Frequent Flyers can now use Qantas Points for ready-made TripADeal holiday packages

Qantas has made a significant purchase and it means big changes are coming for travel lovers.

Jetsetters will soon be able to use their Qantas Frequent Flyer points for ready-made African safaris, Japanese ski trips and Antarctic exploration as the national carrier taps into the booming packaged holiday sector.

Qantas on Tuesday announced it had taken a majority shareholding in the Australian-made travel business TripADeal and would be allowing Frequent Flyers to use their points to access a rage of new holiday packages.

Customers will earn three points for every $1 they spend with TripADeal and can also use ‘points plus pay’ to make bookings.

“This is a great opportunity at the perfect time. Coming out of the pandemic, people want a holiday experience that is special but also tried and tested, and there is a huge shift to booking online,” Qantas boss Alan Joyce said on Tuesday.

Qantas says its majority stake in TripADeal will supercharge its loyalty program. Pictre: Supplied

“That’s exactly what TripADeal does. It’s an Aussie success story built on delivering ready-made holidays at very sharp prices, and their level of repeat customers shows how well they do it.”

The airline and travel industry has suffered badly over the past couple of years after border closures kept planes grounded and melted revenue.

But the sector is firmly on the path to recovery following the reopening of borders, higher vaccination rates, and the removal of other Covid-19 restrictions.

Qantas said its majority stake in TripADeal would both supercharge its loyalty program and help it tap into $13 billion online packaged holiday booking market.

All of the ready-made holidays on TripADeal can now be booked using Qantas Points, regardless of which airline is part of the package. Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

The airline’s loyalty business currently has 14 million members, with the redemption of points on travel doubling from pre-Covid levels following Qantas Holidays, Qantas Hotels and Jetstar Holidays reducing the number of points required for bookings by at least 30 per cent.

All of the ready-made holidays on TripADeal can now be booked using Qantas Points, regardless of which airline is part of the package.

Holiday packages available for booking include:

• A 10 day tour of Japan including Qantas flights, accommodation in Tokyo, Osaka and Gifu plus a tour of Mt Fuji. Packages from 140,000 points + $1399 per person, twin share.
• A 9 day package to explore India‘s famed Golden Triangle – Agra, Delhi and Jaipur, including Qantas flights, visits to the Taj Mahal and Chandni Chowk Market. Packages from 125,000 points + $1249 per person, twin share.
• A 17 day tour of Alaska, Yellowstone & The Rockies including Qantas flights, 7 night Glacieer Experience cruise and visits to Yellowstone National Park, Vancouver and the Great Falls in Montana. Packages from 250,000 points + $2499 per person, twin share.