Qantas has announced a major change to its Frequent Flyer program, increasing the number of points required for reward seat redemptions on international flights by up to 20%. This marks the first major change to the program in six years and raises concerns that airline loyalty programs are becoming less valuable for average travelers.
What’s Changing?
- More points required for major international routes, including flights to the U.S., Europe, and Asia.
- Higher upgrade thresholds, making it harder to secure business class or first-class upgrades using frequent flyer points.
- Fewer available reward seats, pushing customers toward higher fare classes.
Why Is Qantas Doing This?
- Increased Travel Demand – Airlines are seeing a post-pandemic surge in demand, reducing the need to offer discounted or reward seats.
- Maximizing Revenue from Premium Travelers – Business and first-class tickets are selling out at full price, reducing the need to offer upgrades or free seats.
- Aligning with Global Trends – Airlines worldwide, including Delta, British Airways, and Emirates, have similarly raised point requirements or reduced benefits for economy travelers.
What Does This Mean for Frequent Flyers?
For loyal Qantas customers, this shift makes it more difficult to maximize points. Many travelers may now look at alternative travel credit cards or multi-airline rewards programs to retain value.
Final Thoughts
The days of easily redeeming points for long-haul flights and luxury upgrades may be coming to an end. Qantas’ move signals a broader industry trend where loyalty benefits are increasingly tied to spending rather than just miles traveled.