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

Although the status credits expire annually, airlines keep accrual records and reward long-term loyalty with senior-tier lifetime status once certain milestones are reached. Photograph: Greg Wood/AFP/Getty Images

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 Eliseo, 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.