Qantas promo codes & sales, tested

Qantas runs the Qantas Frequent Flyer programme and is a member of the oneworld alliance. Members collect points by flying with Qantas, other oneworld carriers and partner airlines, and the amount earned on an eligible flight depends on the fare, the distance and the member's status tier. Points can also be earned with partner businesses and through some ground-based activity. Miles can be added to an account by transferring them from American Express Membership Rewards, and family members who are eligible can transfer points to one another.

For our purposes we value one Qantas mile at about 1.25 US cents. This figure is drawn from published valuations and is refreshed twice a year. To judge whether a redemption is worth it, compare the number of miles required with the cash price of the same seat, and remember to add the taxes and carrier charges that usually still apply to award tickets.

Qantas Frequent Flyer has five status levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum and Platinum One. Status is earned through Status Credits gained on eligible flights and partner travel, and the higher tiers require more credits within a membership year. Qantas and Jetstar flights count toward the credits, with a minimum of four eligible segments mentioned as a requirement. The main benefits of higher status include priority check-in and boarding, lounge access, and extra baggage allowance and booking privileges.

Points can be spent on Classic Flight Rewards, Classic Upgrade Rewards and Points Plus Pay flights, which combine points with a cash payment. Partner airline awards and partner services are also available. Before redeeming, check the taxes and carrier charges that will still apply, since these are usually payable even on award travel. Also note that points expire after 18 months without account activity, and that family transfers may carry an assistance fee.

Across the offers we have tracked for Qantas over the last twelve months, the large majority have been other promotions, with a smaller number of fare sales. Whether an offer is useful depends heavily on the travel dates you have in mind and the country you are departing from, because availability and terms can differ by market.

A fare sale offers a percentage off, or a fixed low price, on selected routes and travel dates, usually for a short booking window. Before you pay, check the travel dates, the departure country (sales often apply only to flights leaving from certain markets), the cabin class and fare rules such as baggage, changes, and refunds, and whether the advertised price includes taxes and fees. To judge whether it is genuinely good, compare the final total against recent fares for the same route and dates rather than against the original price shown.