Qantas recently announced significant updates to its Frequent Flyer program, aiming to provide members with more opportunities for redemption while introducing adjustments that will impact the cost of using points. While the airline’s press release highlights enhanced benefits like increased reward seat availability and higher points earning potential, these changes come alongside noticeable increases in the points required for Classic Reward seats and upgrades. Here’s a breakdown of what members need to know.

The Key Changes

1. More Reward Seat Availability
   Qantas has pledged to add up to 1 million more Classic Reward seats, with increased access to premium cabins on partner airlines like Finnair, Air France, KLM, and Iberia. Hawaiian Airlines also joins the list of partners, expanding options for international travel.

2. Increased Points Earnings
   From July 2025, members flying Qantas domestically will earn up to 25% more points, with tiered members in premium cabins benefiting from the removal of earning caps.
   • Example: A Platinum member flying business class from Sydney to Melbourne will now earn 3,500 points, up from 2,000 points.

3. Lower Cost Rewards on Jetstar
   Reward seats on Jetstar short-haul flights will drop to 5,700 points, providing a more accessible redemption option for budget-conscious travelers.

4. Higher Redemption Costs
   Starting August 2025, the points required for Classic Reward seats and upgrades will increase.
   • Example: A one-way business class seat from Sydney to Melbourne will rise from 18,400 points + $55 to 19,300 points + $76.
   • Example: A Sydney-London economy seat will jump from 55,200 points + $263 to 63,500 points + $263.
     Premium cabin redemptions will see even steeper increases.
5. Higher Cash Fees
   Carrier charges for business and first-class redemptions will align with Classic Plus bookings, adding further costs to premium reward bookings.

What This Means for Members

While Qantas is promoting these changes as a way to enhance the program, the reality is more complex. The increased availability of reward seats is a positive step, especially for premium cabins and partner airlines, but the cost to redeem these seats will rise significantly. This effectively devalues Qantas points, as the additional earnings from flights will likely not offset the higher redemption requirements.

Moreover, while the introduction of lower-cost rewards on Jetstar might benefit some members, it comes at the expense of higher costs for Qantas-operated flights, which are often the primary target for frequent flyers aiming to maximize the value of their points.

The Bigger Picture

These changes align with a broader trend among airlines globally, where loyalty programs are shifting toward increased revenue-driven models. By raising redemption costs, airlines can allocate more seats to paying customers while still offering a nominal increase in reward seat availability.

For many members, this raises the question of whether it’s time to explore alternative loyalty programs. Qatar Airways’ Avios-based program, for example, offers more flexibility and may become a viable option for Australians if Qatar’s potential investment in Virgin Australia moves forward.

Should Members Act Now?

If you’re planning to redeem Qantas points, it’s worth booking before August 2025 to lock in current redemption rates. Classic Reward seats can be booked up to 11 months in advance, allowing members to secure travel at existing rates for flights until mid-

While Qantas frames these changes as investments in the future of its loyalty program, frequent flyers need to carefully evaluate the net impact on their ability to redeem points. The increased costs for Classic Rewards may offset the benefits of higher earnings and expanded seat availability. For members seeking the best value, now might be the time to spend those points—and keep an eye on emerging alternatives.

Qantas Frequent Flyer vs. Virgin Australia Velocity

Feature	Qantas Frequent Flyer	Velocity (Virgin Australia)
Earning Points	Bonus points for tiered members and additional points for premium cabin travel.	Easier to earn points through partnerships with major retailers and financial institutions.
Redemption Costs	Increasing points for Classic Reward seats; dynamic pricing for premium rewards.	Generally lower and more predictable award pricing, especially for domestic and trans-Tasman flights.
Availability	Wide network of international partners, including oneworld members. Limited premium award seat availability.	Strong availability through key partnerships like Singapore Airlines, providing excellent access to premium cabins.
Partnerships	Over 45 partners, including Finnair, Air France, KLM, and Iberia.	Includes Singapore Airlines and potential integration with Avios if Qatar Airways invests in Virgin Australia.
Flexibility	Dynamic award pricing can make redemptions unpredictable.	Fixed award pricing ensures more transparency and consistency.

For travelers feeling constrained by Qantas’s increasing redemption costs, Velocity, or even a switch to international programs like Avios, might be worth considering.

How To Find Award Flights on Qantas

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Read More

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