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,
Another great article, thank you
I am confused though, as in the article you refer JQ bundles as being a good option to leverage status however the current QF promotion appears to exclude JQ flights? Perhaps I have missed something? Is it possible for you to clarify that this current QF promo is strictly for QF metal flights only?
Cheers
Jay
Hi Jay, yes, unfortunately the current offer is for QF metal only. Our status run guide covers a range of tactics to maximise status credit earn, including partner airlines. Cheers Adele
Hi Adele
Thanks for another fantastic article.I would love to have access to a points and status credit travel agent
Hi Adele, What a fabulous wealth of knowledge you are. Thanks for sharing.
I would also love the contact of your clever travel agent contacts. I was on hold today with Qantas for 1 hr 50 minutes and I accidentally hung up on them. Called them back – another 1 hr. Argh.
Hi, great article. Never thought of this before and will do a status run soon. Would love to know the status savvy travel agents names so I can book with them. My travel agent is hopeless on this. Many thanks. John
hey Adele,
So are you saying that your 8 status run itinerary flights cost a total of $1406.00?
Thats a little mind blowing as ive looking at flights from adelaide to Sydney for $800 business class!
Me too please Adele.
What a fantastic article
Cindy
Thanks Adele,
An Agent(s) contact who understands the points flights is exactly what I am looking for.
Hi Adele,
I am a regular reader of TheChampagneMile.
I have read this article several times and have enjoyed every “pearl of wisdom” in regard to ways of building up status points. The vernacular would call it “getting the maximum bang for your buck” whereas you put it so eloquently “to maximise the status credits earned while minimising the cost” and enjoying the journey while accumulating the status points.
A great article and also I would greatly appreciate the details of the agents that you personally use.
regards
George
Thanks, Adele.. thats exactly what I was after.
Is PM easier or right here?
Hello Adele.
Fantastic article.
Having had P1 membership for some time I have been fortunate enough to not worry about point flights.
I as relax on the work front/flights this year, it’s unlikely I would keep that level of membership.
I would like to utilise your skillset and or travel agent contact to assist me with travel in order to keep my higher membership.
Is there a way of contacting you/your travel agent without publically listing my details.
I would pay for your time & recommendations (there could be a business in this for you as a points advisor to others like myself)
Regards Anthony.
Hi Anthony, thanks for your comment and congratulations on reaching the lofty heights of P1. Unfortunately we don’t offer a travel booking service and it isn’t something we plan to expand to in the future. However, I can certainly send you details of a couple of points and status credit savvy travel agents I have personally used for my own travel.
Adele I’d love to receive this information as well if possible!