Qantas Frequent Flyer

Qantas Frequent Flyer is the default loyalty program for most Australians, and for good reason: it is the easiest currency to earn at scale here, and its Classic Flight Reward chart is a fixed, published distance-zone table so you can see the points price before you commit. It is a oneworld program, which means your points reach far beyond Qantas metal — onto Emirates, Cathay, Qatar, Japan Airlines and the rest of the partner network.

How to earn Qantas Points

Qantas Points are the most widely earned currency in the country. You collect them on Qantas and Jetstar flights, through a large stable of co-branded and bank credit cards that earn them directly, by shopping at Woolworths and dozens of Qantas Shopping partners, and by converting from flexible bank currencies. That breadth is the whole point — almost any Australian spending pattern can be pointed at Qantas.

How to use Qantas Points

Two reward types sit side by side and behave very differently. Classic Flight Rewards use the fixed distance-zone chart and are the genuine value play, but seats are capped and release can be tight. Classic Plus Flight Rewards are dynamically priced — the points cost floats with the cash fare, so treat any Classic Plus number as a live quote, never a fixed rate. Always check Classic availability first.

Sweet spots

• Short domestic Classic hops (think SYD–MEL or BNE–SYD) are cheap in points and dodge expensive walk-up cash fares.
• oneworld and partner premium cabins booked as Classic Rewards — Cathay, Japan Airlines and Qatar business class out of Asia can be excellent value off the fixed chart.
• Using Qantas Points on Emirates to Europe or the Middle East, where Qantas has a deep partnership and broad availability.
• Off-peak domestic and trans-Tasman Classic seats, which sit in the lowest distance zones.

What to watch

• Classic Plus is dynamic — the points price moves with the fare, so it is frequently poor value versus a true Classic seat.
• Carrier charges and taxes on some partners (and on Qantas long-haul) can be hundreds of dollars on top of the points.
• Classic business-class space on Qantas's own metal to popular destinations can be very hard to find, especially in peak periods.
• Points don't expire on activity, but an 18-month inactivity rule applies — keep the account ticking over.

Alliance & partners

Qantas's alliance. Earn and burn Qantas Points across American, British Airways, Cathay, Qatar, Japan Airlines, Finnair, Alaska and more.

Frequently asked

What's the difference between Classic and Classic Plus Flight Rewards?

Classic Flight Rewards use a fixed distance-zone chart with a set points price and limited seats. Classic Plus Flight Rewards are dynamically priced — they open up far more availability but cost a variable, usually higher, number of points tied to the cash fare. For value, target Classic first.

Can I use Qantas Points on partner airlines?

Yes. As a oneworld program Qantas Points book Classic Rewards on partners like Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, Qatar Airways and British Airways, plus close non-alliance partners such as Emirates. Partner premium cabins off the fixed chart are some of the best value in the program.

Do Qantas Points expire?

They don't expire based on age, but your account must show earning or redeeming activity at least once every 18 months. Any qualifying transaction — even a small shopping purchase — resets the clock.