Best ways to use 50,000 Qantas Points

Saving up a stack of Qantas Points is one thing, but knowing how to use them to extract maximum value is another.

Despite what you may think, business (and even first) class redemptions don’t cost millions of points. In fact, it’s possible to snap up a range of aspirational redemptions with a balance of 50,000 Qantas Points.

Let’s get started.

Using 50,000 Qantas Points for international first and business class flights

When it comes to Qantas Frequent Flyer, using your points to redeem flights is generally the best way to get the most value.

Classic Flight Rewards – airfares that are redeemed with a fixed number of Qantas Points – are the best way to achieve this. These rewards are available across Qantas and a range of airline partners, typically offering far greater value than the trap of ‘Points Plus Pay’.

In the spirit of keeping it aspirational, we’ve included a few flight redemptions that require a little over 50,000 Qantas Points.

Disclaimer: The pricing shown for flights in this section is displayed in Qantas Points only – taxes, fees, and carrier charges may be levied separately.

Try the Emirates A380 first class shower from Sydney-Christchurch (64,500 Qantas Points one way)

Coming in at number one, Emirates first class on the A380 should definitely be in your sights. It may cost a bit more than 50,000 Qantas Points, but we promise it’s worth shooting for the stars with this redemption.

Emirates First class is arguably one of the best cabins in the sky, offering the opportunity to enjoy a free flow of Dom Perignon Champagne in your private suite – well worth 64,500 points if you ask us!

The iconic Emirates A380 first class shower injects some serious novelty into the experience too – because who doesn’t want the chance to rinse off before landing?

Fly Emirates business class Sydney-Christchurch (41,500 Qantas Points one way)

If you’ve got under 50,000 Qantas Points to play with, flying Emirates business class on the A380 is another worthy redemption.

For just 41,500 Qantas Points you’ll start your journey in Sydney before embarking on a trans-Tasman flight to New Zealand.

As a premium passenger, you’ll get access to the iconic Emirates A380 onboard bar on the upper deck, where cocktails are served up in a social lounge atmosphere – yes please!

Savvy Qantas Frequent Flyers will absolutely have their eye on Emirates award seats, with the Sydney-Christchurch route on the A380 offering the perfect opportunity to enjoy some of the finest spoils in the sky.

Whether you’re an Emirates Skywards member or not, the option to use Qantas Points on Emirates flights is a big win for Australian-based travellers and we suggest you take advantage of it!

Melbourne to Fiji in Qantas Business (57,00 Qantas Points one way)

Just 57,000 Qantas Points (plus applicable carrier charges) is your ticket to fly one way from Melbourne to Fiji – one of the world’s most beautiful destinations – in the comfort of Qantas international grade business class.

Lie-flat seats are a sure way to begin your trip feeling well-rested and are a major drawcard to locking in a business redemption.

Canberra to Fiji in Fiji Airways business class (41,500 Qantas points one way)

Fiji Airways has selected its Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to run a new route between Nadi and Canberra, with eight comfortable business class recliners ready to be filled with budding holidaymakers.

A business class seat on Fiji’s national airline will cost you a very reasonable 41,500 Qantas Points (plus $118 AUD in carrier charges), which is significantly less points than flying Melbourne to Fiji from Melbourne.

This route is a perfect example of how it can pay to think outside the box when it comes to Classic Flight Rewards.

Using 50,000 Qantas Points for upgrades

Generally speaking, upgrading Qantas flights offers a great way to use Qantas Points.
In saying that, while upgrades don’t attract separate carrier fees/surcharges, they also don’t come with any guarantees.

Qantas upgrade rewards are usually in high demand. As such, they are awarded based on a range of criteria, including a traveller’s Qantas Frequent Flyer membership tier and booking pecking order.

As a result, unless you hold Qantas Chairman’s or Platinum One membership, there’s no way to be sure you’ll get an upgrade if you request it.

If you’re thinking about redeeming Qantas points for an upgrade, the Qantas Points Calculator is a good place to plan how many points you’ll need.

Upgrade to business from Perth to Rome (from 49,100 Qantas Points one way)

The Red Roo’s non-stop flight from Australia to Italy is currently the only direct flight between Australia and continental Europe offered by any airline and operates on the Qantas Dreamliner.

It costs 49,100 Qantas points to upgrade from a discount premium economy seat to business (44,100 with a flexible premium economy ticket), which, if you ask us, is well worth the horizontal (sweet) Dreamliner time on this ultra long-haul flight.

As you can imagine, Classic Flight Reward seats on this route are tricky to come across, so upgrading an existing ticket can be a great way to use your 50,000 Qantas Points!

Upgrade to Qantas business class on a Sydney-Los Angeles flight (from 54,000 Qantas Points one way)

Speaking of long-haul flights, if you’re looking to upgrade a flexible economy ticket, experiencing first class from Sydney to Los Angeles could make all the difference.

Purchasing a flexible ticket is more expensive, to begin with, but makes Classic Upgrade Rewards a lot more attainable. This same redemption would cost 98,100 Qantas Points with a standard economy fare.

Both the Qantas Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A380 service this route, so savvy Qantas Frequent Flyers will make a point of flying on the A380.

Upgrade to business class on a Sydney-Dubai fight (from 54,000 Qantas Points one way)

Heading in the other direction? Similarly, 54,000 Qantas Points could also see you upgrade from a flexible economy ticket to Qantas business class on a flight to Dubai.

Plus, you’ll now get to enjoy the refreshed Qantas inflight menu, which serves up the likes of seared snapper with black bean sauce and seasonal greens in business class.

Upgrade to business class on your Melbourne-Denpasar flight (from 35,800 Qantas Points return)

Bali trips are better in business class, so why not upgrade your flexible economy ticket to Qantas business class.

It will cost 17,900 Qantas Points one way, or 35,800 Qantas Points return (plus the applicable carrier charges), which could definitely be worth it for an overnight flight.

Secure up to 9 short-haul domestic upgrades to business class (up to 48,600 Qantas Points)

If you don’t head overseas often you can use a balance of 50,000 Qantas Points for up to 9 upgrades to business class!

Plus, you’ll probably find it easier to score an upgrade on domestic routes, as compared to international long-haul journeys.

Here’s the number of upgrades you can expect from 50,000 Qantas Points based on your initial fare bucket:

• Upgrading flexible economy to business costs 5,400 Qantas Points (nine upgrades)
• Upgrading discount economy to business costs 10,900 points per flight (four upgrades)

Get up to four business upgrades on longer domestic and trans-Tasman flights (up to 47,600 Qantas Points)

Upgrades on longer domestic and trans-Tasman flights cost a little more, and it’s well worth looking out for flights services by the A330.

With a stash of 50,000 Qantas Points, you can expect to achieve up to four upgrades from flexible economy, which cost 10,900 Qantas Points each.

Using 50,000 Qantas Points for international economy flights

If a seat at the pointy end isn’t on your radar, then it’s good to know that you can use 50,000 Qantas Points to get quite far on an economy ticket. Sometimes it’s just more about the destination – we get it.

Qantas operates some of the longest commercial flights in the world, with some non-stop flights to Europe and America in the air for more than 17 hours.

While you won’t get the same value (or experience) as you would from using your points for a seat in a premium cabin, long-haul stints in economy can still be a worthy redemption.

Fly non-stop from Perth to Rome (51,200 Qantas Points one way).

This long-haul economy flight on the Boeing 787-9 clocks in at almost 17.5 hours and travels 14,500 kilometres.

During this time, you’ll eat at least three meals and numerous snacks and watch a copious amount of in-flight entertainment.

The Qantas Dreamliner is the most advanced long-haul aircraft of its type – an exciting option for loyal Qantas passengers wishing to fly on this popular route.

You’ll need a little over 50,000 Qantas Points for this redemption, but a business class upgrade wouldn’t go astray here if you’ve saved up enough points by the time your flight comes around!

Fly Sydney-Dallas-Fort Worth (51,200 Qantas Points one way)

If you’re heading in the opposite direction, 51,200 Qantas Points can also position you in economy to Dallas-Fort Worth.

After over 17 hours in the air, you’ll appreciate the fact that you travelled all that way in economy class with your Qantas Points, or you’ll swear to never do it again!

Using 50,000 Qantas Points for domestic business class flights

Not planning to head overseas any time soon? When it comes to domestic redemptions, using your Qantas Points in the best way involves strategically selecting the best aircraft possible.

Opting for domestic flights with international-grade Airbus A330 seats (as opposed to the less aspirational Boeing 737) will make for a more comfortable business-class redemption.

Fly domestic business from Sydney to Perth or Melbourne to Exmouth (41,500 Qantas Points one way)

It is possible to lock in a one-way business class redemption onboard the Qantas A330 for well under 50,000 Qantas Points, leaving 8,500 points to spare for your next adventure.

Flying business class from Sydney to Perth is a great way to enjoy a four-hour sample of life at the pointy end if you’re new to the frequent flyer game.

Fly Adelaide-Sydney in business (55,200 Qantas Points return)

If you’re anything like us, you’ll have a few trips between Adelaide and Sydney pencilled in each year, so why not use your Qantas Points to travel in comfort?

You can also secure a return business class redemption for a little over 50,000 Qantas Points.

Using 50,000 Qantas Points for regional flights

Regional Qantas flights can be particularly desirable, as the value on offer is often quite special.

Seeing as Qantas Classic Flight Rewards are distance-based, regional redemptions fetch a fixed number of points regardless of what the flight ordinarily costs.

Fly Sydney-Lord Howe Island in economy (16,000 Qantas Points return)

Qantas has a monopoly on this route, so flights are priced quite high, with flex fares usually costing no less than $773 AUD at the time of writing.

Even though Sydney to Lord Howe Island is a pricey flight, distance-wise it still fits into the Zone One chart, meaning it costs 8,000 Qantas Points regardless of the fluctuations in airfare pricing.

As such, this is a rare example where an economy ticket is going to offer you exceptional value for your points (around 9.7 cents per 100 points)!

That means you’ll still have plenty of points to spare for your next aspirational points journey!

Best ways to use 50,000 Qantas Points on the ground

If you’re someone who has a stack of Qantas Points saved up, but no plans to take to the skies, then the following redemptions could be for you.

Whether it’s a road trip or staying at some of the world’s most luxurious hotels, there are many ways to use your Qantas Points on the ground.

In saying this, it’s important to note that compared to Classic Flight Rewards, most redemptions on the ground typically won’t offer as much value.

Using 50,000 Qantas Points for accommodation with Qantas Hotels

From a bucket list night of a lifetime at properties like the InterContinental Bali Resort, to a five-night tropical island getaway, you can use 50,000 Qantas Points to unwind in luxury.

50,000 Qantas Points delivers around $400 in value when used for accommodation, which is the equivalent of around 0.8 cents per point.

When redeeming your points for accommodation with Qantas Hotels, it’s important to know the difference between Classic Hotel Rewards and the ‘points plus pay’ options.

Like with flights, you’re going to unlock way more value with a Classic Hotel Reward than with points plus pay.

Redeeming 50,000 Qantas Points for gift cards

Qantas Points can be redeemed for gift cards and experience vouchers with countless retailers from BCF to Country Road via Qantas Marketplace.

While you can redeem points for high value goods with gift cards (think JB Hi-Fi), it’s important to note that the value on offer here for Qantas Points is typically quite poor.

However, there’s no denying that using 50,000 Qantas Points for gift cards is a convenient redemption that can make sense in some circumstances. With that in mind, we’ve highlighted a range of options, below:

Using 50,000 Qantas Points for goods on Qantas Marketplace

Qantas Frequent Flyers can choose to redeem points on over 20,000 products across 900 brands at Qantas Marketplace.

From electronics to appliances, homewares, fashion and luggage (and more) it’s entirely possible (but not necessarily wise) to use Qantas Points to purchase gifts for anyone.

50,000 Qantas Points will deliver around five to six cents value per 1,000 Qantas Points, which is far from the value we see when redeeming points from first and business class flights.

Redeeming 50,000 Qantas Points at Qantas Wine

Qantas Wine offers the ability to use Qantas Points for wine, beer and spirits. Here 50,000 Qantas Points will delilver around $270 worth of value, which works out to be about five to six cents value per 1,000 points.

Again, this value isn’t aspirational by any means but doesn’t necessarily rule a Qantas Wine redemption out. It’s simply worth knowing value and working out how your points will serve the most value to you individually.

Keep an eye out for promotions where the number of points required for wine can be heavily discounted!

Using 50,000 Qantas Points for fuel purchases

Qantas Frequent Flyer and BP have expanded their partnership by allowing members to use Qantas Points to pay for fuel at participating BP service stations.

Reward Code technology allows frequent flyers to cover the rising cost of fuel and eligible purchases over $10 with a minimum of 1,900 Qantas Points.

As such, you’d be getting 53 cent value per 100 Qantas Points here, which again, isn’t outstanding value.

Redeeming 50,000 Qantas Points: Digging into the detail

Choosing how you use 50,000 Qantas Points makes all the difference. The most obvious (and best) way to use Qantas Points is by redeeming them for Classic Flight Rewards.

The most aspirational use of 50,000 Qantas Points will usually be found on business or first class Classic Flight Rewards, which is typically where you’ll extract the most value from your points.

How much are Qantas Points worth?

The value of Qantas Points depends entirely on how you redeem them. As we’ve highlighted in this post, you will get much higher value redeeming your points for a first class or business class flight than you will for purchasing goods.

The table below outlines the average dollar value across a range of redemption options at the time of writing:

Using the Qantas calculator to maximise redemptions

Qantas offers a range of calculators, designed to help travellers calculate the number of points needed to redeem a Classic Flight Reward, or to request an upgrade.

There are three calculators to help members of Qantas Frequent Flyer to plan how to better earn and use hard-earned points:

• Earning Points and Status Credits Calculator
• Using Points for Classic Flight Rewards Calculator
• Classic Upgrade Reward Calculator

The ‘Using Points for Classic Flight Rewards’ calculator details the number of Qantas Points needed to redeem a reward seat (excluding any applicable taxes and fees). This can be helpful when planning redemption goals:

The ‘Classic Upgrade Reward’ calculator is where you can work out the number of Qantas Points required to upgrade to a higher fare class:

Cancelling or changing Qantas Classic Flight Rewards

One of the best things about using Qantas Points to lock in a Classic Flight Reward is that you can change your mind for a very small fee.

If your Classic Flight Reward booking is departing more than 24 hours away, you can make changes or cancel your booking from within ‘manage my booking’ on the Qantas website or by calling Qantas on 13 13 13 from Australia.

Note that Qantas charges a small fee of 6,000 Qantas Points for each booking cancelled with more than 24 hours notice.

This effectively takes the pressure off committing to a Classic Flight Reward booking almost one year from the flight, as you’ll never be charged the full fare if your plans change.

You can find more information on the airline’s Flexible Classic Flight Rewards and Help and Support pages.

Best ways to earn 50,000 Qantas Points – Tricks of the trade

Whether you’re earning rewards points by buying groceries, shopping online, paying with a Qantas-linked credit card, dining out, or flying for business or leisure, you should be earning Qantas Points just about every day.

With virtually hundreds of ways to earn your way to 50,000 Qantas Frequent Flyer Points – many of which you can find on the ground – knowing where to start can feel overwhelming.

Here’s a brief list of some of the easiest ways to earn Qantas Points:

• flying with Qantas, oneworld or partner airlines
• signing up for a Qantas Points-earning credit card, to unlock a sign up bonus and ongoing Qantas Points earn on everyday purchases. Note that you’ll typically need to meet eligible spend and other criteria, and you may be levied an annual fee
• shopping (via Qantas Shopping or Qantas Marketplace)
• fuel purchases with BP Rewards
• food, wine and dining (Qantas Wine)
• joining Woolworths Everyday Rewards and scan your rewards card
• looking into a policy with Qantas Insurance (check that this meets your needs)
• health and wellness (via the Qantas Wellbeing App)
• business travel (use your ABN to join Qantas Business Rewards)
• ground travel (such as car hire providers and Journey Beyond rail travel)
• hotels and accommodation
• paying your utility bills
• transfers from a family member

Lost your Qantas Points after failing to earn or use one Qantas Point in any 18-month period? There are also ways to recover expired Qantas Points with the Qantas Points Challenge.

Bear in mind that you’ll need a Frequent Flyer account if you want to earn Qantas Points. Qantas charges $99.50 for the privilege, but there are a few ways you can join for free.

Should I buy 50,000 Qantas Points?

When it comes to growing a Qantas Frequent Flyer points balance, purchasing Qantas top-up Points outright via qantas.com is almost always a bad idea. Let’s consider why.

At the time of writing, top-up purchases start at $56 AUD for 1,000 Qantas Points, up to $3,999 AUD for the maximum 150,000 Qantas Points.

A purchase of 1,000 Qantas Points requires an outlay of a whopping 5.6 cents per point while purchasing the maximum 150,000 Qantas Points results in a purchase price of 2.66 cents per point – less than half the cost.

If you’re thinking about purchasing 50,000 Qantas Points outright, you’ll be looking at a cost of $1,427

If you’ve decided that purchasing top-up Qantas Points meets your individual needs, it’s an easy process that you can learn more about.

Summing up – Best ways to use 50,000 Qantas Points

That’s all for now. From soaking up life in the pointy end with Qantas (and its world-class partners) to living like a celebrity in luxury resorts thanks to Qantas Hotels, there’s a way for just about anyone to make the most of 50,000 Qantas Points.

The most important thing to keep in mind when looking for a way to maximise value is that not all redemptions are created equal.

You’ll almost always come out on top with first and business flight redemptions, as opposed to burning them on goods from Qantas Marketplace.

In saying that, the best redemption comes down to your individual preferences. Our advice is to make some quick conversions to calculate the value of your points in any redemption opportunity you are considering.

How will you use 50,000 Qantas Points?

FAQ: Best ways to use 50,000 Qantas Points

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