QANTAS: Points Sale – save 20% when using points – I advise against this offer!

The Qantas Big Points Sale runs from 18 to 21 June – just 4 days, so get in quick if you must. It covers discount on buying through the Qantas Rewards store, booking Qantas Hotels and a couple of other things you can check here.

Now this sounds HUGE, but I’m not so sure it is.

Now, as an educated frequent flyer you will already know that almost every time, it is better value to redeem Qantas points for upgrades, then for premium seats (First & Business), and finally for Economy. Almost never is it good value redeeming points for goods in the store.

Pro-tip – always divide the prospective AU$ price for a redemption by the number of points Qantas are charging to get a value per point. Aim to get 1.9¢ or more. For some classic rewards redemptions you can get close to 3¢ per point. For the value of a Status Credit head over here (although the post is oldish).

Why you shouldn’t touch this offer

Here are the conditions summarised:

• The 20% discount does not apply to Qantas Classic Flight Rewards.

That’s all you need to know.

If you are me or savvy with points, then the only points rewards you would contemplate on Qantas is Classic Rewards. I’m talking about the difference in a one-way fare to London from Sydney being ~150,000 as a classic reward, and over 550,000 if not.

Just to make it clear, 20% discount on 500,000 points doesn’t get you anywhere near 150,000. Co-incidentally, there don’t seem to be any classic award seats available on Qantas on this route – that’s based on sampling dates in 2022.

2PAXfly Takeout

The aviation industry has a difficult road ahead when it comes to sustainability. It’s going to require a relative revolution in technology, with ‘electric planes’ or hydrogen planes, or some form of jet engine that doesn’t require a carbon based fuel. And that is going to require the development of an alternative to jet engines probably.

It’s a big ask. It will take time to develop.

This move to home grown and manufactured SAF is a first step – maybe even a baby step in a very long road of innovation. In the long run, US$200 million won’t even touch the sides.

If you foolishly don’t take my advice, then remember that the points discount will be applied right at the end of the transaction.

I’m waiting. Once this promo is over, I am betting that some Classic Rewards will re-appear. On the other hand – I could be wrong.