Qantas Frequent Flyer, the loyalty program for Qantas, has announced a series of changes to the program that will take effect in August 2025 and beyond. For those who have relied on using Qantas Points to book Business and First-class reward seats, especially on partner airlines like Emirates, Air France, KLM, and Iberia, the upcoming devaluations will likely affect how you use your points going forward.
Let’s break down what’s changing and how these updates could impact your future bookings.
Increased Points for Classic Flight Rewards
Starting on August 5, 2025, the number of Qantas Points required to book Classic Flight Rewards and Classic Upgrade Rewards will increase by up to 20 percent. For instance, Classic Flight Rewards on Qantas-operated flights of up to 600 miles will jump from 8,000 Qantas Points to 9,200 Qantas Points for economy seats. Carrier charges for Business and First-class Classic Flight Rewards will also increase to align with Classic Plus Rewards.
These short-haul flights were some of the sweet spots for redeeming Qantas points, so this 20% devaluation stings for many members.
For Emirates, the points required for Economy Classic Flight Rewards on many routes will decrease, aligning more closely with Qantas’ points structure. However, the points required for Business and First-class rewards will increase, making these premium cabin bookings more expensive.
Premium Economy Awards On Partners
Another significant change is the introduction of Premium Economy Classic Flight Rewards on Iberia, Finnair, Air France, and KLM, starting in late 2025. For the first time, you can use Qantas Points to book Premium Economy seats on these partner airlines. These rewards will be available through the updated Partner Classic Flight Reward table, which will be published on or before May 5, 2025.
Jetstar Changes: Lower Points for Short-Haul Flights and New Upgrade Option
In August 2025, Jetstar will also see changes. For short-haul domestic flights in Australia and New Zealand (less than 600 miles), the points required for Classic Flight Rewards will be lowered to 5,700 Qantas Points, making it a more accessible option for budget-friendly travel on domestic and trans-Tasman flights.
Additionally, starting next year, Qantas Points can be used for Business class upgrades on Jetstar international flights. This aligns with a major revamp of Jetstar’s Boeing 787 Dreamliners, which will double the business cabin capacity, offering more opportunities for upgrades and premium travel on Jetstar’s long-haul routes.
Classic Flight Rewards on Hawaiian Airlines
Another update is that members will soon be able to access Classic Flight Rewards on Hawaiian Airlines, opening up more seats between Sydney and Honolulu, as well as other popular international routes. The points required for Classic Flight Rewards on Hawaiian Airlines will be available on the updated Partner Classic Flight Reward table, which will be available on or before May 5, 2025.
Plenty of Notice to Lock in Current Points Fares
Unlike many other programs, Qantas is giving its members plenty of time to prepare. Since Qantas allows booking up to 11 months in advance, if you book before August 5, 2025, you can lock in current points fares for travel until June 2026—well beyond when the new changes will take effect. This applies not only to Classic Flight Rewards but also to Classic Upgrade Rewards.
If you’ve already booked before the changes take effect, any modifications to your reservation will retain the original points conditions. For example, if you need to change your dates or route for a Classic Flight Reward that you booked before August 5, 2025, you won’t be charged the higher points required under the new system. This flexibility ensures that your Classic Flight Reward bookings will not be penalized by the devaluations as long as they were made before the changes.
This provides ample time to secure trips at the current points levels, whether you’re planning to book in advance or adjust an existing reservation. It’s a great opportunity to take advantage of the current structure before the changes kick in.
Final Thoughts
These changes will undoubtedly impact how you plan to use your Qantas Points, especially for Business and First-class bookings on Qantas and partner airlines. With increased points required for premium cabin rewards, particularly on Emirates and other popular partners like Iberia and Air France, it’s more important than ever to plan ahead and lock in those bookings early.
For full details of the changes, check out this link on the Qantas website: Qantas Frequent Flyer Program Changes.
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