Everything You Need To Know about the New QANTAS Frequent Flyers Program
Qantas Loyalty CEO Olivia Wirth and Qantas Airlines CEO Alan Joyce announced in June 2019 that the 32-year-old Qantas Frequent Flyer points program would undergo a major overhaul.
About the Qantas Frequent Flyer Program
In 2019, Qantas Frequent Flyer program has over 12 million members and like most airline loyalty programs, it allows members to earn points that can be redeemed for flight rewards and other offers. The more points you earn, the more Qantas benefits you receive and advance in the program. Mr Joyce said the program overhaul would ensure the national carrier’s loyalty program remained one of the most attractive and successful in the world.
Major initiatives to the frequent flyer program commence on 18 September 2019, with other smaller changes to be rolled out over the next 12 months. These program changes are not all bad. They won’t affect how members earn reward points however it will alter the way members redeem points on Qantas flights.
30% More Seats on Qantas International Flights
Qantas is adding more than one million reward seats per annum and giving members more choices to travel destinations across Europe, South East Asia and New Zealand. The new frequent flyer program includes partnerships with China Airlines, Bangkok Airways, Air France, New Zealand and KML Royal Dutch Airlines. Giving members greater options to earn and redeem points with multiple airlines.
Using Points
Points will now go further on domestic and international bookings. International carrier charges will be slashed by 50%*. A saving of around $200 per return international trip, regardless of the cabin class. *excludes Qantas and Jetstar flight rewards on direct flights to and from New Zealand and selected South Pacific locations that are classified as domestic zones due to the proximity to Australia).
Passengers will see a 10% reduction in the number of points required for international economy Class Reward seats. Premium cabins will cost more in points and economy passengers will use less points. Upgrades to First class, Business and Premium economy will see an increase of fees between 9-15%.
Earning Points
A new two tiered ‘Points Club’ program at the end of 2019 will reward QFF members with more points through on-the-ground transactions with over 300 partners. The introduction of the elite ‘Lifetime Platinum’ program in September 2019 is Qantas’s ultimate recognition for the airline’s most loyal flyers. A fact sheet detailing all the changes to the Qantas Frequent Flyer Program can be found here.
OneWorld Alliance Partners
You automatically earn points when you book flights with Qantas and Jetstar. When you fly with Oneworld alliance partners and partner airlines like China Eastern and Emirates you earn points too. Qantas is a founding member of the Oneworld, a global alliance of 13 airlines. The global network offers flights to over 160 countries and more than 1,000 destinations. When you are planning your next vacation contact Qantas to plan and book to reap the rewards and special offers.
For more information about Qantas and Oneworld read Point Hacks guide to ‘Why you should start your Qantas Oneworld Classic Reward from Overseas (Part 1) Saving Points and (Part 2) Reducing Taxes and Fees.
Credit Card Purchases | Qantas Shopping Online Mall
For every dollar you spend on eligible purchases earns you valuable Qantas points when you use a Qantas Frequent Flyer credit card. Many credit cards offer bonus points and some points can be transferred to your preferred frequent flyer program. A Qantas Frequent Flyer card and credit card can include lounge invitations and complimentary travel insurance. You can also earn double points when you purchase items from other Qantas FF partners when you use a Qantas credit card. Another great way to earn Qantas points is by shopping your favourite brands via the Qantas online store.
How to Join the Qantas Frequent Flyer Program?
It is easy to sign up to the Qantas Frequent Flyer program through the airline website. There is a joining fee of $99.50 but follow these instructions to join for free.
You will need to provide your full name, address, contact details and information of any other airline programs you belong to. You will be asked to create a 4-digit PIN to login to your Qantas online account. Here you can check your points, redeem rewards and update your account information. This PIN will also help to identify you over the phone should you need to speak to a Qantas customer service representative.
When you have completed the application, an email will be sent that will include your Frequent Flyer membership number. Every time you book a flight or want to collect reward points, you must use your QFF membership number. Save your number in your contacts so you have access to it anytime. Qantas will post to your nominated address your membership card together with an information kit on how to earn and redeem points. Download from iTunes or Google Play the free Qantas Points app to keep track of your Qantas points on-the-move. The app can also be used to book flights, redeem rewards and discover ways to earn valuable points.
More Great Travel Tips
If you like this post you’ll love my eBook Go Travel | International Travel Toolkit, out now through popular eBook retailers, for just $0.99 (AUD)
In this book, I share the answers to the travel questions I get asked by friends and family, all the time. Inside, you’ll find out how to prepare and plan for international travel, plus, all the pro tips and tricks in my travel toolkit. These tried and tested tips will teach you how to travel smarter and introduce you to ways you can travel more for less. Along with the tried and tested packing checklist, discover my 5 quick tips for booking cheaper international flights. You’ll also find my expert advice for beating jet lag and all my favourite travel apps and products!
Go Travel | International Travel Toolkit is available at Barnes & Noble, Scribd Angus & Robertson and more. Get your copy here.
I am the Progressive Traveller. I've been travelling the world extensively since 2002. My website is full of travel stories, tips, recommendations, resources, offers for you to use and enjoy. Follow my journey on social media and travel the world with me. Happy days.
