100 Status Credits before 28 February 2022 to land Qantas Gold status, which usually requires 700 Status Credits to qualify in the first year.
With so many Qantas Frequent Flyers using the points they have been stockpiling during the pandemic to book an overseas trip, there’s a lot of FOMO from members of other loyalty programs who don’t have nearly as many options.
We know there are a lot of people who missed out when we did this previously, so if they’re willing to come across to Qantas, we will fast track them to Gold status. They will start enjoying the benefits that come with that including access to lounges, additional baggage allowance and earn more points when they travel.
– Olivia Wirth, Qantas Loyalty CEO, 15 November 2021
How do I take part in the Qantas ‘Fast Track’ status challenge?
We know many of our readers are quite familiar with the in-and-outs of Qantas Frequent Flyer, so we’ll summarise the key points here along with the direct sign-up link to get you on your way.
Qantas ‘Fast Track’ status challenge: key facts and how to apply in five steps
Only Australian residents who are Qantas Bronze or Silver status are currently eligible to apply.
- Submit your registration (‘Expression of Interest’) which opens 15 November 2021 and closes on 30 November 2021.
- After registering, Qantas will request a colour scan of your current frequent flyer membership card (digital accepted) or a screenshot of your online account. There is no need to include your flying history.
- If accepted, the challenge will take place between 1 December 2021 and 28 February 2022. During this time, you’ll need to earn those 100 Status Credits.
- Between these dates, you will receive Qantas lounge access and boosted luggage allowance perks by way of a complimentary Qantas Club membership. However, you won’t have the full benefits of Qantas Gold status yet.
- If you successfully earn the 100 Status Credits during the challenge period, you’ll receive full Qantas Gold benefits until the end of your next membership year.
In addition, you should note the following:
- Your existing status level must generally be earned through your own flying activity. Complimentary status (e.g gifted) and status earned by Family Pooling does not qualify, as per the T&Cs.
- Qantas may terminate your membership if you submit fraudulent documents.
- Status Credits earned on the ground from partners are eligible for the status challenge — see the latest Qantas deals here.
What airline frequent flyers can take part in the Qantas status challenge?
Elite members of 16 competing airlines are invited to take part in the Qantas status challenge to earn Qantas Gold-tier membership. In alphabetical order, the airlines are:
| Airline | Eligible tiers |
| Air Canada (Aeroplan) | 50K, 75K, Super Elite |
| Air China (Phoenix Miles) | Gold, Platinum |
| Air India (Flying Returns) | Golden Edge Club, Maharajah Club |
| Air New Zealand (Airpoints) | Gold, Elite |
| ANA (Mileage Club) | Platinum, Diamond |
| Asiana Airlines (Asiana Club) | Diamond, Diamond Plus, Platinum |
| Delta Air Lines (SkyMiles) | Gold Medallion, Platinum Medallion, Diamond Medallion |
| EVA Air (Infinity MileageLands) | Gold, Diamond |
| Etihad Airways (Etihad Guest) | Gold, Platinum |
| Korean Air (Skypass) | Morning Calm Premium Club, Million Miler Club |
| Shenzhen Airlines (PhoenixMiles) | Gold, Platinum |
| Singapore Airlines (KrisFlyer) | Elite Gold, PPS Club, Solitaire PPS Club |
| South African Airways (SAA Voyager) | Gold, Platinum |
| Thai Airways (Royal Orchid Plus) | Gold, Platinum |
| United Airways (MileagePlus) | Premier Gold, Premier Platinum, Premier 1K |
| Virgin Australia (Velocity) | Gold, Platinum |
That’s a lot to digest! Ready to take the plunge? Hit the big red button below. Otherwise, read on for more background information on Qantas Gold status and why you should consider the status challenge.
What is Qantas Gold status?
Our dedicated guide to Qantas’ status levels explains how that system works in more detail. But if you’re just after a quick refresher, here are the perks specific to Qantas Gold status and why we regard it as the best ‘sweet spot’ on the status ladder.
Qantas Frequent Flyer Gold
Achieve (usually): 700 SCs + 4 eligible sectors
Achieve (this status challenge): 100 SCs only
Maintain: 600 SCs + 4 eligible sectors
For lifetime status: 14,000 SCs
Oneworld equivalent: Sapphire 
- Access to Qantas Club (domestic), Qantas International Business Lounges (international), oneworld partner, Emirates and China Eastern Business Class lounges, regardless of travel class
- One or two extra checked bags depending on route and class
- Access to Premium Security Lanes at Sydney (Domestic), Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth Airports
- Business Class check-in
- Priority boarding and baggage handling
- Reciprocal perks on oneworld member airlines
- 75% bonus points on Qantas, Jetstar and American Airlines flights
- Preferential access to reward seats and upgrades on Qantas flights
Watch this video to learn more about Qantas Lifetime Gold:
How do I meet the Qantas status challenge requirements?
Have you locked in the status challenge? Now you need to earn 100 Status Credits. With a focus on domestic routes, here are how many Status Credits you can rack up on Qantas and Jetstar flights (purchased with a Bundle).
| Qantas fares | Red e-Deal | Economy Flex | Qantas Business |
| Jetstar fares | Plus Bundle | Max Bundle | – |
| Short flights (e.g. Sydney to Melbourne) | 10 SCs | 20 SCs | 40 SCs |
| Medium flights (e.g. Brisbane to Cairns) | 15 SCs | 30 SCs | 60 SCs |
| Longer flights (e.g. Perth to Sydney) | 20 SCs | 40 SCs | 80 SCs |
It would take 5 return Sydney-Melbourne Jetstar Plus Bundle flights or a single return Brisbane-Cairns journey in Qantas Business Class to meet the 100 SCs challenge requirement, for example.
Summing up
This is an excellent opportunity for Qantas to snatch up some more high-value passengers, as those who chase status usually are. Although 16 airlines around the globe are included, it’s clear that the Red Roo is hunting down Velocity Frequent Flyers who are looking for a change of pace.
The challenge threshold of 100 SCs is reasonable — it’s not too out-of-reach, but high enough to weed out those who would want to try snatch Gold status with very little effort.
” Complimentary status (e.g gifted) and status earned by Family Pooling may not qualify.”
Wondering what ‘may” means. Perhaps spouse pooling status credits might apply?
Hi Peter, we’ve changed ‘may’ to ‘does not’ as the Qantas T&Cs are now updated to explicitly reject those who have complimentary status or status from Family Pooling.
How can Qantas tell if Status was gifted?
Do you think they will extend this beyond 30 September 2021 with further lockdowns and border controls in place? I was due to fly MEL-CBR business in September to get my remaining points, but that seems highly unlikely to be possible now…
This article doesnt explicitly say you need to be “gold” in another airline to do the challenge. Is that part of the criteria, or can I, as a qantas bronze member, do the challenge?
Hi Oliver, under the section ‘What airline frequent flyers can take part in the Qantas status challenge?’ it outlines which programs and status Qantas will accept for the match. As a Qantas Bronze, you are eligible to enrol for the Fast Track challenge as long as you also have one of the elite statuses mentioned in that table.
This whole article should start with…. Don’t apply unless you have at least gold in one of the other 16 airlines. !!
I’ve also been asked to provide evidence of travel and having trouble getting a suitable version of this information that includes my details as per Scott Gordon.
Unfortunately it seems activity statement is part of the requirement.
Keen to take up this latest status match offer from Qantas,
Just want to confirm that bonus SCs from the the double SC promotion will count towards the 100SC tally?
Hi VP, it sure does 🙂
sweeeeeet 🙂
Hi Brandon – Bit of a tricky question. I’m Platinum with OneWorld (Qatar) and have registered with Qantas fast track challenge with Velocity Platinum.
With OneWorld platinum, I do get access to the Domestic Business lounges. However with the status challenge, I will be required to enter my QF frequent flyer (Bronze) to my booking. Does that mean I cannot access the Business lounges anymore and will have to go to the Qantas club lounges instead?
Thank you!
Hi Cedric, theoretically (and according to the rules) you should be able to link your QFF number to the flight and still access the Domestic Business Lounge by showing them your Oneworld Emerald card. However, it depends on the staff member you get on the day, and there are plenty of reports of people being incorrectly denied access.
I applied for Fast Track and have been approved, I have an email. I am flying tomorrow but no where on my App or account does it say that I have gold status with Qantas.
Is this normal? Do I need to call them? I don’t want to go to the lounge only to find out I can’t get in.
Hi Wendy, it doesn’t appear you get Qantas Gold status instantly, just lounge access and the boosted luggage allowance.
If you’ve checked-in already, does your boarding pass show the code ‘LPAC’ anywhere? That’s the sign which means your boarding pass will let you into the lounge.
I’ve applied from my Delta Gold Medallion status, I’m aware I can earn status credits through eligible QR flights credited to my QF account which count towards the required earn, however my question is am I eligible to use QF Gold benefits on QR flights during the challenge?
I too have applied for the Qantas Status Fast Track promo. I have provided a scan copy of my Velocity card as well as screenshots of my Velocity activity as I don’t get a mailed statement. I’ve been asked to provide more activity documentation by Qantas.
Does anyone know if there is a simple way of getting your activity statement from Velocity online?
Hey Brandon, thank you for your swift response & looking into it for me. Will be sure to update if there is any extra info.
Hi all
How have you been getting the required documents to Qantas? I am struggling to find how to get my hands on an activity statement from Velocity, and what evidence I have submitted to Qantas so far has been rejected.
I submitted a PDF of screenshots of my activity on the Velocity website, along with an email addressing me showing gold status, points balance, name and member number.
Do we need to contact Virgin to get a copy of a genuine statement?
Thanks
LW
Hi Brandon & Point Hacks readers
Recently accepting the Qantas Status Fast Track & commencing this month, I wanted to see if anyone could shed some light on a few things which I’m sure others would benefit from the answer too.
Basically since Qantas aren’t offering a fast track or their previously offered ‘200 SCs to gold, 400 to platinum’ I’m trying to figure out how many SCs are required after obtaining gold as part of the fast track programme.
In a nutshell:
Thanks in advance to anyone who may know the answer or has already asked! (It’s unclear from the T&Cs)
Hi 1D, that’s a great question! This is what I could find from digging through the T&Cs:
If I’ve successfully met the requirements of the Qantas Status Fast Track, can I keep flying to earn Platinum status?
Yes, once you earn the required Status Credits and travel on at least four eligible Qantas Group flights within a Membership Year, your status will be upgraded in line with the program terms and conditions.
Based on that, it appears you’d still need to earn the extra 1,300 SCs for Platinum after obtaining Gold from the Fast Track challenge. But perhaps it’s best to just wait and see what happens to your SC balance once you qualify for Gold.