New parents who take at least six months out of the workforce to raise a child will no longer have to fret about losing their coveted Qantas frequent flyer status for 18 months. The airline has introduced a parental leave pause program for its silver, gold and platinum members, allowing them to keep their perks even if they don't fly enough as is usually required to maintain their tier level. The benefits, depending on their status, include lounge access, bonus points offers and preferred seating options. It will apply to men and women as well as those welcoming a foster or adopted child.<br/>In addition, Qantas has increased its family transfers points limit and removed the restriction on the number of transfers so that members can transfer up to 600,000 points a year to family members, up from 400,000 previously. Qantas Loyalty CE Lesley Grant said the changes had been prompted by feedback from members wanting more flexibility from their frequent flyer membership, particularly when they were "grounded" with new children.<br/>