Qantas to host frequent flyer “point-bidding frenzy” for exclusive experiences

Qantas to host frequent flyer “point-bidding frenzy” for exclusive experiences

Qantas is auctioning off exclusive experiences for its frequent flyers to bid on using the points they’ve been hoarding since the start of the pandemic.

An airline first, the ‘Points Auction’ will give members of Qantas’ loyalty program the opportunity to use up excess points on once-in-a-lifetime experiences across five days at the start of August.

The prizes going under the hammer include a private charter flight to Hamilton Island or Devonport, a luxury holiday for four people to Queenstown, kids soccer coaching with Socceroos Coach Graham Arnold, a spin in the 787 simulator with one of Qantas’ most experienced captains, and two Qantas A380 business-class Skybeds to keep in the lounge room.

Each prize will be auctioned off over one day, and the member placing the highest bid by 9pm (AEST) will take home the spoils.

Starting bids range from 50,000 to 1.2 million Qantas points, with auctions taking place from 2 to 6 August 2021 between 8am and 9pm AEST.

Qantas Loyalty CEO Olivia Wirth said that over the past 18 months, Qantas frequent flyers have accelerated their points balances from activities on the ground more than ever, and this new initiative was about giving them more exciting opportunities to use some of those Qantas points.

Socceroos head coach Graham Arnold (pictured to the right) is offering up kids coaching for one lucky winner (image source: Paul Kane/Getty Images)

“This is a restless time for many Australians who can’t wait for both international and domestic borders to fully open so they can take off to some of their favourite destinations,” Wirth said.

“Whilst travel remains the number one thing frequent flyers want to use their Qantas points on once borders open up, we know that many are keen to use some points on unique, big-ticket items.

“Points Auction gives members the chance to bid on special experiences and we expect these items to create a points-bidding frenzy.”

The airline said it will look at sourcing more exclusive items to auction off throughout the year, based on the success of its first Points Auction.

The announcement comes as Qantas confirmed it will work with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to roll out a digital health pass when international flights resume.

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