Qantas is helping frequent flyers retain their benefits if their travel decreases due to parenthood. Now, silver, gold and platinum members of the Qantas frequent-flyer programme can keep their status for an 18-month parental leave period, even if they’re not earning miles. This status hold is also accompanied by the new ability to transfer as many as 600,000 points to a family member, a 200,000-point increase from the previous limit.

“The Qantas Frequent Flyer program is about rewarding loyalty and someone’s silver, gold or platinum status is a symbol of the loyalty they’ve shown Qantas over the years so we really want to recognise that,” said Lesley Grant, CEO, Qantas Loyalty. “Status Hold is designed to suit their evolving lifestyle and family needs. A new addition to a family is an exciting time, so this initiative means new parents don’t have to worry about losing their hard-earned membership benefits for up to 18 months. We recognise that all families are a bit different, so Status Hold will apply to men and women and those welcoming a foster or adopted child.”

The new programme is valid for members taking at least six consecutive months off paid employment, with a child born in the last six months or due to be born in the next three. Both parents can apply.