Yahoo Finance Qantas pledges 1 million more seats, lower fees for frequent flyers
Qantas will invest a whopping $25 million in what it says is the biggest overhaul in the 32-year history of its frequent flyer program.
The airline pledged one million extra seats to frequent flyers, “particularly on international flights”, on both its aircrafts and those of partner airlines.
Booking fees associated with points-based purchases have been slashed by up to 50 per cent on international flights as well.
"We know the majority of our members want to use their points to take a dream trip overseas, so we are adding more reward seats... to places like London, Los Angeles, Tokyo and Singapore," Qantas chief Alan Joyce said.
International economy flights booked through Qantas would require a slightly lower amount of points under the new regime, but higher class flights will cost more points.
The decrease in economy points required and relevant carrier charges rolled into play overnight, with some key routes to Singapore, Hong Kong and Los Angeles dropping by between 40 and 50 per cent, Australian Business Traveller first reported.
CEO Alan Joyce announces some downsides
It's not all good news - with upgrades and business class seats set to require more points - but chief executive Alan Joyce says the changes will generally improve how Qantas Frequent Flyer's near 13 million members are recognised and rewarded.
"These changes are about making it easier for members," Mr Joyce said on Thursday.
"We know the majority of our members what to use their points to take a dream trip overseas, so we are adding more reward seats including First, Business and Premium Economy to places like London, Los Angeles, Tokyo and Singapore."
The $25 million investment will go on making those seats available and reducing charges, although the airline anticipates that the increase in business it will generate will offset that within the first year.
With AAP.
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