Qantas makes changes to frequent flyer loyalty program, including more points needed to redeem seats

Qantas is making it more expensive for frequent flyers to redeem seats on some flights under a massive revamp of its loyalty program.

As part of the revamp being rolled out over the next 12 months, Qantas frequent flyers will be able to earn up to 25 per cent more points on domestic flights from July. This is set to deliver almost 4 billion additional points for members each year, the airline said.

But from the start of August, the national carrier will also increase the number of points needed to book a Classic Reward seat or make upgrades across domestic and international flights.

As an example, Classic Reward business class seats on the Sydney-Melbourne route will require 19,300 points, plus $76 — up from 18,400 points and $55.

Sydney to London in economy will increase from 55,200 points to 63,500, plus $263.

Qantas said the hike marked the first to Classic Reward seat pricing in six years and only the second increase since 2004.

“The adjustment will ensure Qantas Frequent Flyer can continue to provide over 20 million reward seats and deliver other initiatives to reward members and improve the program,” the company said.

But Qantas also announced “more rewards for less” on its low-cost sibling Jetstar, with Classic Reward seats on nearly half of Jetstar flights starting from 5700 points, plus taxes, fees and carrier charges.

From next year, frequent flyers will also be able to use their Qantas points to upgrade to business on Jetstar flights.

Additionally, Qantas members will have access to up to one million additional Classic Reward seats on partner airlines Finnair, Air France, KLM and Iberia.

Qantas loyalty boss Andrew Glance said the frequent flyer program had grown significantly over the past four decades.

“Travel remains the number one priority for our members in how they earn and redeem their points, with 13,000 Classic Reward seats booked every day, including 1000 Classic seats in premium cabins to international destinations,” he said.

“In addition, thousands of Classic upgrades are confirmed every week on Qantas flights.

“These changes are designed to further enhance the ways our members can book Classic Reward seats and the destinations and cabins they can access when they fly.”

Mr Glance added its Classic Plus program — which was introduced in the wake of passenger complaints the airline’s regular Classic Reward seats were selling out quickly — had been a “game changer” since it was launched last April.

“Bookings are up threefold on initial expectations and over the December holiday period we saw an 80 per cent increase in members travelling overseas with their points.”

The changes came one day after Qantas launched its 72-hour sales across 100 routes around Australia, with the lowest fares going for $109 from Ballina to Sydney, or 6400 points, plus $45 in taxes.