Jetstar has launched Points Plus Pay for Business Class upgrades, adding a new upgrade option for eligible Qantas Frequent Flyer members.
Through Points Plus Pay, eligible Frequent Flyers can bid for a Business Class seat on Jetstar‑operated Boeing 787 international flights using a combination of Qantas Points and cash, creating additional flexibility and great value when upgrading.
Points Plus Pay with Jetstar builds on the airline’s recently introduced cash upgrade bidding platform, extending the range of payment options available for Business Class upgrade bids.
Jetstar’s executive manager, Customer and Digital Prue McKenzie said Points Plus Pay gives customers more flexibility when bidding for Business.
“Points Plus Pay with Jetstar gives customers another simple way to use the rewards they’ve earned to upgrade to Business and take off more,” she said. “The ability to combine Qantas Points and cash gives customers more options, offers great value and makes premium travel more accessible, while an upcoming Classic Upgrade Rewards-style product will provide even more choice for Frequent Flyers.”
What the expert says
Which offers better value?
Jetstar Business unlocks access to benefits which attract additional charges, Eliseo said.
“Checked baggage, meals and drinks are included, which can offset some of the upgrade cost. The Jetstar Business products sits somewhere between Qantas domestic business class and international premium economy,” she said.
“For travellers on leisure focussed routes, the wider seat pitch, increased recline and included extras can compare favourably against premium economy alternatives.
Passengers in Jetstar Business also receive benefits such as checked baggage, meals and drinks, which many economy passengers would otherwise need to pay extra for. Those inclusions can offset some of the upgrade cost and reduce the effective premium being paid for the seat itself.
Frequent-flyer enthusiasts generally regard Points Plus Pay as a lower-value way to use Qantas Points because the points act like a cash discount. Many members prefer saving points for Classic Reward flights, which can deliver substantially more value per point. Community discussions consistently point to Classic Rewards as the better redemption option when available.
The basics
Points Plus Pay = use points as money.
BidCash = gamble a little extra cash for a better seat.
Classic Reward flights = usually the best value use of Qantas Points.
The launch comes as Jetstar continues the rollout of its refreshed Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet with the second revamped aircraft entering service later this month. The refurbished aircraft feature brand new Business Class cabins, offering more seats, more comfort and, for the first time on Jetstar, in‑flight wi‑fi.
Jetstar launches BidCash upgrades from $180 as Dreamliner refit nears completion
How it works
Points Plus Pay allows eligible Qantas Frequent Flyer members to use a mix of Qantas Points and cash when bidding for a Business Class upgrade with Jetstar. For example, at launch, on Jetstar’s Melbourne–Ho Chi Minh City route, customers can bid for a Business Class upgrade from $180 per person, with Points Plus Pay allowing up to 80 per cent of the bid to be covered using Qantas Points.
Access the upgrade option: Eligible customers will receive an email invitation to bid, or can visit the upgrade bidding page at jetstar.com.
Select Points Plus Pay and sign in: customers choose ‘Use Points’ as their payment option and log in to their Qantas Frequent Flyer account to view their available points balance.
Build a bid: customers decide how to split their offer between Qantas Points and cash, with the flexibility to use up to 80 per cent Qantas Points as part of the total bid
Wait for the outcome: customers are notified by email before departure if their bid has been successful, with a new itinerary issued for confirmed upgrades
Points Plus Pay is available on Jetstar‑operated Boeing 787 international flights and sits alongside cash‑only upgrade bidding options.
Jetstar is continuing to expand Business upgrade options for Qantas Frequent Flyer members, with a Classic Upgrade Reward‑style product also coming soon, which it says gives customers even more ways to enjoy a premium Jetstar experience.
