Last edition we introduced Qantas’ new Platinum One frequent flyer level and promised the full benefits would follow. Here is what only an elite group of the airline’s most loyal customers can receive.

Qantas Platinum One status offers members access to an outstanding range of benefits; as well as exceptional service, delivered by a specialist Platinum One team.

Platinum One members will have been notified of their inclusion in the program by the 7th of November 2011, with the following benefits coming into play:

• A dedicated contact number to link members to the Platinum One Special Service Team, which will monitor, support and enhance their travel experience every step of the way.

• Assistance with access to additional Qantas Classic Awards and Flight Upgrade Awards, on Qantas operated flights (with a Qantas flight number on their ticket).

• Confirmation of successful upgrade requests as early as seven days prior to departure (for Qantas operated services with a Qantas flight number on their ticket).

• Complimentary membership of epiQure by Qantas Frequent Flyer, the recently launched premium food and wine club.

• Personalised gifts and experiences, ranging from tickets to Qantas sponsored events, to an experience inside a Qantas flight simulator.

Members qualify for the exclusive new tier status based on flight activity throughout the year, prior to the 1st November 2011. Subsequent to the 1st November 2011, Platinum One membership will be assessed based on flight activity during their membership year.

Qantas has also announced the following additional improvements to Flight Upgrade Awards.

For International Services (from December 2011):

• The ability to register for a Flight Upgrade Award at any time, from booking, up until 24 hours before a scheduled departure.

• Platinum members may receive successful Flight Upgrade Award confirmation from up to 48 hours before their departure date.

• All Frequent Flyers will be notified via SMS if their Flight Upgrade Award is confirmed, to allow customers to maximise their time to prepare for their upgraded Qantas journey.

• Flight Upgrade Awards will also be processed closer to the time of departure, meaning fewer, empty First, Business and Premium Economy seats on the aircraft on many occasions. For example, if another customer changes their plans and decides not to travel, Qantas will be able to upgrade a member registered for a Flight Upgrade Award into their seat.

For Domestic Services (from early 2012):

• A domestic registration process will be introduced for Flight Upgrade Awards (for Qantas operated services with a Qantas flight number on their ticket) where a member’s Flight Upgrade Award can not be immediately confirmed. Confirmation of a successful domestic Flight Upgrade Award from the point of booking, as well as the ability to request ‘on departure’, Flight Upgrade Awards will remain available;

• SMS notification will commence domestically in line with the introduction of the registration process.

For more information and for details of who may be eligible to receive this elite status level, please visit the Qantas frequent flyer website.