- From August 5th, Qantas will increase the number of points required to book most reward seats.
- Business and first-class redemptions face the most significant increase, with a jump of between 5% and 20% on the horizon (fees and surcharges are also rising).
- But itโs not all doom and gloom: certain flights will cost fewer points under the new program, while reward seat availability is being increased by up to one million.
If you were thinking about booking a trip using Qantas Frequent Flyer points, doing it today could save you big time. Because as of tomorrow (August 5th), securing rewards seats on most flights โ particularly in business and first class โ will require a heftier points spend.
Economy Classic Rewards are rising by around 5%, while you can expect business and first-class redemptions to increase by as much as 20%. Carrier charges are also set to rise, delivering a double hit of higher points and extra cash at the checkout page.
A SydneyโMelbourne business upgrade, for example, is jumping from 18,400 points + $55 to 19,300 points + $76; while a SydneyโLondon economy seat is jumping from 55,200 points + $263 to 63,500 points + $263. On a related note, the Oneworld Classic Flight Reward (Qantasโ around-the-world ticket) will cost 15% more points in every cabin.
To soften the news of this coming points inflation, Qantas has committed to expanding reward-seat availability by up to a million seats โ made possible thanks to newly signed alliances with the likes of Finnair, Air France, KLM, and others. Emirates redemptions will also join Qantasโs main award table, lowering points requirements for mixed bookings.
In other good news for domestic travellers, certain flights are about to become cheaper to redeem: Jetstar Zone One short-haul routes, such as an AdelaideโMelbourne flight, are dropping from 6,400 to 5,700 points. Domestic flyers will earn up to 25% more points on paid Qantas flights, though anyone who relies on credit-card or retail partners for their points might still find costs increasing overall.
So whatโs the best way to use your Frequent Flyer points after tomorrow?
International business and first-class flights will get you the most bang for your buck. The newer Classic Plus tier, on the other hand, unlocks more premium-cabin seats at elevated points levels. In saying that, by far the most efficient way to maximise your points is to book something before the changes come in on August 5th.
