Qantas is ringing in 2025 with significant modifications to its Frequent Flyer program, introducing a mix of enhancements and cost increases that will impact how members earn and redeem Qantas Points. These adjustments extend across Qantas’ mainline operations, its low-cost subsidiary Jetstar, and a range of partner airlines within the Oneworld alliance and beyond.
Classic Reward Redemptions: More Expensive from August 2025
The most immediate and widely felt change will be the increased points requirement for Classic Reward seats, effective from 5 August 2025. This marks only the second time Qantas has raised redemption costs since 2004, with the last adjustment occurring in 2019.
Previously:
- Short-haul domestic flights, such as Sydney to Melbourne in Economy, cost 8,000 points.
- Business Class on Sydney to London required 144,600 points.
- An Economy to Business upgrade from Sydney to Los Angeles was 98,100 points.
From August 2025:
- Sydney to Melbourne in Economy will rise to 9,200 points (+15%).
- Business Class on Sydney to London will increase to 166,300 points (+15%).
- Economy to Business upgrade from Sydney to Los Angeles will jump to 117,700 points (+20%).
Compounding the blow, carrier-imposed surcharges for international Business and First Class redemptions will also increase. For instance, the cash portion for a Sydney-London Business Class reward ticket will jump from AU$473 to AU$648—a 37% increase.
While these increases may seem steep, Qantas Loyalty CEO Andrew Glance defends the move, citing inflation and the need to maintain a sustainable loyalty program. However, the timing raises concerns, as many airlines worldwide are tightening award availability, making redemptions increasingly difficult despite higher costs.
More Qantas Points Earned on Paid Flights
To offset the rising cost of redemptions, Qantas is boosting points earning potential. From July 2025, domestic flight earnings will increase by up to 25%, and the cap on status bonus earnings in premium cabins will be removed.
Previously:
- A Bronze member flying Sydney-Perth in Economy earned 1,450 points.
- A Platinum member flying Sydney-Melbourne in Business earned 2,000 points.
- A Gold member flying Sydney-Los Angeles in Business earned 21,375 points.
From July 2025:
- Sydney-Perth in Economy will increase to 1,815 points.
- Sydney-Melbourne in Business (Platinum member) will rise to 3,500 points.
- Sydney-Los Angeles in Business (Gold member) will increase to 25,594 points.
While the increase in points earnings is a welcome change, it does little to counterbalance the substantial devaluation of redemptions. Many frequent flyers may find themselves earning more points, but needing significantly more to redeem for meaningful travel.
More Classic Reward Seats—But Mainly on Partners
While the increased redemption costs sting, Qantas is opening up additional Classic Reward seats on partner airlines.
- Hawaiian Airlines will offer 800,000 new reward seats, aligning with its expected entry into the Oneworld alliance in 2026.
- Air France, KLM, Finnair, and Iberia will collectively provide 200,000 Premium Economy Classic Reward seats, a cabin that was previously unavailable through Qantas Points.
However, while this sounds promising, availability remains a concern. Partner airlines control their own inventory, meaning these seats will be accessible not only to Qantas members but also to other frequent flyer programs in Oneworld. This could limit redemption opportunities for Qantas members.
Jetstar: A Mixed Bag for Reward Travellers
Qantas’ budget carrier Jetstar will see changes too:
Previously:
- The cheapest Classic Reward seats on short-haul domestic routes were 6,200 Qantas Points.
- Business Class upgrades were not available on Jetstar.
From August 2025, Jetstar’s shortest “Zone 1” routes will become more affordable from August 2025. A one-way Economy redemption (e.g., Sydney–Gold Coast or Melbourne–Adelaide) will cost 5,700 Qantas Points, down from 6,400. This move contrasts with most other routes, where redemption costs will increase.
From 2026, travellers on Jetstar’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner flights will also be able to use Qantas Points for upgrades to Business Class. This change aligns with Jetstar’s cabin refurbishment, which will double its Business Class seating capacity.
Emirates Back on the Qantas Redemption Table
Previously:
- Emirates operated under a separate partner award table, often with higher redemption costs.
From August 2025:
- Emirates redemptions will move to the Qantas Classic Reward table.
- Economy rewards on Emirates will cost less.
- Business and First-Class rewards will become more expensive.
For example, a Sydney-Dubai-Paris Business Class redemption will increase from 159,000 to 166,300 Qantas Points.
While this adjustment brings Emirates closer in line with Qantas pricing, it does not alleviate the notorious high surcharges on Emirates awards, which remain a major barrier for many flyers.
Final Thoughts: A Necessary Adjustment or a Devaluation?
These programme changes come as Virgin Australia and British Airways have also tweaked their loyalty schemes. In contrast to some cuts elsewhere, Qantas has tempered its devaluation with a greater range of premium cabin seats. Emirates redemptions will mostly fall in line with Qantas’ own pricing structure, although the airline’s steep surcharges will continue to bite.
The changes to Qantas Frequent Flyer represent a clear devaluation for members, particularly those seeking premium cabin redemptions. While Qantas frames these adjustments as a way to improve availability, there is no firm guarantee that more Classic Reward seats will actually be accessible to members.
Significance for Travellers
Qantas’ updates reflect a balancing act. On one hand, flyers will earn more points and see new redemption routes. On the other hand, they will pay higher award prices, especially for premium cabins. Travellers who value Business and First Class travel may wish to lock in reservations now, as flights can be booked up to 11 months ahead of departure.
Why This is Bad:
- Premium redemptions now cost significantly more points, meaning fewer members will be able to afford Business and First-Class seats.
- Carrier charges have increased, making “free” flights notably more expensive.
- Availability remains uncertain, particularly on Qantas-operated flights where Classic Rewards have long been scarce.
Why This is Good:
- More points can be earned on paid flights, which is helpful for frequent flyers with high-status tiers.
- New partner airlines offer additional redemption options, though competition for these seats will remain fierce.
- Jetstar reward seats have dropped slightly, making short-haul redemptions more accessible.
For now, the best strategy is clear: book early, maximise redemptions before August 2025, and take advantage of the increased points earning opportunities. However, without fundamental improvements in award seat availability, many loyal Qantas flyers may start reconsidering their commitment to the program.
