What are some of the frequent flyer programs in Australia?

Australia is a nation of travellers, and given our significant geography, it’s no surprise so many of us choose to spend our savings on flights domestically and overseas. So, when it comes to airline loyalty programs, which are some of the frequent flyer programs in Australia?

Major airline frequent flyer programs

While many airline members can debate the benefits of their frequent flyer program over others, the best frequent flyer program will come down to your personal preferences. You may want to compare a few core factors, such as:

• Which airline do you prefer?
• What rewards and perks does the membership offer?
• What costs, if any, are associated with the membership?
• Can you boost your frequent flyer points through everyday spending?

Let’s explore some of the major airlines in Australia and their frequent flyer programs.

Qantas Frequent Flyer

Australia’s ubiquitous airline, Qantas, offers customers the ability to join its comprehensive frequent flyer program. Members can apply to join different program tiers, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum and Platinum One. It also has domestic and international airline partnerships and networks, including Cathay Pacific and Emirates, as well as Qantas’ low-cost airline subsidiary, Jetstar.

As Qantas is the largest airline in Australia, your Frequent Flyer membership is easier to take advantage of domestically, compared to some international airline programs, and therefore easier to accrue Qantas Frequent Flyer Points. This can come in handy as the number of Qantas Points required to book a flight may be greater than other competitor programs on this list.

Velocity Frequent Flyer

Virgin Australia offers its customers the ability to join its Velocity Frequent Flyer program. There are four levels to a Velocity Frequent Flyer membership, Red, Silver, Gold and Platinum.

Virgin Australia is one of the few competitor airlines to Qantas in Australia offering domestic flights. This means that earning Frequent Flyer points can be achieved through local partnerships, such as Coles/Flybuys purchases, which may be easier than larger, international airline memberships.

Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer

Another popular airline offering travellers the ability to join its Frequent Flyer membership is Singapore Airlines via its KrisFlyer program. Due to Singapore’s proximity to Australia, and its role as a major layover hub for longer international flights, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer memberships can be highly coveted.

It’s worth noting that Singapore Airlines and Virgin Australia are in alliance, meaning members can earn and exchange miles between either Frequent Flyer program. This is a world-first point-swapping system, offering members significant benefits that other airlines may not offer.

Cathay Pacific Asia Miles

Cathay Pacific is another top airline of choice for Australian travellers, who may be eligible to join its Frequent Flyer program. In July 2022, the airline merged its Marco Polo Club and Asia Miles programmes, offering four tiers for members: green, silver, gold and diamond.

It’s worth noting that similarly to Singapore Airlines and Virgin Australia, both Cathay Pacific and Qantas are in partnership. This means that when Marco Polo Club members travel with Qantas, they may be able to access Qantas member benefits and perks, such as airport lounge access.

What are the benefits of being a frequent flyer member?

As a Frequent Flyer for almost all airlines, you may gain access to benefits like airport lounge access, including Business lounges or for some Platinum-grade members. You could also exchange Frequent Flyer points for benefits like:

• Discounted flights
• Flight upgrades
• Travel insurance and other complimentary insurances
• Accommodation bookings
• Concierge services
• Airport lounge access and lounge passes
• Baggage upgrades and priority delivery
• Extended warranty
• Gift cards

Each Frequent Flyer program will have its own strict eligibility criteria around earning and spending points or miles (whichever system the airline program uses). This can range from points earned through purchasing flights, to non-flying options, like:

1. Signing up for a partner airline credit card
2. Spending through partner brand online shopping portals
3. Earning points through affiliated hotel stays and rental car hire
4. Spending through affiliated retailers, such as supermarkets, petrol stations and more.

It’s worth keeping in mind that access to higher-tier programs, and the rewards offered in said premium tiers, is based on strict eligibility criteria, such as member income, job-status and frequent flyer points accrued in a set period. There may be additional costs involved with these higher-tier programs, such as membership fees, and the cost of spending on flights and at affiliated brands to earn points.

Some Frequent Flyer program memberships are so exclusive, you cannot apply but must hope that you earn an invitation. For example, you may only earn an invitation to the infamous Qantas Chairman Lounge after 15 years of membership, including loyalty points and five-figure Status Credits. You’ll also need to be in the highest level of Australian business owners, politicians, professionals, and A-list celebrities.

For the rest of us, it may be worth instead comparing the rewards offered within the Frequent Flyer program level, as well as any costs associated, before applying.

Earn bulk Frequent Flyer points with credit cards

One of the most popular ways to earn more Frequent Flyer points is to sign up for an affiliated credit card. Some Australian credit cards are linked to popular airlines, and may offer bulk points on sign up, as well as the ability to earn points per dollar (or more) spent.

Keep in mind that there is more to a credit card than the Frequent Flyer rewards points on offer. It’s worth comparing key factors like the interest rates, fees, and number of interest-free days offered by any credit card issuer before signing up.

Compare credit cards