Qantas Frequent Flyer launches a new dynamic pricing redemption option, but is it a good deal?

08.04.2024 - 20:13 / thepointsguy.com

Qantas Frequent Flyer has announced a new option to redeem Qantas points for seats across its network. Named "Classic Plus Rewards," this dynamically priced redemption tier expands the Frequent Flyer program as it now offers customers access to 20 million reward seats annually. This option is in addition to Qantas' already existing "Classic Flight Rewards," which only offers 5 million award seats annually.

Though Classic Flight Rewards will most likely get you a better redemption offer for your points, the limited availability has made it a frustrating point within the loyalty program for members. So, will Classic Plus Rewards be any better?

Here is everything you need to know about the Qantas program loyalty changes, including if it is a good way to use your points.

The new Classic Plus Rewards redemption option allows members to redeem their points for a much larger number of seats than the limited Classic Flight Rewards option, which offers a fixed redemption rate of:

Classic Plus Rewards are dynamically priced, meaning they fluctuate depending on the demand for cash fares on the same flights. Dynamic pricing is now commonplace among U.S. loyalty programs.

These new redemptions are now available for Qantas-operated international services for travel from July 1, with domestic redemptions within Australia coming later in 2024.

For example, when searching for flights from Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) in September, Qantas shows a Classic Flight Reward available for a nonstop flight for 94,900 Qantas points one-way in premium economy. As there is no Classic Flight Reward availability in economy or business class, Qantas Frequent Flyer members can now opt to redeem more points to book Classic Plus Rewards in these classes.

Classic Plus Reward redemptions will not be available on flights operated by partner airlines, including American Airlines, Emirates and British Airways.

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Qantas Frequent Flyer members can also choose between the existing Classic Flight Rewards and Points Plus Pay to redeem their Qantas points for flights on Qantas and its partner airlines.

Classic Flight Rewards follow award chart pricing and offer attractively low redemption rates, with one-way flights from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Sydney Airport (SYD) priced at 41,900 points in economy and 162,800 points in first class.

Availability of Classic Flight Rewards is strictly limited, with seats difficult to find. Social media is flooded with Qantas members complaining they can never find Classic Flight Reward seats on the flights they want to take.

On the other end of the scale, the Points Plus Pay option