Qantas Loyalty Program Points Devaluation: What You Need to Know

Qantas Frequent Flyer Points Devalued: What Travelers Need to Know

Qantas has quietly adjusted its frequent flyer program, meaning Australians will now need more points to redeem rewards flights. The changes, which took effect Tuesday, mark the first increase in points needed for classic Reward flights as 2019, and only the second time since 2004.The adjustments impact both domestic and international routes.For example, a sydney to Melbourne economy seat now requires 9,200 points plus $55 in fees, up from 8,000 points previously. Business class on the same route has increased to 19,300 points and $76 in fees. The impact is even more critically important on long-haul flights – a one-way economy seat from Sydney to London now costs 63,500 points, a jump from 55,200.

Qantas’s Response: More Reward Seats Available

To soften the blow, Qantas announced the release of 400,000 new Classic Reward seats across its network. Many of these will be on dedicated “points planes” where all seats are available for points redemption. A positive change also impacts budget travel, with Jetstar flights within Australia and New Zealand now requiring fewer points – down from 6,400 to 5,700 plus fees.

Qantas Loyalty CEO Andrew Glance stated the changes are necessary to ensure continued growth in the number of seats available for points bookings.Expert Weighs In: A “Safe Move” But Seat Availability is Key

Adele Eliseo, publisher of frequent flyer website The Champagne Mile, described the devaluation as “a pretty safe move,” noting that Virgin Australia and other international airlines have made similar adjustments.

However, Eliseo emphasized that Qantas must deliver on its promise of increased seat availability. “The pressure’s on Qantas to really keep investing in opening their seat inventory so people can use their points,” she said.

Tips for Maximizing Your Qantas Points

Despite the changes, savvy travelers can still maximize their rewards:

Book Early: Planning ahead significantly increases your chances of securing rewards seats. Be Flexible: Consider alternative travel dates or times.
* Check Regularly: Last-minute seats can sometimes become available.

The success of Qantas’s program adjustments will ultimately depend on their ability to balance point costs with consistent access to reward seats,especially in premium cabins.Travelers are advised to stay informed and adapt their booking strategies accordingly.

How have recent changes to earning partnerships impacted Qantas Points accrual?

Understanding Qantas Points & Status Credits

The Qantas Frequent Flyer program is a cornerstone of Australian travel rewards. Earning Qantas Points and Status Credits allows members to unlock benefits like upgrades, lounge access, and discounted fares. Though, recent years have seen adjustments to the program – frequently enough referred to as Qantas points devaluation – impacting the value of your hard-earned rewards. Understanding these changes is crucial for maximizing your benefits. This article breaks down what’s happening, why, and how to adapt your strategy.

Recent Changes to the Qantas Program

Over the past few years, Qantas has implemented several changes affecting the earning and redemption rates of its Frequent Flyer program. These aren’t always announced as outright “devaluations,” but the net effect is often a reduction in the value of your points. Key changes include:

Increased Redemption Costs: the number of points required for classic reward seats, especially on popular routes, has risen. This is especially noticeable on international flights.

Dynamic Pricing: Qantas has increasingly moved towards dynamic pricing for reward seats. This means the points cost fluctuates based on demand, similar to cash fares. This makes finding consistent value more challenging.

Changes to Earning Rates: Some earning partnerships have been adjusted, resulting in fewer points earned on certain transactions.

Status credit Adjustments: The requirements for maintaining Qantas Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Platinum One status have been modified, sometimes making it harder to retain elite status.

Family Transfer Restrictions: Changes to family transfer rules have limited the ability to pool points and share benefits.

Why is qantas Devaluing its Points?

Several factors contribute to these changes.

Inflation & Operating Costs: Rising fuel prices, airport fees, and other operational expenses put pressure on Qantas to maintain profitability.

Program Sustainability: Frequent Flyer programs are complex to manage. Adjustments are sometimes necessary to ensure the long-term viability of the program.

Revenue Management: Dynamic pricing allows Qantas to maximize revenue by charging higher points prices during peak demand.

Competition: The airline industry is highly competitive. qantas needs to balance rewarding loyal customers with maintaining a profitable business model.

How the Devaluation Impacts Different Redemption Options

The impact of Qantas Frequent Flyer devaluation varies depending on how you redeem your points.

Flights: This is where the most significant changes have been felt. Classic Reward seats are becoming scarcer and more expensive.Business Class redemptions, in particular, have seen considerable increases.

Upgrades: While still a valuable option, upgrade costs have also risen, and availability can be limited.

Hotels & Car Rentals: Redemption rates for hotels and car rentals through Qantas Rewards remain relatively stable, but often aren’t as competitive as booking directly.

Qantas Store: The value proposition of the Qantas Store is generally lower, with points often equating to a poor cents-per-point value.

Maximizing Your Qantas Points in a Changing Landscape

despite the devaluation, there are still strategies to maximize the value of your Qantas Points.

1. Be Flexible with Travel Dates: Avoid peak seasons and school holidays when demand (and points costs) are highest.
2. Consider Alternative Airports: Flying into or out of smaller airports can sometimes offer better reward availability.
3. Look for Partner Airline Redemptions: Qantas partners like Emirates, Cathay Pacific, and Japan Airlines often offer better value for reward seats, especially on long-haul routes. Understanding Oneworld alliance benefits is key.
4. Utilize Points Pooling: if eligible, pool points with family members to reach redemption thresholds faster.
5. Take Advantage of Promotions: Qantas frequently runs promotions offering bonus points or discounted reward fares.
6. focus on Status Credits: Maintaining elite status provides significant benefits, including bonus points earning, lounge access, and priority services.
7. Redeem for High-Value Options: Prioritize redemptions for First Class or Business Class flights, where the value of your points is typically higher.
8. Monitor for Sales: Keep an eye on Qantas sales and special offers, as these can sometimes provide opportunities to redeem points at a lower rate.

Case Study: Sydney to London Redemptions (2023 vs. 2025)

In 2023, a classic reward seat in Economy Class from Sydney to london typically cost around 96,000 Qantas Points + taxes and fees.as of August 2025, the same flight, using dynamic pricing, can easily cost 120,000 – 150,000+ points, depending on demand. This illustrates the significant impact of the recent changes.

Resources for Staying Informed

Qantas Frequent Flyer Website: https://help.qantas.com/support/s/ – The official source for program data.

Point Hacks: A popular Australian blog dedicated to maximizing travel rewards.

Executive Traveller: Another valuable resource for frequent flyer news and analysis.