Qantas Enhances Frequent Flyer Program with Classic Plus Reward Seats and Double Points Offer in Australia

Qantas is set to elevate its Frequent Flyer program, with members soon gaining access to over 20 million reward seats, thanks to the launch of the new Classic Plus option on domestic flights. The new addition expands the reward seat availability on regional and interstate routes across Australia, giving members even more flexibility for booking with points. This rollout follows the successful debut of Classic Plus on international flights earlier this year.

Classic Plus Launches December 12

Starting December 12, 2024, Qantas Frequent Flyers can use Classic Plus for domestic and regional flights, making it easier to secure reward seats for vacations, city breaks, or interstate getaways. The Classic Plus seats, available across all travel classes, will allow members to choose point-based bookings similar to cash fares, with prices fluctuating based on demand. Lower point requirements are available during off-peak times or for early bookings, while peak periods may have higher point costs. Additionally, Classic Plus seats may offer even lower point costs during promotional sales, potentially undercutting traditional Classic reward seats.

To start, Sale Domestic Economy seats will be priced from 5,600 points for Sydney to Gold Coast, 6,700 points for Sydney to Byron Bay, 6,900 points for Melbourne to Launceston, and 25,900 points for Melbourne to Perth on selected dates. For peak periods, such as the April 2025 school holidays, example rates could rise to 9,600 points for Sydney to Gold Coast and 32,500 points for Melbourne to Perth.

Success of Classic Plus Internationally

Since introducing Classic Plus on international routes in July, Qantas has seen a surge in bookings, with over 25 billion points redeemed. Popular destinations include Tokyo, Singapore, London, Bali, and Queenstown, with a notable trend in bookings across premium classes such as First, Business, and Premium Economy. Qantas still maintains its Classic reward seats, available across the network with Jetstar and 45 global partners, at points rates unchanged since 2019.

Status and Points Boost Offer

This promotion offers a fast-track opportunity through the membership levels (Bronze to Platinum One), giving participants access to exclusive perks, including lounge access, priority boarding, and additional baggage allowance. The last Double Status Credits and Points offer in February saw nearly 200,000 flights booked, with the majority opting to upgrade their membership status and others enhancing their points for future redemptions.

With these two updates, Qantas is setting a high bar for loyalty rewards, offering more travel options and benefits for its Frequent Flyers.

COMMENTS

Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson said the expansion of Classic Plus to domestic flights is part of an additional $120 million investment Qantas is making for customers this financial year.

Qantas Loyalty CEO Andrew Glance said booking reward seats continues to be the most popular way members choose to use their points, with nine seats booked every minute.

Classic Plus Domestic Fares

Though Classic Plus seats generally require more points than standard Classic reward seats, they offer exceptional value across the Qantas Frequent Flyer program, thanks to their broader availability and flexibility. Members can also enjoy the added perk of eligibility for upgrades with Classic Plus reward seats.

Qantas Points for Classic Plus Seats (Including Taxes, Fees, and Carrier Charges)

Example Economy Fares:

Sample Business Fares