QANTAS: Changes to frequent flyer scheme from April 2024

Qantas is set to make ‘improvements’ to the frequent flyer scheme. This includes a new ‘flight reward product’ to meet the need for more reward seat availability at popular times of travel. This product will be available to book closer to the departure date.

ET is reporting on a briefing on the sidelines of the half-yearly financial results announcing an AU$1.25 million profit. That’s 13% down on the previous six months.

What might this be

We really don’t know over and above the outline above. Qantas has confirmed there will be no change to the current Classic Flight Rewards. Classic rewards are the best way to redeem points, as they require the lowest number of points. It’s also said that points required for Classic redemptions will not increase but the number of seats available under this scheme will not decrease either.

However, no word on what all Frequent Flyers want, which is more Classic Reward Seats across the board, especially at peak times.

Let’s hope it’s a better idea than providing a subscription model for Qantas Club membership. What is being mooted is a monthly subscription that can be taken up and dropped at the customers’ convenience. Helpful for some travellers, but viewed as lounge-hogging by others.

2PAXfly Takeout

So, what should we expect? I’m not sure, but something that will answer the complaints of points hoarding Frequent Flyers that give access to more Classic Rewards type seats, but closer to the travel date, and preferably at peak times. Sounds like the holy grail to me!

We won’t have to wait more than a few weeks to find out the answer, says outgoing loyalty supremo Olivia Wirth. Maybe this will be her final gift at Qantas?