Accrual of status credits could be key to Qantas dominance among MPs and public servants, expert says

Since 2010 government travellers have been banned from accepting frequent flyer points for work-related travel. But ban did not extend to status credits

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The accrual of personal airline status credits by public servants, politicians and their staff travelling for work may influence which carrier they fly with despite rules that insist on the cheapest fare, an expert in aviation loyalty programs says.

Adele Elisio, publisher of The Champagne Mile frequent-flyer website, says many regular travellers value status credits - which are earned on paid flights and calculated on travel distance and fare level - over points that can be traded for flights and seat upgrades.

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