Major change to Qantas Frequent Flyer, points devalued

Jetsetters and frequent flyers will need more points to take Qantas long haul flights in the premium seats under new changes to the popular program.

Qantas has tightened the belt on frequent flyers, cutting back on the value of points.

An analysis of Qantas’ rejigged frequent flyer scheme, by The Australian, shows the value of points for major international routes is effectively being cut by 20 per cent.

An additional 20 per cent worth of points will be needed for a business class reward spot or a first class seat from Perth to Sydney.

Jetsetters will need an extra 20 per cent for a premium cabin from Brisbane or Sydney to LA, Sydney to Singapore, and Brisbane to Bali.

Details of Qantas’ revamped Frequent Flyer points scheme have been revealed. Picture: NewsWire / Brenton Edwards

Domestic flights and trips to New Zealand need between an extra 5 per cent and 15 per cent worth of points, when the changes kick in from August 5.

The devaluing of frequent flyer points matches a cut to Virgin Australia’s Velocity, and is Qantas’ first point hike in six years.

In a statement, a Qantas spokesperson said the “adjustment was needed to ensure the frequent flyer program could continue to provide over 20 million reward seats and deliver other initiatives to reward members and improve the program”.

Qantas Loyalty has 17 million members, but the business unit bled 6 per cent of its earnings in the first half of this financial year.

The points changes come into effect August 5. Picture: NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

As the 20 per cent points devaluation was revealed, Qantas announced a “double status credits” and Qantas Points campaign.

For seven days until March 19, frequent flyers can earn double points.

The double points flights can be booked for between March 19 and February 24, 2026. The status component of the scheme lets people climb up the membership tiers.

“Hundreds of thousands of members benefited from this offer last year, helping members to attain or retain their frequent flyer status or boost their points balance,” Qantas Loyalty chief executive Andrew Glance said.

“This year we’re also introducing double points on Qantas Hotel and Holidays bookings, making that next dream trip even more rewarding.”

“Across the program more broadly, we’re seeing record numbers of members using points for flights, especially to destinations like Tokyo, Singapore, Queenstown, and Bali.”

Originally published as Major change to Qantas Frequent Flyer, points devalued