Qantas Announces Big Changes to Its Frequent Flyer Program Later This Year

Qantas has unveiled significant updates to its Frequent Flyer loyalty program, with changes ranging from increased award pricing to expanded partner booking options. While the changes include some notable improvements, the headline is the increase in the cost of most award flights. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what’s changing, what’s staying the same, and how this impacts travelers, including those in the U.S.

Key Changes to Qantas Frequent Flyer

The Qantas Frequent Flyer program will change a lot later in 2025, though it’s worth pointing out immediately that not everything is changing. Here’s a look at what Qantas will change over the next 12 months.

Increased Award Pricing

The most significant change is a rise in the cost of most award flights by up to 20%. For example, the lowest-tier awards will increase from 8,000 to 9,200 Qantas Points — a 15% jump. While devaluations are never welcome, it’s worth acknowledging that Qantas is sticking with an award chart rather than adopting dynamic pricing. That means travelers can still anticipate consistent pricing, unlike airlines that tie redemption rates to cash fares.

Higher Carrier Charges

Qantas is also increasing carrier-imposed surcharges on business- and first-class awards. These out-of-pocket costs are often a pain point for travelers, and the details of these increases will be disclosed by May 5, 2025.

Reduced Short-Haul Economy Pricing

Not all changes are bad news. Short-haul economy flights on Jetstar within Australia and New Zealand will see a reduction in cost, dropping from 6,400 to 5,700 points. However, this benefit is limited to those regions, meaning U.S.-based travelers won’t see similar savings on American Airlines or Alaska Airlines short-haul flights.

Expanded Partner Award Options

Qantas will add more partner award seats, including the ability to book Hawaiian Airlines flights starting in October 2025. Travelers will also be able to book premium economy seats on airlines like Air France, KLM, Iberia, and Finnair, offering more flexibility for mid-tier comfort.

Jetstar Upgrades

Members can soon redeem Qantas Points to upgrade to business class on Jetstar flights. This is a small but practical enhancement for those flying with the budget airline.

Increased Point Earnings

Travelers flying domestically within Australia will earn up to 25% more points on Qantas-operated flights. This change rewards loyalty for frequent domestic flyers but is less relevant for international travelers — or those not crediting their flights to Qantas’ own program.

Emirates Award Adjustments

Pricing for Emirates economy awards will decrease, but business- and first-class awards will cost more. This creates a mixed outcome for those leveraging Qantas Points for one of its most popular partners.

What’s Not Changing?

While many aspects of the Frequent Flyer program are evolving, Qantas is retaining some core features, which is good news for travelers:

• Award Chart Structure: Unlike many airlines that have moved to unpredictable, dynamic pricing models, Qantas is sticking with a fixed award chart. This means travelers can still plan redemptions with confidence, knowing the general cost of their award flights.
• Status Requirements: Nothing about earning elite status or your current tier benefits is changing.
• Advance Notice: True to its reputation for transparency, Qantas is giving travelers more than 6 months to prepare for these changes. New pricing won’t take effect until August 5, 2025. This allows ample time to book award travel at current rates.
• Long-Haul Options: The carrier’s robust selection of international and partner routes remains a highlight, ensuring members can continue to use points for aspirational travel experiences.
• Earning Rates on Partners: These will remain the same.

How Does This Affect U.S. Travelers?

For U.S.-based members, you may wonder how (or whether) changes in an Australian airline’s award program could affect you. In short: They might.

The addition of Hawaiian Airlines as a redemption partner stands out as a clear benefit. Starting in October 2025, you’ll be able to use Qantas Points to book flights between the mainland U.S. and Hawaii, as well as onward destinations in Asia and the South Pacific.

However, these flights will fall under the Partner Classic Reward chart, where pricing will rise by up to 20%. For example, a Sydney-to-Honolulu award ticket in business class currently costs 90,000 Qantas Points. After the devaluation, you’ll likely need around 108,000 points. Connecting flights to the U.S. mainland, such as Sydney-Honolulu-Las Vegas, could jump from 119,200 points to approximately 143,040 points. Time will tell what exact pricing looks like when these awards go live.

On the flip side, U.S. travelers won’t benefit from the reduced short-haul economy pricing, as this is limited to routes within Australia and New Zealand. In fact, those who’ve been using Qantas Frequent Flyer’s fantastic rates for award travel on connecting flights in the U.S. with its Oneworld partners will probably find these tickets more expensive going forward.

For those leveraging points to fly Emirates, the increased cost of premium cabin awards is another downside. Still, the opportunity to lock in current pricing before August 2025 is a valuable window for savvy planners.

Final Thoughts

While the Qantas Frequent Flyer program is undergoing a significant overhaul, the news isn’t all bad. Increased award pricing and higher carrier surcharges are undeniably disappointing, but the airline has softened the blow by maintaining an award chart and giving members more than 6 months to plan ahead.

The addition of Hawaiian Airlines as a partner and the ability to book more premium economy seats offer welcome flexibility, especially for U.S.-based travelers. However, the limited scope of reduced short-haul pricing and the rising costs for premium redemptions on Emirates highlight the trade-offs inherent in this update.

If you’re sitting on a stash of Qantas Points, the advance notice offers a critical opportunity to lock in flights at current rates for travel into 2026. Don’t wait too long to book. These changes are coming, and planning ahead could save you thousands of points.