Qantas reveals stellar start to new frequent flyer program after launch
Just days following the “biggest ever” change to the airline’s frequent flyer program, Qantas has dropped another major feat.
Just days after announcing the “biggest ever” change to Qantas’ frequent flyer program, the airline has revealed more than one billion points have already been used.
Following “ongoing pain points” for millions of members of the lucrative program, Qantas chief executive Vanessa Hudson and new Loyalty boss Andrew Glance delivered a much-awaited update to both media and select members of the frequent flyer program on Monday.
The announcement revealed the start of Classic Plus Flight Rewards, a program designed to provide a mid-range option between the existing Classic and Points Pay Plus rewards options, with Ms Hudson saying the airline has no plan to abandon its other reward streams.
As a result, frequent flyers will now get access to more than 20 million seats on international flights as part of a $100 million expansion of the loyalty program.
On Wednesday, the airline revealed that in the 24-hours following the announcement — the number of points used was more than triple the average for a day.
It is understood London, Singapore, Tokyo, Queenstown, and Los Angeles were the most popular destinations booked, with almost 50 per cent of total Classic Plus reward seat bookings for travel in premium cabins.
However, flights booked under the new Classic Plus Flight Rewards system could cost up to three times more reward points than the current Classic Rewards system.
Mr Glance said the new type of reward seat will usually require more points than existing Classic seats, but will be available to all destinations on the Qantas international and domestic network, across First, Business, Premium Economy and Economy cabins.
The other benefit, despite requiring the use of more points, is that unlike the existing Classic reward seats, the points to book Classic Plus seats will vary like normal airfares, higher in peak periods and lower in off-peak periods or when booked early.
“We’ve spent a lot of time listening to members about how we can better reward them, so we’re pleased to see such a strong uptake of the new product,” Mr Glance added.
“The combination of Classic and Classic Plus flight rewards will give members more options to fly where they want, when they want and more often, using points.”
Ms Hudson said frequent flyers now have more ways than ever to earn points and Classic Plus will open up more value for frequent flyers who want to spend their growing points balance.
The airline hopes the $100 million investment will help them achieve more than $500 million in earnings (before costs) in FY24.
There are currently about 16 million Qantas frequent flyers – representing about 64 per cent of the national population.
The new loyalty seats will be available on international flights from July, while the program will roll out for domestic flights by the end of the year.
– with Madeleine Achenza
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