Earn Qantas Gold easily with the ‘Fast Track’ status challenge

Qantas is running a rare ‘status challenge’ promotion where you can enjoy the gilded perks of its Gold tier after earning just 100 Status Credits — a particularly tempting offer for current elite Velocity Frequent Flyer members looking to jump ship (or at least hedge their bets).

In total, there are 16 airlines where Qantas will consider status match applications from. If accepted, you’ve got 90 days to notch up the 100 SCs needed to complete the challenge. Meet the requirements, and Qantas Gold is yours for at least a year.

Interested? We bet you are. Here’s how to take part in the Qantas ‘Fast Track’ status challenge.

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 within 90 days to land Qantas Gold status, which usually requires 700 SCs to qualify in the first year.

With so much uncertainty in the market, we’ve seen a spike in requests from people wanting us to match their status with other airlines. If they are willing to bring their travel across to Qantas, we will fast track them to Gold status.

People know exactly what to expect when they fly with Qantas, whether its complimentary food and drinks, baggage, Wi-Fi or access to dozens of lounges around Australia.

Olivia Wirth – Qantas Loyalty CEO

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.

1. Submit your registration (‘Expression of Interest’) which opens today (25 Nov 2020) and closes on 18 Dec 2020
2. Qantas will request a colour scan of your current frequent flyer membership card and activity statement from the airline where you hold your status for the last 18 months
3. If accepted, the 90-day challenge window can start on a date of your choosing up to 31 Mar 2021. You’ll nominate this date in advance by replying to an email from Qantas
4. During the 90-day challenge period, you will receive Qantas lounge access and boosted luggage allowance perks
5. If you successfully earn the 100 SCs 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 be earned through your own flying activity. Complimentary status (e.g gifted) and status earned by Family Pooling is ineligible.
• 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:

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

To achieve (usually): 700 SCs + 4 eligible sectors
To achieve (this status challenge): 100 SCs only
To 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

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).

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.

Qantas’ ‘Fast Track’ status challenge comes hot on the heels of its new generous status extension policy, where existing Qantas elite frequent flyers can unlock another 12 months in their existing tier by booking just one flight.

Clearly, Qantas is playing the long game here to maintain its base of elite frequent flyers, at a time where Virgin Australia is repositioning as a mid-market carrier and Rex is yet to step up and launch its capital city services.