The Frequent Flyer Showdown - Qantas vs Velocity

Interesting recent updates to Qantas Frequent Flyer And Velocity. Velocity has focused on accelerating status earn and rewarding long-term loyalty. In early 2026, Velocity launched one of its largest ever bonus Status Credit promotions, allowing members to fast-track to Gold, Platinum and Platinum Plus. The bigger structural change is the introduction of Forever Gold, recognising sustained loyalty over time. Overall, Velocity’s strategy is about making status more attainable in the short term through generous promotions while also rewarding long-standing members with lifetime recognition. Qantas Frequent Flyer is rolling out broader structural reform. In addition to double Status Credit promotions, Qantas is reshaping how status is earned and retained. From late 2026, members will be able to earn Status Credits from selected “on-ground” partner activity, not just flying. A Status Credit rollover feature will also allow members who exceed their annual target to carry a portion into the following year.

For Virgin, I genuinely like the introduction of a lifetime premium status tier. Recognising long-term loyalty is smart — particularly for frequent flyers whose travel patterns inevitably change due to career shifts, family commitments or lifestyle adjustments. Giving members something enduring to work toward beyond annual requalification adds emotional value to the program. That said, as a current Gold (and previously Platinum) member, it does raise a practical question; can Velocity sustainably support a growing pool of elite members? Lounge access is the obvious pressure point. On most of my recent trips, lounges already feel close to capacity. Expanding pathways to status is commercially attractive but maintaining the experience that underpins that status will be critical.

For Qantas, the most interesting development is the move to allow Status Credits to be earned from “on-ground” partner activity. Conceptually, it aligns with the broader ecosystem strategy and recognises non-flight engagement. The key question will be accessibility. Historically, earning meaningful non-air Status Credits has been tightly structured; often to the point where status without flying is largely not achievable. It will be telling to see whether this change meaningfully shifts the balance, or remains more symbolic than transformational. The ability for ff's to rollover status currency to the following year is an excellent way to ensure that the true value or status for a frequent flyer is recognised.