Significant Updates to Qantas Frequent Flyer Program: More Reward Seats and Points

Qantas Frequent Flyers are set to enjoy exciting enhancements to their loyalty program, which new changes promise to dramatically improve travel experiences. The updates include additional premium cabin reward seats, expanded access to partner airlines, as well as the lowest Economy reward seat prices in Australia. For the first time in six years, Classic Reward seat prices will also see an increase.

More Reward Seats and Partner Airlines

In 2024, Qantas quadrupled the number of reward seats for members via the successful launch of Classic Plus. This initiative led to record bookings for Classic Reward seats and increased availability from airline partners. By 2025, members can look forward to up to 1 million more Classic Reward seats, including options in premium cabins with both existing and new global airline partners.

Additionally, shortly, an extra 1 million seats will be discounted, including Classic Plus Reward seats that start at just 6,200 points across over 100 routes within Australia.

Enhanced Points Earnings

Over the next year, Qantas has plans to introduce new benefits for frequent flyers:

• Increased Points Earnings: Members will receive up to 25% additional points on domestic flights, and the earning cap for tiered members in premium cabins will be lifted, potentially adding almost 4 billion points annually.
• Lowest Economy Reward Seat: Jetstar’s short-haul flights in Australia and New Zealand will offer a one-way Economy reward fare for 5,700 points, enabling members to accumulate their reward seats more swiftly.
• More Classic Reward Seats: Up to an additional million Classic Reward seats will be available through flagship partners including Finnair, Air France, KLM, Iberia, and throughout the Hawaiian Airlines network.

Revisions to Classic Reward Seats and Upgrades

Starting August 2025, point requirements for Classic Upgrades and Classic Reward seats on both domestic and international flights will see increases. This marks the initial adjustment in six years and only the second since 2004. For example, booking from Sydney to Melbourne in Business will rise from 18,400 points + $55 to 19,300 points + $76, while a flight from Sydney to London in Economy will increase from 55,200 points + $263 to 63,500 points + $263.

The cash component required for booking Classic Reward seats in Business and First cabins will align with Classic Plus fares. Members can secure Classic Reward seats up to 11 months prior, cementing their travel plans at the current points fare until June 2026.

Positive Impact for Members

Andrew Glance, CEO of Qantas Loyalty, mentioned the impressive growth of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program over its four-decade history and its commitment to rewarding loyal patrons. “Travel is the top priority among members in how they earn and use their points, with 13,000 Classic Reward seats booked daily, including 1,000 premium cabin Classic seats for international flights,” Glance shared.

He further emphasized that the revisions aim to enhance the ease of booking Classic Reward seats and diversify the destinations and classes available to members. “Classic Plus, representing a $120 million investment, has proven transformative since its April 2024 launch,” Glance noted.

Looking Ahead

With collaborations across over 45 airlines, including Hawaiian Airlines, Finnair, Air France, KLM, and Iberia, Qantas members will enjoy increased flexibility and options for rewards. This year, members are expected to gain an additional 4 billion points due to increased point accrual on domestic flights and the removal of earning caps for tiered members in premium cabins.

The introduction of the lowest reward seat price in Australia with Jetstar, starting at 5,700 points for all short domestic routes, is just the beginning of broader enhancements to Jetstar’s rewards system that will amplify member value in 2025 and beyond.

Qantas Frequent Flyer members have a lot to anticipate with these exciting updates. From unlocking more reward seats to earning additional points and accessing premium cabin options, the loyalty program continues to deliver remarkable value and benefits for its committed members.