“We know that people really do covet the kinds of perks and benefits that they can obtain through status credits,” Eliseo said. “So we’re talking things like upgrades … also lounge access, and extra baggage even – things like that. Certainly in our experience with our readers, people tend to actually value the status perks more than Qantas points. That’s what I think is driving the demand for Qantas bookings, even when they may be more expensive than the competition.”

It's not just about the Chairman's Lounge

#AusPol
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/nov/05/accrual-of-status-credits-that-lead-to-lifetime-qantas-perks-may-be-at-heart-of-flight-fiasco-expert-says-ntwnfb