Qantas has unveiled its Classic Plus Flight Rewards, a game-changing addition to its frequent flyer programme. This innovative scheme provides Qantas Frequent Flyer members with unparalleled access and flexibility for using Qantas Points on international and soon, domestic routes.
Classic Plus rewards promise enhanced availability and options for travellers, making it easier to book reward seats directly through Qantas.com or the Qantas app. This strategic enhancement signifies a pivotal shift in how members can maximise their rewards, setting a new benchmark for frequent flyer programmes.
Understanding Classic Plus Rewards
Understanding Classic Plus Rewards is pivotal for Qantas Frequent Flyer members seeking to maximise their points. Introduced in 2024, Classic Plus Flight Rewards revolutionised the Qantas reward scheme by offering over 20 million new reward seats, thus significantly expanding the choice of when and where members can fly using Qantas Points. This initiative covers every Qantas International destination, with plans to extend to domestic flights by the end of 2024.
Key Features of Classic Plus Flight Rewards:
- Widespread Availability: Unlike Classic Flight Rewards, which have limited availability and a fixed points amount, Classic Plus offers a variable points amount with broader availability, making it easier to find flights.
- Flexible Booking Options: Classic Plus rewards can be booked exclusively through Qantas, encompassing all international destinations from 1 July 2024, with domestic routes to follow. This ensures members have the first pick on an expansive range of flights.
- Upgrade Opportunities: Classic Plus rewards not only allow for upgrades from Economy to Business and Business to First but also are prioritised over Classic Flight upgrades. Additionally, Points Club members can earn limited Status Credits on these flights.
Understanding these aspects can significantly enhance a member’s strategy in utilising Qantas Points for flights, offering a blend of flexibility, availability, and value.
How to Book Classic Plus Rewards
Booking a Classic Plus Flight Reward is a straightforward process designed to enhance the Qantas Frequent Flyer experience. Here’s how members can easily secure their next trip using Classic Plus rewards:
- Log into Your Qantas Frequent Flyer Account: Start by accessing your account on the Qantas website or app.
- Search for Your Desired Flights: Enter your travel details in the search bar and select the ‘Rewards’ option to filter for reward flights.
- Identify Classic Plus Availability: Look for flights marked with a blue Rewards ribbon; this signifies flights available for booking with Classic Plus rewards.
- Select and Book Your Flights: Choose your preferred flights marked with the blue ribbon and proceed to booking. Complete your booking by following the on-screen instructions.
This process, marked by the blue Rewards ribbon, ensures members can easily identify and book flights available under the Classic Plus scheme, simplifying the way Qantas Frequent Flyers use their points for travel.
Comparing Classic Plus Rewards with Classic Flight Rewards
When comparing Classic Plus Rewards with Classic Flight Rewards, several key differences emerge, notably in points required, availability, carriers, and fare characteristics. Here’s a concise breakdown:
- Points Required and Availability:
- Classic Flight Rewards: Fixed points amount required for booking, available year-round but with limited availability.
- Classic Plus Flight Rewards: Points needed fluctuate like a commercial fare, offering widespread availability.
- Carriers and Booking Changes:
- Classic Flight Rewards: Available on Qantas, Jetstar, and partner airlines. Changes may require additional points.
- Classic Plus Flight Rewards: Exclusive to Qantas, with changes necessitating additional cash.
- Benefits and Flexibility:
- Classic Flight Rewards: Limited to the fixed points fare class; upgrades and flexibility are constrained.
- Classic Plus Flight Rewards: Offers more flexibility, including upgrades to Premium Economy, Business, and from May 2024, to First Class. Notably, Classic Plus upgrades are prioritized over Classic Flight upgrades.
This comparison illustrates Classic Plus’s enhanced flexibility and availability, albeit generally at a higher points cost, which can vary depending on seasonality and booking timing.
Strategies for Maximising Qantas Points with Classic Plus Rewards
Maximising Qantas Points with Classic Plus Rewards can be a strategic game for frequent flyers. Here are some key strategies:
- Family Transfers and Top-up Points:
- Transfer points between family members to consolidate balances.
- Purchase additional points when short, ensuring instant transfer to your account.
- Optimising Points for Business:
- Businesses can use Qantas Business Rewards to redeem Classic Flight Rewards, maximising points earned through business travel and expenses.
- Leveraging Points Club Membership:
- Points Club members enjoy the perk of earning limited Status Credits on Classic Plus bookings, enhancing the value of each flight.
Additional Tips:
- Use a Qantas Points-earning credit card for all purchases, effectively earning points twice on the same transaction.
- Stay alert for special promotions and bonus points opportunities.
- Redeem points judiciously, prioritising flight upgrades and Classic Reward flights for the best value.
- Explore the Qantas Mall and partner retailers for everyday purchases to maximise points.
- Link your Woolworths rewards card to Qantas, turning everyday shopping into points.
- Participate in competitions offering Qantas points, adding to your balance without additional spending.
By strategically managing points through these methods, Qantas Frequent Flyers can significantly enhance the value of their points, optimising their travel experiences with Classic Plus Rewards.
FAQs
What has changed in the Qantas Frequent Flyer programme?
The Qantas Frequent Flyer programme has introduced significant enhancements, including the addition of over 20 million extra reward seats on both international and domestic flights, covering economy, business, and first class fares. The cost of these seats will now fluctuate based on the demand for each flight. The introduction of the Classic Plus Flight Rewards system means that the number of points required for a flight will increase during peak times and decrease during off-peak times.
How can I earn 150,000 bonus Qantas Points?
To qualify for the 150,000 bonus Qantas Points, you need to apply for and receive a new NAB Qantas Business Signature Card by 30 June 2024. Furthermore, you must spend A$4,000 on eligible business purchases within the first 60 days after your account is opened.
What is the method for acquiring 350,000 Qantas Points?
Achieving the Points Club Plus tier, which requires accumulating 350,000 Qantas Points, involves a significant and ongoing expenditure on credit cards and other Qantas services. A viable strategy to reach this tier could include taking advantage of a credit card sign-up offer that awards 100,000 Qantas Points or more.
How does one attain lifetime Platinum status with Qantas?
To secure lifetime Platinum status with Qantas, you must accumulate 75,000 Status Credits. This elite status offers several benefits, including access to Qantas International First and Domestic Business Lounges, priority on international upgrades, priority baggage handling on Qantas flights regardless of travel class, a 100% Status Bonus on flights with Qantas, Jetstar, and American Airlines, as well as oneworld® Emerald status.
