One of my continued gripes when it comes to travel corporations and enterprises is that the family traveller is often an afterthought despite rapidly becoming one of the largest consumer of travel products. As a result, when families request a few accommodations or adjustments to meet their traveling needs I find that the response from travel providers is largely ad hoc. Fortunately things are starting to change and one of my favourite airlines is leading the charge.
Today Qantas launched a brand new initiative that I know all my fellow Frequent Flyer member parenting readers will love. Affectionally called “Parental Pause”, or officially Status Hold it allows Frequent Flyers taking parental leave to keep the benefits of their membership status while they’re spending time away from work to be with their family. Amazing, right?
This means that if you, your partner or the two of you are taking at least six months off paid employment to spend time with your family and you are an eligible Silver, Gold and Platinum Frequent Flyer you can keep your status for up to 18 months, even if they are not earning the number of Status Credits usually required to retain that tier. I love this! I know how hard it is to move up a tier, and then to continue maintaining the level, so this alleviates a pressure I know some family’s would be thinking about post baby’s arrival. It even extends to parents who are fostering or adopting!
For those of us who are not planning time away from work, there’s something for us too. As of today, Frequent Flight members can make an unlimited number of points transfers to family members of up to 600,000 Qantas Points each year. I’ve topped up my balance a few times by transferring T’s points across so I love that I can transfer even more now!