New Qantas Frequent Flyer changes could mean big discounts

Qantas has announced new changes to its Frequent Flyer program. This is how it affects you.

Qantas Frequent Flyer changes have been announced, from how many points reward program members can earn to how to earn them, to the number of seats available to book via the reward program. So what does it mean to the average member?

1. Earn more points on domestic flights

Deciphering rewards programs can be somewhat of a tangled web, although Australian Traveller has a comprehensive guide to help you make the most of your Frequent Flyer points. But now there’s one more way to earn decent points – the number of points members will earn on Qantas domestic flights will increase by up to 25 per cent.

Qantas will also be removing the cap on the number of points that can be earned for tiered members travelling in premium cabins. Overall, the airline predicts this will mean almost four billion extra points delivered to members every year.

“Travel remains the number one priority for our members in how they earn and redeem their points, with 13,000 Classic Reward seats booked every day,” said Qantas Loyalty CEO Andrew Glance. “These changes are designed to further enhance the ways our members can book Classic Reward seats and the destinations and cabins they can access when they fly”.

Qantas domestic flights will increase. (Image: Josh Withers)

2. Cheaper domestic and NZ flights

There is very good news for local flights. Qantas will be introducing economy reward seats on Jetstar’s short-haul domestic flights in Australia and New Zealand from 5700 points – that’s 2300 points cheaper than the previous cheapest seat.

“This is just the beginning of a broader suite of changes to Jetstar rewards that will deliver even greater value for members in 2025 and beyond,” said Glance.

Spend less points on Jetstar’s domestic flights. (Image: Hendri Lidayani)

3. Bigger savings before August 2025

Of course, at the same time, it was announced that the number of points needed for Classic Rewards and Classic Upgrades will increase right along with the above rewards, cancelling each other out somewhat.

This point increase won’t take effect until 5 August 2025, and Qantas Classic Reward seats are open to bookings up to 11 months in advance. This means, as long as you book before then (for flights that leave up until June 2026) you can still secure the lower point rate.

Book before August to save. (Image: Josh Withers)

4. More seats across the network

The final main change to care about, is that Qantas will be adding up to one million Classic Reward seats (those that are paid for in part with points) in economy across Finnair, Air France, KLM and Iberia, thanks to a new partnership with Hawaiian Airlines (aka more flights equals more seats).

“We now have partnerships with over 45 airlines, giving members greater flexibility and choice in how they want to be rewarded,” said Glance. “The addition of Hawaiian Airlines and more premium cabin seats with Finnair, Air France, KLM and Iberia will later this year begin unlocking up to 1 million additional Classic seats and more opportunities for our members to use their points”.

Get access to more seats across the network. (Image: Jackie Alexander)