If you’re a frequent traveler—or just getting started with Qantas Frequent Flyer—you know that booking award seats can feel like a race. Popular routes and peak travel dates fill up fast. But with the right strategies, you can be first in line and get the most out of your Qantas Points.
How to Book a Flight Using Qantas Frequent Flyer Points
Step 1 of 6: Find out when Qantas opens reward seat bookings
Qantas decides the exact day when reward seats become available. To have the best chance of getting a seat, you should try to book on the day bookings open. Most reward seats are released as soon as bookings open, and they can be taken very quickly.
Step 2 of 6: Check when Qantas Frequent Flyer opens points bookings
Even if an airline has opened flight bookings, you can only use Qantas Points once Qantas Frequent Flyer opens its own points bookings. Some other loyalty programs may open earlier, meaning reward seats could already be booked before Qantas opens. By the time Qantas Frequent Flyer bookings are available, early-release reward seats may already be gone.
Step 3 of 6: Choose airlines that open reward seats at the same time as Qantas
To improve your chances of getting early-release reward seats, choose airlines whose reward bookings open at the same time or later than Qantas Frequent Flyer. Some airlines release seats earlier through other loyalty programs, which means those early seats may already be gone by the time you try to book. Choosing the right airline helps you avoid missing out.
Step 4 of 6: Use this Pointr to check booking opening dates
This Pointr shows you when Qantas Frequent Flyer opens reward bookings and when partner airlines open their reward seats. By choosing airlines that open their bookings after Qantas Frequent Flyer, you can be first in line instead of last. This greatly improves your chances of securing early-release reward seats using points.
Step 5 of 6: Know which airlines give you the best chance to book early
Qantas Frequent Flyer opens reward bookings for partner airlines 353 days before departure. Some partner airlines open their own reward seats earlier or later, which affects your chances of getting early-release seats.
To maximise your chances, focus on airlines that open their bookings at the same time or later than Qantas.
Partner airlines ranked from best to worst chance of booking early-release seats:
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Best chances (open at the same time or later):
Qatar Airways (361 days)
Malaysia Airlines (361 days)
Japan Airlines – international flights (360 days)
Cathay Pacific (360 days)
Air France (359 days)
KLM (359 days)
British Airways (355 days)
Fiji Airways (353 days) -
Lower chances (open earlier than Qantas):
Air New Zealand (350 days)
American Airlines (331 days)
Alaska Airlines (331 days)
Hawaiian Airlines (330 days)
Japan Airlines – domestic flights (330 days)
LATAM Airlines (330 days)
Emirates (328 days)
Jetstar (325 days)
Tip: Airlines that open earlier may already have their best reward seats booked before Qantas opens.
Step 6 of 6: Know when you can book different Qantas flights
Qantas Frequent Flyer opens reward bookings for all members 353 days in advance for:
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Qantas short-haul flights
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Economy class long-haul flights
If you’re a Gold, Platinum, or Platinum One member, you can also book premium economy, business, and first class long-haul flights 353 days in advance.
For other tiers:
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Silver members: 323 days in advance for premium economy, business, and first class long-haul flights
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Bronze members: 297 days in advance for premium economy, business, and first class long-haul flights
Tip: Knowing your membership tier and the booking window helps you plan ahead and be first in line for the seats you want.
By following these steps, you can maximise your chances of booking early-release reward seats using Qantas Frequent Flyer points. Knowing when bookings open, choosing the right airlines, and understanding your membership tier will help you be first in line and secure the flights you want. Start planning ahead and make the most of your points for your next adventure!
