Qantas Frequent Flyer Shake-Up:
Major Changes to Points Earning & Redemptions

PrestigeFly Exclusive: Qantas has announced sweeping changes to its Frequent Flyer program, marking the most significant overhaul in a decade. Effective November 2024, these updates will impact how elite travelers earn, burn, and maximize their loyalty points across the Qantas network.

Breaking Down Qantas' Frequent Flyer Changes

1. New Tiered Points Earning System

  • Business/First Class:
    • 150% base points (up from 120%)
    • 100 status credits on long-haul routes
  • Premium Economy:
    • 110% base points (new category)
    • 60 status credits internationally
  • Economy:
    • Reduced to 50% base points for discount fares
    • Flex fares maintain 100% earning

2. Dynamic Award Pricing Goes Global

  • All Classic Flight Rewards now subject to demand-based pricing
  • Peak period markups as high as 40%
  • New "Points + Pay" sliding scale for partial redemptions

3. Elite Status Modifications

TierNew RequirementKey ChangeSilver | 300 SC | +50 status credits
Gold | 700 SC | Unchanged
Platinum | 1,400 SC | +200 status credits
Platinum One | 3,600 SC | New "Platinum Ultra" tier at 2,500 SC

Strategic Implications for Frequent Flyers

The Winners:

✔️ Premium cabin travelers (enhanced earnings)
✔️ Qantas credit card holders (new bonus categories)
✔️ Domestic business travelers (protected status credits)

The Challenges:

✖️ Economy class flyers facing reduced earnings
✖️ Award flight hunters dealing with dynamic pricing
✖️ Status chasers needing more qualifying flights

How to Adapt Your Strategy

1. Focus on Premium Cabins:

  • Business Class now delivers 2.3x more points than Economy
  • Partner airlines like Emirates count toward higher earnings

2. Time Your Redemptions:

  • Book awards 330 days out for best availability
  • Avoid school holidays and major events

3. Leverage New Partnerships:

  • 2x points on Qatar Airways flights
  • Bonus status credits with British Airways

4. Maximize Ground Earnings:

  • New 3x points on luxury hotel stays
  • 5x points on Avis premium rentals

What Qantas Isn't Changing

  • Lifetime Status thresholds remain
  • Lounge access rules for existing elites
  • Points expiration policy (18 months)

Industry Reaction

"These changes clearly favor high-value customers," notes Mark Smith, PrestigeFly's Loyalty Editor. "Qantas is following the global trend of rewarding premium spend while making casual redemption harder."

Why Trust PrestigeFly?
Our team holds top-tier status across all major programs, giving us firsthand insight into how changes actually affect elite travelers.

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