Big changes are on the horizon for Qantas Frequent Flyer. Higher points costs in all cabins and increased carrier charges for business and first class redemptions are set to take effect from October 2025.
While these changes will make it more expensive to redeem Classic Reward seats across the board, Qantas is also introducing 1 million additional reward seats annually and bringing onboard Hawaiian Airlines as a partner, increasing opportunities to redeem points on international flights.
Here’s everything you need to know to navigate the new points table, rising fees, and more.
Points and carrier charges: what’s changing?
Starting in October 2025, points costs for Classic Reward redemptions will rise across all cabins, with premium award seats in first class to rise by 20%.
Carrier charges for most business and first-class seats will also be increased to align with the higher fees already applied to Classic Plus rewards.
The table below provides selected examples of the upcoming changes to points pricing:
Note that carrier charges are not increasing for economy or premium economy cabins, but business and first-class fees will rise, aligning with current Classic Plus fees. For example, carrier charges for Sydney to London in business class will rise from $473 to $648, an increase of $175, or approximately 37%.
Emirates premium cabin charges, which are already among the highest globally, will remain unchanged.
How many reward seats is Qantas releasing per year?
Qantas has committed to maintaining its commitment to releasing at least 5 million Classic Reward seats per year, with an additional 1 million seats being released annually starting October 2025. The Champagne Mile understands that:
- 200,000 premium economy seats will become available on Finnair, Air France, KLM, and Iberia flights.
- 800,000 reward seats will come from Hawaiian Airlines, joining the program later this year.
Reward seat availability on international routes remains a key challenge for frequent flyers, with many struggling to find premium cabin seats on high demand routes. The specific details on how Qantas plans to distribute the balance of the 5 million Classic Reward seats – across routes, cabin types, and travel periods – remain unknown.
It’s unclear whether the extra partner airline award seats being added to the Qantas inventory are exclusive to Qantas, or whether other partner airlines will be granted access to these also.
Positive changes for frequent flyers
While the cost of redemptions is rising, Qantas has introduced several positive changes designed to strengthen to the program:
- Increased points earning: Members will earn up to 25% more points when flying in premium cabins or on higher fare classes and the earn cap for tiered members travelling in premium cabins will be removed
- Jetstar redemptions: Members can now redeem points for Jetstar business class (including on new 787 Dreamliner routes), opening up new premium travel options.
- Zone 1 Jetstar Economy discounts: Points costs for short-haul Economy redemptions on Jetstar Zone 1 routes will be reduced, postioning these rewards as the cheapest in Australia
How to optimise your Qantas Points before the changes kick in
With six months before the new rates take effect, frequent flyers have time to lock in value at current rates. Here’s how:
- Book ahead: Where possible, look to secure redemptions up to 11 months in advance under the current points table. Frequent flyer members who lock in redemptions in July 2025 technically can access the current points chart and carrier charges on bookings for travel through June 2026
- Explore sweet spots: Focus on routes where Qantas remains competitive, particularly short-haul or Jetstar Zone 1 fares
- Diversify your loyalty portfolio: Consider aligning with a flexible points program that transfers to Qatar Privilege Club, Singapore Airlines or Cathay Asia Miles, where more competitively priced premium longhaul redemptions may be available.
Final thoughts
This marks the first increase in Classic Reward seat costs since 2019 and only the second since 2004. With other airlines raising reward prices recently, Qantas’ move isn’t entirely unexpected.
While the addition of partner airline reward seats, Jetstar points reductions, and new business class redemption opportunities are welcome changes, the increased points costs and premium cabin surcharges underscore the need for careful planning and strategic points use.
Higher Qantas Points earning rates on flights are a welcome initiative, but it’s important to note that the majority of points are earned on the ground through everyday spending, not from flying. For a majority of members, the additional points earned through flights are unlikely to offset the rising cost of redemptions.
It’s positive to see Qantas provide a six month notice period for the pricing increases, as this provides frequent flyers with a chance to secure redemptions at current rates. However, the real test will be whether the promised reward seats deliver improved availability, particularly in international premium cabins.
If you’ve been holding onto your points, now could be the time to act.
More to come
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