For better or worse? Qantas and Woolworths get back together.

Supermarket giant Woolworths has reunited with Qantas for a rewards program revamp, just ten months after it dumped the airline in place of an “orange ticket” system that proved unpopular among customers.

“We are pleased that our members have responded positively to automatically getting money off their shopping,” said Woolworths’ Director of Loyalty and Customer Data, Ingrid Maes.

“However, we’ve acknowledged that we didn’t deliver enough orange ticket offers in-store and while many of our members have been rewarded well, too many have not,” she admitted.

From next Wednesday, shoppers can begin converting dollars they spend at Woolies, BWS and selected Caltex stores into Qantas points (once they reach 2,000 points and opt in). Budget retail chain Big W has been excluded from the program.

CEO of Qantas Loyalty, Lesley Grant said it will be well received by the airline's 11 million Frequent Flyer members.

“We know the offer of Qantas Points influences people’s decision on where they shop, so this is something that will deliver value to our millions of members as well as to Woolworths as our partner,” she said.

What is the value of each dollar spent at Woolworths in Qantas Frequent Flyer points?

Every $1 spent at Woolworths equals 0.43 of a Qantas point. 

How can I get started?

You need to earn 2,000 Woolworths points first, then opt-in and convert them into Qantas Frequent Flyer points. So your first round of points (once converted) will give you 870 Qantas points or more.

How the new Woolworths rewards program has improved:

  • No minimum spend. Previously, Woolworths points were only earned on each dollar spent over $30.
  • More special offers. Qantas and Woolworths have promised to offer more promotions than previously (i.e double points opportunities on certain items).
  • Petrol spend included. 530 Caltex Woolworths sites have been added to the rewards program.

The bad bits:

  • You need at least 2,000 Woolworths points to start converting them into Qantas frequent flyer points.
  • Big W is excluded from the deal. You may be disappointed if this budget-friendly competitor of Target and Kmart is where you like to shop.

Other ways to boost your Qantas Frequent Flyer points:

  • Sign up for a rewards credit card with great value, where partnered products and places match your spending habits. If you’re not happy with your current card, consider switching.
  • Link as many products and services you pay for to your Qantas Frequent Flyer account, and always pay with your rewards credit card. For instance, you may be able to rack up points with your health insurance policy too.

If you liked this, try reading: Qantas invests in $7.2 million deal to woo more flyers into WA