Qantas rolls out 20 million reward seats in major Frequent Flyer expansion, partners with Oman Air + market update

clouds from above at 30000 feet
Edited by Travel Weekly


Continuing one of the biggest ever expansions of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program, members will soon have access to more than 20 million reward seats with the upcoming launch of Classic Plus on domestic flights.

Frequent Flyers can also today fast-track their status or boost their points balance, with the return of the popular Double Status Credits or Qantas Points offer.

Classic Plus will be available on domestic and regional flights from 12 December 2024, making it easier for members to book an Australian beach escape, city break or interstate holiday using points. These seats add to the millions already available across the international network since July.

The points required to book Classic Plus reward seats vary like normal airfares, which means they are lower during off-peak periods or when booking early, and higher during peak periods. During sales and promotions, Classic Plus reward seats may drop below a Classic reward seat on the same route.

Sale Domestic Economy seats will be available at launch, starting from 5,600 points for Sydney to Gold Coast, 6,700 points for Sydney to Byron Bay, 6,900 points for Melbourne to Launceston and 25,900 points for Melbourne to Perth (for select travel dates).

Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson said the expansion of Classic Plus to domestic flights is part of an additional $120 million investment Qantas is making for customers this financial year.

“Adding Classic Plus to domestic flights means frequent flyers will have more options to fly where they want, when they want, using their points which we know is an important part of rewarding them for their loyalty,” said Ms Hudson.

“Since we introduced Classic Plus to international flights, we have seen frequent flyers book more reward seats than ever before and the number of points earned and redeemed reach record numbers.

“This investment is driving greater member engagement with the program and our partners which is key to the growth and success of Qantas Loyalty.”

Qantas partners with Oman Air to offer more reward seats 

Qantas Frequent Flyers will soon enjoy expanded international travel options with the launch of a new partnership with Oman Air, providing access to more reward seats and new destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
The addition builds on the 1,200 destinations already available to members.

“We know how much our members love to use their points to book international reward seats, with record numbers redeemed in the last twelve months,” Qantas Loyalty CEO Andrew Glance said.

“The partnership with Oman Air is an exciting expansion to the program and will unlock tens of thousands of reward seats to places like London, Paris, Frankfurt and Milan each year.”

Oman Air operates 35 aircraft, including ten 787 Dreamliners. The airline’s widebody fleet features three cabins (Business Studio, Business and Economy), with the new Business Studio suite one of the world’s most spacious.

Each Business Studio suite is fitted with privacy walls, 82-inch lie-flat seating, a 23-inch entertainment screen, complimentary Wi-Fi and à la carte dining. Qantas Frequent Flyers can access Business and Economy reward seats from today, with Business Studio seats available in early 2025.

Oman Air CEO Con Korfiatis said the partnership is an exciting development for Oman Air, as the carrier prepares to join the oneworld alliance in the new year.

“We are thrilled to partner with Qantas and showcase Oman’s beauty and rich cultural heritage to Qantas Frequent Flyers.

“Oman is not only a convenient gateway to Europe, the Middle East and beyond, but is a stunning and exciting destination in its own right. Its unique attractions, laid-back charm and unparalleled natural diversity set it apart from anywhere else in the region.

Qantas gives market update 

Qantas Group reports first half trading in line with expectations. Jetstar Domestic is outperforming in revenue due to stronger travel demand, while Qantas Domestic sees improving corporate travel and load factors.

Domestic RASK is expected to rise by 3-5 per cent for H1 FY25, while International RASK will fall by 7-10 per cent. Qantas Loyalty remains on track for 10 per cent EBIT growth despite lower earnings from Classic Plus Flight Rewards. Fuel costs are projected at $2.55 billion, with geopolitical volatility being a key factor.

A $28 million thank you payment was announced for 27,000 employees, and 45 per cent of the $400 million share buy-back is complete.

Meanwhile, Qantas engineers are striking around the country today for fairer pay and work conditions.

Qantas engineer strikes set to impact peak travel times tomorrow as action escalates

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