Qantas and Emirates Unveil Details of FFP Partnership

Qantas and Emirates have unveiled details of benefits that will be available to frequent flyers through their proposed partnership.

The partnership, which remains subject to regulatory approval, is designed to offer customers a seamless travel experience across one of the world’s largest networks.

Some of the key benefits that Qantas Frequent Flyer and Emirates Skywards members will be able to access for travel from 31 March 2013 are:

• Earn Qantas Frequent Flyer points or Emirates Skywards Miles on Emirates and Qantas flights (with some exceptions for Emirates Skywards members on the Qantas domestic network).

• An expanded network for members of each program to earn Qantas Status credits and Status bonus or Skywards Tier Miles and Tier bonus.

• Redeem points/Miles on any part of the Qantas or Emirates network – a combined total of more than 175 destinations worldwide.

• Access to both Qantas and Emirates lounges for Gold members (or above) of either program in Australia, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and North Africa.

• Have their tier status in either program recognised with both airlines when flying on the joint Qantas-Emirates network (where available).

Chief Executive of Qantas Loyalty, Lesley Grant, said the benefits would give frequent flyers of either airline the opportunity to earn and redeem points or Miles across a massive network.

“Our shared goal has been to offer Qantas and Emirates customers the best global network, flying the largest combined A380 fleet and supported by the best rewards for our frequent flyers,” said Ms Grant. “Both airlines already offer some of the highest quality travel experiences, including our lounges and loyalty benefits, so this is about bringing together the best of both worlds.”

Emirates and Qantas have also announced their shared baggage policy on certain routes for travel from 31 March 2013. To enable a more seamless experience as customers travel on the joint network, Qantas will move from a piece and weight system, to a weight system, for all international flights – excluding those to/from the Americas. As part of this alignment, Emirates will increase its pre-purchase excess baggage discount to 30%. Eligible Qantas Frequent Flyers, Qantas Club members and Skywards members will enjoy additional allowances when travelling across the joint network.