So You Wanna Qantas Your Way to London, Eh? A Frequent Flyer's Guide to Pointy Travels
Ah, London! Land of Big Ben, fish and chips, and enough accents to make your head spin. But before you can hop on a double-decker bus and pretend you're in Mary Poppins, there's the small matter of getting there. Now, if you're a savvy traveller (or just someone who hoards loyalty points like a squirrel with nuts), you might be eyeing up a trip using Qantas Points.
But here's the million-dollar question (well, more like a 55,200 point question): just how many points do you ACTUALLY need?
The truth is, it's not as simple as counting sheep... er, points. There's a bit of a choose-your-own-adventure situation going on.
Economy Class: The Backpacker's Delight
Think dorm rooms and airplane peanuts? Economy flights start at around 55,200 points (plus taxes and fees, because free things in life are a myth). You might not get your own footrest, but hey, at least you'll be amongst the friendly masses and can practice your best "Oi, mate!"Premium Economy Class: Economy Plus
Feeling a bit fancy? For a bump in legroom and maybe even a slightly classier snack selection, you're looking at around 77,000 points. Think of it as economy with a dash of "I'm kind of a big deal."Business Class: Lie Flat and Dream of Buckingham Palace
If you're all about comfort (and maybe a lie-flat bed that transforms you into a horizontal businessperson), then business class is your jam. But be prepared to cough up around 160,000 points. Hey, at least you'll arrive in London feeling refreshed and ready to conquer the world (or at least Piccadilly Circus).
Here's the catch: These are just ballpark figures. The exact number of points you need can change depending on the season, the route you take (flying directly from Sydney is usually more points than going via another city), and whether you're after a one-way or return ticket.
Pro Tip: Qantas has a handy points calculator [Qantas Points calculator] that can give you a more precise idea of how many points you'll need for your specific trip.
But wait, there's more!
Just like that surprise Bogan at the barbie with another snag, there are a few other things to keep in mind:
Classic Flight Rewards vs. Points Plus Pay:
Qantas offers two ways to use your points: Classic Flight Rewards (points only) and Points Plus Pay (points plus some cash). Classic Flight Rewards generally require more points, but Points Plus Pay can be a good option if you're a little short on points.Be Flexible, My Friend:
Flights with the lowest point requirements tend to be on less popular days or times. So, if you're flexible with your travel dates, you can save a bunch of points.
Alright, alright, enough with the suspense! I just want to get to London!
We hear you! Here are some handy FAQs to get you started:
How to find out how many points I need for my specific trip?
Use the Qantas Points Calculator [Qantas Points calculator]!
How to know if there are Classic Flight Reward seats available?
Search for your flight on the Qantas website and select "Use points - Classic Flight Rewards only" to see if there are reward seats available.
How to earn more Qantas Points?
There are heaps of ways! Fly with Qantas or partner airlines, use your Qantas linked credit card, or shop with Qantas partners. Check out the Qantas website for more info https://www.qantas.com/au/en/frequent-flyer/earn-points.html.
How to use Points Plus Pay?
When booking your flight, select the "Points Plus Pay" option and choose how many points you want to use.
How to avoid disappointment when my dream flight isn't available on points?
Keep an eye out for Qantas sales and special offers! You might be able to snag a bargain on a flight to London even if you don't have enough points.
Now, go forth and conquer those points! London awaits (and so do all those delicious pasties).
