Frequent Flyer - Qantas

Program Review

Qantas Airways is the flag carrier airline of Australia, and it is also the largest airline in terms of sheer fleet size, international flights, and international destinations. It is also the oldest airline in the world, after KLM and Avianca. Founded in November of 1920, it started as an international passenger flight airline in 1935. The Qantas name comes from “QANTAS”, which is an acronym for its original name, “Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Services”. This airline is based in the Sydney suburb of Mascot with its main hub at Sydney Airport. You will find that the official Qantas Frequent Flyer program has quite a bit to offer those who regularly or even semi-regularly fly with this airline. Members of this rewards program will be able to accrue points that can be used for award flights, cabin upgrades, and many other things.

Frequent Flyer Program

The Frequent Flyer program from Qantas is definitely worth looking into, especially for those who tend to fly with this airline regularly. As a member of the Frequent Flyer program, you will be able to enjoy a variety of perks and benefits that others do not. You will also be able to accumulate points/miles that you can be used to redeem award flights, cabin upgrades, hotel bookings, and car rentals. You will be able to sign up for this program through the Qantas website. The application only takes about 10 minutes, and it’s well worth it when you consider all the benefits you’ll enjoy as a member.

Earning Frequent Flyer Points

You can earn Qantas Frequent Flyer points on all eligible Qantas flights, including low fare flights. Check that your flight is eligible for points before booking. You can also maximise how many points you earn by choosing for flexible Economy fares or booking Premium Economy, Business or First Class seats. If you’re flying with Jetstar, you can earn points when selecting a Starter Plus, Starter Max or Business Max fare bundle. You can also earn points on all eligible domestic Jetstar New Zealand domestic fares. The perks of being a Qantas Frequent Flyer goes beyond just Qantas, allowing you to earn Qantas Points on every eligible flight with Qantas, Jetstar and over 35 partner airlines.By using a participating credit or charge card for your everyday spend, you could really boost your points earning, and for direct earn cards your points will be automatically added to your Qantas Frequent Flyer account each month. You can also use a direct earn or participating credit or charge card to make an eligible purchase from any of our other partners and you could earn twice – once with your card and once with the other partner.

Redeeming Mileage Points

You can redeem points in the following ways:
Classic Flight Rewards: If you want to use your points for flights, look at the Classic Flight Rewards to book flights. You can estimate how many points you’ll need for a flight with the Qantas Points calculator. These can be used for flights with Qantas and its partners.
Points Plus Pay: If you don’t have enough points to fund your Classic Flight Reward, you can use cash with "Points Plus Pay" to make up the difference.
Classic Upgrade Rewards: If you want a taste of luxury, use your points for Classic Upgrade Rewards to upgrade to Premium Economy, Business or First Class. You can use the "Classic Upgrade Reward Calculator" on the Qantas website to determine how many points you’ll need.
Bid Now Upgrades: Available by invitation only and for selected Qantas flights, you have the option to bid your points (or a combination of cash and points) to upgrade your flight. You can use your Qantas Points to redeem over 100,000 accommodation options worldwide. Plus, Frequent Flyer customers can also take advantage of exclusive member offers and discounts. Redeem your Qantas Rewards for car rental vouchers with Avis, Budget, Hertz and Thrifty. Make bookings via the Qantas website or quote your Frequent Flyer number at the time of booking to use your points to redeem the voucher. You can use your points to cut back on travel costs and pick up some peace of mind with your Qantas Points. Qantas allows cardholders to redeem their points for travel insurance with QBE Insurance. You can make your booking to claim the insurance via the Qantas website.

Routing Rules

You will find that Qantas does in fact allow for free stopovers, so you won’t have to worry about them affecting the total amount you pay.

Booking Fees & Charges

You will find that there is a $40 fee charged for changing flights, and a $200 fee if you do not do it online.

Redeem on Upgrades

If you want a taste of luxury, use your points for Classic Upgrade Rewards to upgrade to Premium Economy, Business or First Class. You can use the "Classic Upgrade Reward Calculator" on the Qantas website to determine how many points you’ll need.

Elite Levels

As you earn more points, you’ll pick up "Status Credits" which can help you move up the Frequent Flyer membership levels. It’s important to note that Status Credits are different to Qantas Points, so you can’t redeem them for any rewards. Here are some of the perks you can pick up with different membership levels:
Silver: Enjoy privileges such as a priority telephone service, complimentary and preferential seat selection as well as priority check-in for domestic and international flights. Members will also get one complimentary invitation to the Qantas Club (which includes a one-visit complimentary Qantas Lounge pass) and a 50% bonus on points earned.
Gold: Access an exclusive telephone service, complimentary seat selection with preferential seating as well as priority check-in domestically and internationally. You’ll get priority baggage, check-in and boarding as well as extra checked baggage allowance. You’ll receive complimentary membership of the Qantas Club and domestic and international lounge access. You’ll also receive 75% more Qantas Points.
Platinum: Much-like the Silver and Gold, Platinum members can enjoy priority telephone, seating and check-in services. You’ll also receive complimentary membership to the Qantas Club, international upgrades and First Lounge and Business Lounge access. You also receive 100% more Qantas Points.
Platinum One: Access Platinum benefits plus a personal team dedicated to you 24/7 when you fly. You can also enjoy exclusive access to extra Qantas Classic Awards seats and you can avoid most fees when booking an Award flight. You’ll also receive 100% more Qantas Points and complimentary Platinum membership for your partner.

Benefits of Qantas Frequent Flyer Program

There are quite a few different benefits associated with Qantas’ Frequent Flyer program, including the fact that you will be able to earn points in a number of ways. The fact that stopovers are free is just another benefit that you will need to take into consideration when thinking about signing up for this particular frequent flyer program. There are millions of Qantas Frequent Flyer members, simply because of everything this rewards program has to offer.