Qantas recently announced a number of changes to its Frequent Flyer programme, with one of the major changes being the revised reward rates, something that is likely to affect most members.

For those looking to redeem for International Economy redemptions, this is actually a good news story, with both the points cost and carrier charges having decreased immediately from 20 June 2019. In fact, carrier charges have decreased across the board on international redemptions, from Economy to First.

All other redemptions in International Premium Economy, Business and First will increase in points from 18 September this year. Read on for a summary of the major changes (all figures are quoted for one-way travel) as well as our take at the end.

All figures in this article are for Classic Flight Rewards with solely or a mix of segments with Jetstar (mixed only), Qantas, Airnorth, Fiji Airways, Air Vanuatu, American Airlines, and/or Emirates.

Australian Domestic flights

There won’t be any changes to taxes and carrier charges for Australian domestic flights. However, the points required for these redemptions will increase for business rewards bookings.

Trans-Tasman and South Pacific flights

There won’t be any changes to taxes and carrier charges to Trans-Tasman and South Pacific flights either. However, the points needed for Business redemptions will also increase.

The number of points needed for longer flights will drop, such as between Auckland and Perth.

International flights

These journeys will benefit from reduced carrier charges. Remember, the lower economy rates are already in effect, while the increased premium rates will kick in from 18 September 2019.

In many cases, Qantas’ own ‘carrier charges’ will drop quite significantly.

All examples routes below are with Qantas unless otherwise stated.

Summing up

These changes are great for anyone looking to redeem for International Economy, as the points and surcharges needed have both dropped effective immediately, except for the shortest of international flights. It is Qantas’ vision to make frequent flyer points more usable for the masses who generally tend towards Economy redemptions, especially for international flights.

For long-haul international routes, it is a mixed bag. While it is annoying to have to fork out as much as 49,800 points more for a return First Class trip with Qantas to London, this will be offset by less carrier surcharges.

This guide is a snapshot of the points and taxes changes on Qantas’ most popular routes. To see the changes for all routes (ex Australia), head to Qantas’ page on the new programme and use this special calculator which will show you the one-way taxes and points needed.

Qantas have stated that there will be more availability being made for popular routes, such as London, Los Angeles and cities in Asia, with an extra million award seats offered annually. This is made possible by the increase in the points requirement for premium seats, along with the addition of five new international airline partners.

Given how difficult it is to get a Business or First seat on any given date, we hope that Qantas comes through on their word and make the Frequent Flyer programme even more accessible to everyone, albeit at a higher points cost.