If you’re a frequent traveller or just starting your Qantas Frequent Flyer journey, you’ll know that securing award seats can sometimes feel like a race. Popular routes and peak travel dates can disappear in a flash. But with the right strategies, you can be first in line and make the most of your Qantas Points.
How to Book a Flight Using Qantas Frequent Flyer Points
Step 1 of 6: Check when Qantas releases award seats
Qantas decides the day when award seats become available. To improve your chances, try to book as soon as bookings open. Many award seats are released right away and can be booked quickly.
Step 2 of 6: Check when Qantas Frequent Flyer opens award bookings
Even if an airline has opened flight bookings, you can only use Qantas Points after Qantas Frequent Flyer opens its award bookings. Some other loyalty programs may open earlier, which means award seats may already be taken. By the time Qantas Frequent Flyer bookings open, early-release award seats could be gone.
Step 3 of 6: Choose airlines that open award seats at the same time as Qantas
To increase your chances of booking early-release award seats, choose airlines whose award bookings open at the same time or later than Qantas Frequent Flyer. Some airlines release seats earlier through other loyalty programs, so those early seats may already be taken. Choosing the right airline helps you avoid missing out.
Step 4 of 6: Use this Pointr to check booking release dates
This Pointr tells you when Qantas Frequent Flyer opens award bookings and when partner airlines release award seats. By choosing airlines that open their bookings after Qantas Frequent Flyer, you’ll be first in line instead of last. This greatly increases your chances of securing early-release award seats using points.
Step 5 of 6: Know which airlines offer the best early booking chances
Qantas Frequent Flyer opens award bookings for partner airlines 353 days before departure. Some partner airlines release award seats earlier or later, which impacts your chances of securing early-release seats.
To improve your chances, choose airlines that open bookings at the same time or later than Qantas.
Partner airlines ranked from best to worst chance of booking early-release award 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 release seats earlier may already be sold out by the time Qantas opens bookings.
Step 6 of 6: Know when you can book different Qantas flights
Qantas Frequent Flyer opens award 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 booking window helps you plan ahead and get the best seats first.
By following these steps, you can increase your chances of booking early-release award seats using Qantas Frequent Flyer points. Knowing when bookings open, selecting the right airlines, and understanding your membership tier will help you be first in line and secure the flights you want. Plan ahead and get the most out of your points for your next trip!
