Reciprocal Frequent Flyer Agreement for WestJet, Qantas Launches

Photo via WestJet

If Waltzing Matildas, Fosters Lager and Tim Tams are among the things that fuel your wanderlust, then take note. Frequent WestJet flyers can now credit their mileage toward Qantas Points, thanks to a new frequent flyer agreement between the two airlines.

"We are thrilled to team up with Qantas to bring significant benefit to guests of both airlines," said Bob Cummings, WestJet Executive Vice-President, Commercial. "We are confident that our members are going to love earning WestJet dollars while flying on the Qantas global network, and we are equally excited to welcome Qantas frequent flyers aboard and offer them a new opportunity to earn Qantas Points everywhere WestJet flies.”

The reciprocal frequent flyer program will allow travellers to choose whether their miles go towards Westjet dollars or Qantas Points. The new agreement expands on the code-share partnership in effect between Qantas and WestJet since 2014.

"This will be a significant improvement to our reward program value proposition," said Cummings. "Our research showed that global travel is a significant aspirational attribute that our program needs. We have come a long way with our rewards program and airline partnerships since launching in 2010, and will continue to add value to our guests through these vehicles going forward. Adding these capabilities to our rewards program and working with our airline partners are all part of our long-term strategic plan."

Yesterday was the first day 2016 Qantas Frequent Flyers could redeem Qantas Points on codeshare flights operated by WestJet, giving better access to WestJet destinations throughout Canada and the United States, when connecting to or from Qantas international service.

"Not surprisingly, travel is the number one interest of Qantas Frequent Flyers so we know our members will be excited about being able to earn and use their points when travelling with WestJet," said Lesley Grant, Qantas Loyalty CEO. "Qantas Frequent Flyer has more than 50 airline partners and affiliates, which gives our members access to over 1,200 destinations and this partnership with WestJet opens up even more new routes for them to fly while earning and using their Qantas Points."

Both airlines intend to introduce fully reciprocal mileage redemption in 2017, so WestJet members will be able redeem on Qantas flights and Qantas Frequent Flyers will be able to redeem on WestJet flights. 

Full details of the program can be found at www.westjet.com/rewards.

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