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

Saturday, October 26, 2024

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.

Members booking these reward seats will need to cover additional fees, taxes, and carrier charges, which can be reviewed at the launch by visiting the Qantas website. This expansion across both domestic and international Qantas flights provides members access to more than 20 million reward seats annually, reinforcing Qantas’ commitment to its Frequent Flyer base.

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

In addition to Classic Plus, Qantas is bringing back its much-loved Double Status Credits and Double Qantas Points offer, giving members a chance to advance in the program’s status tiers and boost their points balance. This offer, open for registrations until 11:59 pm AEDT on October 31, 2024, allows members to book unlimited Qantas-operated flights across international, domestic, and regional routes, with travel valid from November 1, 2024, through October 19, 2025.

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.

“Adding Classic Plus to domestic flights means frequent flyers will have more options to fly where they want, when they want, using their points which we know is an important part of rewarding them for their loyalty,” said Ms Hudson.

“Since we introduced Classic Plus to international flights, we have seen frequent flyers book more reward seats than ever before and the number of points earned and redeemed reach record numbers.

“This investment is driving greater member engagement with the program and our partners which is key to the growth and success of Qantas Loyalty.”

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.

“The roll-out of Classic Plus to Qantas domestic and regional destinations will make points even easier to use, especially during peak travel periods when reward seats are often harder to find,” said Mr Glance.

“Another unique feature about Classic Plus is that frequent flyers can also mix and match Classic and Classic Plus reward seats in one itinerary, delivering even more choice and flexibility when travelling domestically.

“Our Double Status Credits or Qantas Points program is always incredibly popular, helping members to fast-track their status or boost their points balance to unlock greater travel benefits and rewards like lounge access, priority boarding and additional baggage allowance.”

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

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