Qantas: Increases cost of Emirates points redemptions

Qantas has on the down-low, re-classified redemptions of frequent flyer points on Emirates from ‘Classic Rewards‘ to ‘Partner Classic Flight Rewards’. Sneaky huh?

What it means for points redemptions

Hold your hat. Of course it is going to mean you need more Qantas frequent flyer points for your redemptions! And the longer the route, the proportionally more points you will need. Strangely, it works the reverse when it comes to class of travel. You will pay proportionally more for Economy than for First. Go figure.

The difference is . . .

Here are some Business Class examples of preferred Emirates routes:

• Sydney to London – was 144,600, now 159,000. That’s about a 10% increase
• Sydney to Christchurch – was 41,500, now 43,800. That’s about a 5.5% increase

If they bring back A380’s to the route and you want to experience those First Class showers, then:

• Sydney to London – was 216,900, now 227,500. That’s about a 5% increase
• Sydney to Christchurch – was 62,200, now 64,500. That’s less than a 4% increase

Compare that to the rates of increase on Economy fares:

• Sydney to London – was 55,200, now 66,200. That’s nearly a 20% increase
• Sydney to Christchurch – was 18,000, now 20,000. That’s about a 10% increase

This is happening

The new tables come into play as of 1 September. That’s presuming there are Emirates flights to use them on.

What you should do

Book now or before 31 August 2020, and your points redemption will be at the old rate, and not the post 1 September rate.

Hybrid points redemptions get real messy

When Emirates and Qantas redemptions were under the one table, it was possible to make a redemption within the milage limit, even if you had a couple of stops. So for instance for 144,600 QFF you could go Sydney-Dubai-London or Cairns-Brisbane-Dubai-London. Still within the millage limit, so still possible, despite the additional domestic stop.

This will still be possible post 1 September, but only if you travel on Qantas only, and not if you combine Qantas and Emirates flights on your rewards redemption. If you travel on Qantas, then you will be going to London via Singapore, not Dubai.

From 1 September, if you want to go via Dubai, then you will be paying the new redemption rate of 159,000 points to get you between say Brisbane and London (via Dubai), but you will need to add the points required to get from Cairns (27,600 for business) to Brisvagas.

And this is all before you factor in taxes and carrier charges. Speaking of which . . .

Carrier charge reduction by Emirates

This is the only saving grace of these changes. Who hasn’t got that kick in the clacker just when you think you have scored a points redemption bargain!

Emirates is reducing their carrier charges. For example the charge on a one-way business class ticket between Australia and Europe was around AU$600. That will now fall to something closer to AU$350.

2PAXfly Takeout

This is another timely reminder to wear your seatbelt when seated. Holding you close to your seat will protect you from the sort of injuries sustained on this flight, when unsecured passengers flew to the ceiling of the aircraft, and then came crashing down once the ‘drop’ ceased.

The hope will be that this is an anomaly – a ‘freak accident’ in casual parlance. If it is a systemic error either mechanical or electronic, then this is a larger concern for the airlines that fly Boeing Dreamliner 787 aircraft. Let’s hope it isn’t. If it is, it will pile on the woes to Boeing’s existing stack.

Swings and roundabouts. The thing I don’t like about this change is its a bit like kicking someone while they are down. We are all a bit on the floor regarding travel with this damned pandemic, and at the same time, Qantas moves the frequent flyer goal posts.

I figure the tie up between Emirates and Qantas is heading for the door with this downgrade in redemptions. In this pandemic its every airline for themselves!

If I could cram another metaphor in there, I would.