Qantas Frequent Flyer members are facing major program changes, with many Classic Flight Rewards set to cost more points from August 2025.
But one major redemption has been left out of the conversation, the oneworld Classic Flight Reward (also known as the RTW award). Widely considered the ultimate Qantas Points redemption, it unlocks up to 35,000 miles of travel at a capped points price. Given its unique structure, it doesn’t follow the same rules as standard Classic Rewards, yet Qantas has made no mention of how it will be impacted by the upcoming changes.
When Qantas unveiled its program overhaul, The Champagne Mile reached out for clarification on the status of the oneworld Classic Flight Reward. Qantas advised us that details won’t be available until May, when updated fare tables are expected to be published on its website.
That’s just three months before widespread pricing increases kick in, and not much time for members hoping to secure this complex redemption at current rates.
So, what’s going on? Could Qantas be planning a points hike in line with standard Classic Flight Rewards? Or worse still, is there a chance this much-loved redemption could be discontinued altogether?
Could the oneworld Classic Flight Reward get more expensive?
Qantas has confirmed widespread points pricing increases for Classic Flight Rewards from August but has not specifically referenced the oneworld Classic Flight Reward. While technically listed under Zone 10, this redemption is distinct from standard Classic Flight Rewards, as it follows a complex set of rules.
The RTW award requires travel on Qantas and at least two other oneworld partner airlines. Mileage caps, segment and stopover limits, and strict routing rules also come into play. These key differences suggest it can’t simply be grouped in with the broader Classic Reward changes, since it’s a far more complex and distinctive redemption.
For members looking to book, this uncertainty poses a challenge. Since oneworld Classic Flight Reward itineraries take time to piece together, waiting until May for confirmation could leave little room to secure a redemption before any price changes take effect.
What points pricing increase could we see?
If Qantas applies the same percentage hikes in published examples for other Classic Rewards, the cost of the oneworld Classic Flight Reward could look something like this:
| Cabin Class | Current Points Cost | Possible Points Cost (Aug 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Economy | 132,400 | 152,300 (+15%) |
| Premium Economy | 249,600 | 287,000 (+15%) |
| Business | 318,000 | 365,700 (+15%) |
| First | 455,000 | 546,000 (+20%) |
Note: These figures are purely speculative and based on a selection of example Classic Reward increases circulated by Qantas. Full information about pricing adjustments will be released when the airline publishes full fare tables in May 2025.
Higher carrier charges could add up fast
Beyond points increases, Qantas has also announced that carrier charges for business and first class Classic Flight Rewards will rise in August, bringing them in line with Classic Plus fees. With this in mind, it would make logical sense for similar fee increases to flow through to the oneworld Classic Flight Reward.
Since the RTW award involves multiple flight segments, along with travel on Qantas and at least two other oneworld airline partners, higher carrier charges on business and first class redemptions could add up. This could potentially position what has long been a standout use of Qantas Points as less accessible.
Could Qantas be planning to quietly scrap the RTW award?
However, the bigger concern is that Qantas hasn’t acknowledged this redemption in recent program announcements at all. While a price hike seems most likely, discontinuing the RTW award can’t be ruled out.
While there’s been no statement from Qantas to suggest that the oneworld Classic Flight Reward is disappearing, this move wouldn’t be without precedent. In May 2024, Singapore Airlines scrapped its Star Alliance Round The World Award with little notice, cutting off one of the best value ways to use KrisFlyer miles.
A curious omission from Qantas’ six-month notice policy
Qantas has stressed the importance of giving members notice on Classic Flight Reward price increases, allowing time to plan and secure redemptions at current rates.
Qantas Loyalty CEO Andrew Glance made this clear in the official Qantas Media Alert announcing the widespread program changes:
“With a number of airlines making changes to their loyalty programs recently, we wanted to give our members as much notice as possible so they can plan their future travel. That’s why our reward fare changes won’t come into effect for at least another six months.”
The complex, multi-segment RTW award takes significant time and resources to plan. If Qantas intends to raise the points cost or, worse, remove the redemption entirely, waiting until May to announce it will leave members with limited time to plan a future redemption.
Hard to book, but worth the effort
With so much uncertainty, locking in a oneworld Classic Flight Reward sooner rather than later makes sense. But securing one is already difficult in premium cabins, and with ongoing award seat availability, it’s only getting harder.
Before Covid, Qantas reliably released award seats up to 11 months in advance, giving members a clear window to plan ahead. Now, inventory drops at random intervals, often close to departure, making it far more unpredictable.
Adding to the mix, RTW awards rely on oneworld partner availability, which can be tricky to access under shared inventory arrangements. It’s particularly challenging in business and first class, where demand far exceeds supply. With widespread Classic Reward price increases confirmed for August, competition for premium cabin redemptions is likely to surge, making availability even more elusive.
Frequent flyers hoping to lock in a oneworld Classic Flight Reward before a possible price hike should act fast. Check availability frequently, set up reward seat alerts, know the program rules, and stay flexible with dates and routes to improve your chances.
Final thoughts
Widely considered the holy grail of Qantas Points redemptions, the oneworld Classic Flight Reward delivers exceptional value, particularly in business and first class, where it allows members to stretch their points further than almost any other booking.
Qantas hasn’t made any statements yet to suggest this redemption may be under threat, but its omission from the recent announcement raises questions, especially with Classic Reward prices increasing widely.
The oneworld Classic Flight Reward follows a distinct set of rules, including partner airline requirements, mileage caps, and segment limits, setting it apart from standard Classic Flight Rewards. While Qantas may intend to adjust its pricing in line with last week’s major program announcements, we’ll be waiting at least three months to find out.
Given its appeal, the RTW award is likely an expensive award for Qantas to sustain. But premium, aspirational redemptions are the backbone of frequent flyer programs. These rewards keep members engaged, offering the opportunity to secure a travel experience that might otherwise feel out of reach.
With its future uncertain, now is the time to lock in a oneworld Classic Flight Reward while you still can, though finding availability presents challenges. At the very least, being ready to act fast when Qantas updates its fare tables in May could give you the best chance of securing this redemption before any changes take effect.
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