Earning Qantas Points is one thing. Knowing how to use them in the best possible way is another. Depending on how you redeem them, the value of a single point can range from one to four times its face value. Let us guide you through all the available redemption options, from award flights and upgrades to hotels, products and even donations to charities.
Book a Classic Reward flight:
Unsurprisingly, Classic Reward flights offer the best value for your points. When flying in Business or First Class on a long-haul flight with a Classic ticket, each point can be worth between 2 and 4 Australian cents, well above its value in other redemption categories. Conversely, using points for short domestic Economy flights often yields a more modest value, unless you take advantage of limited-time promotions. → Learn all about Classic Reward flights and how to find available seats.
– Points + Pay: Pay for a ticket by combining points and cash:
Qantas’ Points + Pay option lets you use part of your points balance to reduce the price of a paid ticket. The conversion rate is generally about 1 Australian cent per point, which is lower than the value obtained through a Classic Reward, but it’s a convenient option when you want to use a partial balance without waiting until you have enough for a full flight.
Classic upgrade rewards:
If you have a paid ticket in Economy or Premium Economy on an eligible Qantas flight, you can request an upgrade to the next higher class using points (Classic Upgrade Reward). The points rate is based on a chart similar to that for award flights, but the number of points required is lower than what it would take to purchase a ticket directly in the higher cabin. Requests can be made up to 24 hours before departure, subject to availability. Through the Qantas app, eligible members (Platinum One, Platinum, Gold, Qantas Club, Points Club Plus) can even request a last-minute upgrade from Economy to Business on domestic flights, starting 3 hours before departure until boarding begins.
Qantas Hotels and car rentals:
Points can be used directly to pay for hotel stays on the Qantas Hotels portal, at a rate of approximately 1 point = 1 Australian cent. The same goes for car rentals: the value for money isn’t exceptional; it’s just convenient if you have points to use.
Qantas store and other non-travel redemptions:
The Qantas Store allows you to redeem points for products (electronics, home goods, leisure items, wine), gift cards, or experiences. These options typically offer the lowest value per point—often less than one Australian cent. Save these for situations where you have a remaining balance that you cannot use otherwise.
Donations to charities:
Members can donate their points to the program’s partner charities, such as OzHarvest, the Australian Red Cross, and the Kimberley Land Council. The value per point is modest, but this option may appeal to members who know they will no longer be traveling and wish to have their balance put to good use before it eventually expires.
Transferring points to family members:
As mentioned on our Frequent Flyer Program page, you can transfer points between family members (Family Transfer) starting at 1,500 points, free of charge and with no upper limit. This is an effective way to consolidate scattered balances to reach the reward flight threshold more quickly.
When should you use or save your Qantas Points?
Frequent flyer experts recommend saving points for Business or First Class flights on long-haul routes, that’s where the value per point is highest. Avoid using them for in-store purchases or short hotel stays if you can save them for a major flight. And if your account is at risk of becoming inactive, a small transaction is all it takes to reset the counter: a purchase from a partner, a family transfer, or buying a product in-store. → Check out our complete guide to booking Qantas flights.