For travel enthusiasts and Avios collectors, a significant change has arrived – according to Head For Points at least. As of now, you can no longer earn Avios and British Airways tier points on Qantas codeshare flights operated by Emirates. This development alters the landscape for frequent flyers who have been leveraging this arrangement to maximize their Avios earnings.
The Historical Context
For years, British Airways Executive Club members enjoyed a unique perk: earning Avios and tier points on Emirates flights, provided they were booked under a Qantas (QF) flight number. This exception to the general rules allowed travellers to accumulate points on routes that combined the extensive networks of Emirates and Qantas.
To illustrate, a traveller could book a journey from London to Singapore via Dubai under a Qantas flight number, even though Emirates operated the flights. This route earned full long-haul tier points and Avios, significantly boosting the traveller’s points balance. This arrangement was a valuable tool for those looking to optimize their points strategy through extensive travel across regions served by Emirates and Qantas.
The Change
Recently, British Airways revised its policy, and the Qantas section on the BA website has been updated. The critical alteration is the removal of wording that allowed Avios and tier points for “another third party under a codeshare agreement.”
The updated terms now specify that Executive Club Members can only collect Avios
- on flights marketed and operated by Qantas or Qantas Airlines affiliates,
- flights marketed by Qantas but operated by Jetstar (under specific booking classes), and
- flights operated by Oneworld carriers. The crucial point is that the previous allowance for flights operated by a third party, such as Emirates under a Qantas code, has been omitted.
This change has been confirmed by feedback from frequent flyer forums like Flyertalk, where travellers have reported that tier points and Avios no longer appear for Qantas-coded Emirates services. While some have managed to get points added retroactively, these instances seem to be errors rather than policies.
Impact on Travellers
The discontinuation of earning Avios on Qantas-coded Emirates flights is a considerable shift for many. For frequent travellers who relied on these routes to collect Avios, this means fewer earning opportunities. They might now have to look for alternative routes or airlines to maintain their Avios accumulation at the same rate. This adjustment could lead to a reevaluation of their preferred airlines and alliances, potentially shifting loyalty to programs that continue to offer benefits on these routes.
Conclusion
The end of earning Avios on Qantas codeshare flights with Emirates is a notable change, but it’s not the end of Avios opportunities. By adjusting travel plans and exploring alternative avenues, savvy travellers can continue to maximize their British Airways Executive Club benefits. Stay proactive, keep informed, and you’ll still find plenty of ways to keep your Avios balance climbing.
