Everything you need to know about Qantas' double status credits offer

If your head's in the clouds and you want Qantas gold status to unlock lounge access, premium boarding and points-based domestic upgrades, now is the time to book your flights through Qantas' double status credits offer.

This is a popular time for Qantas frequent flyers to upgrade or renew gold status - or even obtain the illustrious platinum status - by undertaking half the usual amount of flying required.

Until 11.59pm on March 18, Qantas frequent flyers can register to earn either double status credits or double points on any Qantas flight they book during the offer period.

But it's not worth buying an expensive flight you don't need just to earn status, the experts say.

Australian Frequent Flyer editor Matt Graham says gold status "really is worth it" if you're a frequent flyer, because you get complimentary lounge access not only when you're flying Qantas, but also when you're flying Jetstar and all the Oneworld alliance partner airlines - which include Japan Airlines, Qatar Airways and Malaysian Airlines, to name just a few.

Mr Graham said the best "status run" is a Qantas Business Class trip from Gold Coast to Auckland via Melbourne.

"This would earn 560 status credits for a return trip, which is almost enough for Qantas gold status," he said.

"In general, many of the best value itineraries are Qantas Business Class to New Zealand. But there's also quite a good option for people in Brisbane, if they just need a small handful of extra status credits. They could earn 100 status credits by flying Brisbane-Cairns-Rockhampton and back in Economy Class, at a cost of $396."

Mr Graham warned not to book unnecessary flights or pay more to fly Qantas, just to earn double status credits.

"It's a great offer if you need to book some flights anyway, but it's probably not worth spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars out of pocket just to earn status. Qantas Frequent Flyer status is nice to have, but the benefits aren't worth quite that much!" he said.

Mark Trim, founder and managing director of QFlyer and Flat Beds, said if you're angling to maintain or earn a higher tier with Qantas, you should book your next 6-12 months of travel around this double status credit offer.

"Plan trips you actually want to take vs booking something for the sake of it, unless you're really close to hitting a certain tier," he said.

"Flying in premium cabins, particularly business class, will supercharge the double status offer, and include domestic legs in your ticket where possible. Also, be aware that double status credits don't apply to codeshare flights operated by other airlines, like Emirates."

For the biggest boost, Mr Trim recommends utilising the round-the-world or circle pacific airfares with as many Qantas sectors to and from Australia as possible.

"If you need a quick boost, Sydney or Melbourne to Bali return in business class offers 480 status credits, more if you include domestic sectors, which is excellent value compared to more expensive Asian destinations like Singapore, Hong Kong, or Tokyo," he said.

"Finnair business fares to Europe are our most popular 'value' option that can still include a couple of double yielding Qantas segments to balance price and status earning potential with oneworld flights throughout.

"Utilising Qantas flights to Asia before continuing on to Europe is also possible with other non-oneworld airlines including Turkish Airlines and Oman Air at great price points, especially in business class."

Point Hacks Australia senior content writer - loyalty, Brandon Loo, said the general rule of thumb is longer flights in premium cabins will earn you a lot more status credits, however shorter flights are also worth it.

"Savvy frequent flyers often like to book Business Class fares to New Zealand with Double Status Credits as that offers quite a good chunk of Status Credits for the price, compared to flying domestically within Australia," he said.

"If you have a bit more time (or don't have a non-stop flight where you live), breaking up your flights via a third city will usually earn you more Status Credits compared to flying non-stop."

If you're not a regular flyer and don't plan on earning Qantas elite status, then you might be better off choosing the Double Points option instead, Mr Loo said.