Qantas makes flying more flexible, boosts premium service

Qantas is providing even more flexibility to customers wishing to change their travel plans, now allowing unlimited flight date changes until at least January 2022.

The updated ‘Fly Flexible’ policy applies to all new domestic flight bookings for Qantas and QantasLink, as well as and trans-Tasman services booked from today until at least the end of April.

The flight date can be changed to any available for sale at the time (up to 355 days in advance). Qantas will waive the change fee, but a fare difference may apply.

Previously, customers could only make one flight change for travel until the end of June.

Qantas Group’s chief customer officer, Stephanie Tully, said with international borders closed, the best way to drive tourism is by making it even easier for Aussies to explore their own backyard.

“Customers have told us that sudden changes to border restrictions by state governments are giving them second thoughts about going on holidays or taking a business trip,” she said.

“To help manage the uncertainty, we’ve introduced the highest level of flexibility in the market so people can plan their next trip with confidence.

“As the national carrier, we have an important role to play in helping the industry recover from COVID-19, and we know that given the right opportunity, people are keen to travel.

“By giving customers unlimited flight date changes for almost a year, we think it will encourage more people to book, helping to boost tourism which is so vital to local economies and businesses around the country.”

Qantas’ change in booking flexibility coincides with a nationwide domestic sale of more than one million seats to 55 destinations starting from $99.

The flying kangaroo has also announced some improvements to its premium full-service offering on board.

Complimentary beer and wine for economy passengers will continue to be available daily across domestic and regional flights, having previously only been available for purchase on certain flights.

Included in the beer options will be an exclusive limited-edition Qantas Centenary lager brewed by Lion Nathan.

New hot meal options have also been added in economy, ranging from gourmet beef pies and roast vegetable quiches, to beef and mushroom ragout and roasted chicken with tomato, garlic and lemon sauce.

Qantas is the only domestic airline offering a full meal service, including at breakfast and dinner, on key capital city routes between Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. It plans to roll this out on shorter flights next month.

Tully said Qantas was focused on continuing to deliver a premium service for customers.

“People know exactly what to expect when they book with Qantas, whether its complimentary food and drinks, baggage, fast WiFi or access to dozens of lounges around Australia,” she said.

“While COVID-19 has forced a reduction in some inflight services, we’re pleased to bring back some of our most popular options as customers take to the skies with Qantas again.”

Featured image source: iStock/TkKurikawa