Today is the final day to book travel under Qantas’ latest double status credits promotion, giving frequent flyers a rare chance to fast-track Gold or Platinum status. If you’ve been aiming for perks like lounge access, priority boarding, and better reward seat availability, this is your last chance to take advantage.
If you already have Qantas travel planned, this could be an easy win. But what if you’re thinking about booking flights just for the status credits? Status runs, where you book flights specifically to earn status, have long been a popular strategy. However, with rising airfares and changes to loyalty programs, they don’t always offer the same value as they once did.
Before committing, it’s worth looking at which routes and strategies offer the best return, and whether chasing status still makes sense in 2024.
How to make the most of Qantas double status credits
Double status credits can be a shortcut to elite perks like lounge access and upgrades, but if you’re going to play the status run game, the key objective is to earn as many status credits as possible at the lowest cost. To maximise your return, focus on:
- Choosing routes that deliver the highest status credits for the lowest fare
- Booking premium cabins when the cost per status credit is competitive
- Opting for multi-leg flights where possible to boost your status credit total
A smart status run isn’t just about booking any eligible flight, it’s about strategically minimising your cost per status credit while maximising your earning potential.
Calculating your cost per status credit
A simple way to measure the value of a status run is by calculating the cost per status credit using a simple formula:
Cost per status credit = total fare ÷ total status credits earned
For example, a Sydney to Auckland return flight in business class during this promo costs around $2,100 and earns 480 status credits. That’s $4.38 per status credit, a reasonable rate compared to other routes.
Not every flight stacks up, though. Premium cabins and expensive economy fares on popular long-haul routes often push the cost per status credit well above $10, making them a poor choice for status chasers.
If your cost per status credit is creeping too high, it might be better to keep searching for cheaper fares or to rethink your strategy.
The best Qantas routes for status runs
To get the most from this promo, pick routes that deliver strong status credit returns. The value proposition is always changing, but here are some suggestions for business class routes:
| Route (return) | SC (Normal) | SC (Double) |
|---|---|---|
| Wellington – Melbourne (viaSydney) | 200 | 400 |
| Canberra – Denpasar (viaMelbourne) | 400 | 800 |
| Port Lincoln – Christchurch (viaAdelaide & Sydney) | 280 | 560 |
| Darwin – Auckland (via Sydney) | 320 | 640 |
| Townsville – Christchurch (via Brisbane) | 240 | 480 |
The status credit earn may vary depending on route and fare class. Examples are based on a search of the Qantas website at the time of writing.
If you can find a similar or lower cost per status credit on a route that fits your schedule, you’ve found a winning status run.
Earning status credits beyond Qantas flights
Can’t find a good Qantas flight? Some partner airlines allow you to earn a decent number of Qantas status credits on eligible fare classes, just without the double bonus.
| Airline | Example route and cabin |
|---|---|
| Emirates | Sydney to Christchurch (business or first class) |
| Malaysia Airlines | Denpasar to Bangkok via Kuala Lumpur (business class) |
| Qatar Airways | Business class fares from Europe to Australia |
| SriLankan Airlines | Premium fares from Colombo |
| American Airlines | Domestic and international routes, earning Qantas points and status credits |
If you’re flying with a partner airline, always check the Qantas airline earning tables before booking to confirm how many status credits you’ll earn.
Can you earn Qantas status credits without flying?
Yes. And it could be the difference between maintaining your status or losing it.
Qantas offers several on the ground ways to earn status credits, including:
- Qantas Green Tier: earn 50 status credits by completing sustainability-focused activities
- Financial products and services: a small number of Qantas credit cards may help boost your status earning
- Qantas Points Club perks: Earn status credits when you fly on Classic Rewards (yes, it’s technically flying, but not on a revenue fare)
While these strategies won’t replace flying entirely, they can help bridge the gap to your next status tier. For a full list, see our guide to earning Qantas status credits on the ground.
Should you chase status or sit this one out?
Double status credits promotions can be a great opportunity for some people, but they aren’t always worth the cost.
Before committing, consider whether you actually need status, how much you’ll use the perks, and whether you’re getting good value from your flights.
Who should chase Qantas status credits
- Business travellers: if work covers your Qantas flights, earning status costs you nothing
- Frequent flyers: if you travel often, perks like lounge access, priority boarding, and better upgrade chances can be worth aiming for
- Members close to gold or platinum: if you’re only a few hundred status credits short, this could be an easy way to lock in another year of benefits
Who should not
- Infrequent flyers: if you don’t travel often enough to use the perks, status may not be worth chasing
Travellers who rarely use premium lounges: if you’re a regional flyer without a Qantas Business Lounge, or if you don’t fly through major hubs like Sydney or Melbourne, platinum status might not hold much value
Final thoughts: is a Qantas status run worth it?
If this promotion fits your existing travel plans, it could offer a compelling way to reach gold or platinum faster. But status chasing for the sake of it can be expensive. Before deciding to invest in a status run, ensure you:
Always calculate your cost per status credit: a good status run is strategic, not just any flight that qualifies. Do the maths to ensure you consider the cost outlay
Weigh up whether you’ll use the benefits: lounge access and priority perks are great, but only if they align with your travel habits
Keep an eye on loyalty program changes: many airlines are shifting to spend-based status models. While Qantas hasn’t announced changes yet, the future of mileage-based status runs is uncertain
For regular Qantas flyers, this promo could be a powerful shortcut to elite perks. But if the numbers don’t stack up, it might be smarter to wait for a better opportunity.
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hi Adele,
The cost of the frequent flyer card is still showing $99.50 ? I thought it was free to join?
Hi lee Ann, this link should take you to the free join page – I’ve checked and it is advertising a waiver of the $99.50 join fee.
Great Article, thanks Adel!
When I was younger and didn’t know about this world of FF & points, I always used to go indirect with my domestic QF flights – but back then there wasn’t much of a price difference between direct and indirect (indirect was often cheaper!). Also, I can atest to the cheap intra-Asia flights that MH has, esp the Business class fares. Also, the Jetstar flight back from SIN in Bus, but indirect via Denpasar are great for SC’s (except for waiting in the lounge for hours!).
Originally, I paid for Qantas Club Lifetime when it was available, as I saw long term value in it. Never imagined that I’d eventually earn QFF lifetime Gold, but currently a QFF Plat, and there’s value in that level for me eg award inventory & timeframes, and esp lounge access on arrival (Business class or OW Emeralds don’t get this). So maintaining Plat is really useful to me, been looking at ‘positioning drives’ to regional airports that Qlink services when I’m ready to do a Status run when Double SC are available. Would really appreciate yr TA’s contact pls.
Keep up the great articles Adel on TCM! Thanks
wow what a scam… so after reaching a certain status you also have to maintain it???
Definitely not worth it, stressful, expensive and… polluting!!!
Hi Adele, what great article. Thanks for the excellent tips.
I would also love your travel agent’s details. I just spent 3 hrs on hold to Qantas today and she put me on hold to check status credits total and accidentally hung up on me. The same thing happened a few days ago when I was put back on hold. Argh.
Thanks
Hi Rae, how frustrating! I’ve sent you an email, best of luck booking in your preferred itinerary. Cheers, Adele
Hey Adele,
Great article thanks so much.
Do you have any details at all of some agents who are great at booking a status run?
Cheers
Drew