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In two weeks, significant changes to the Qantas Frequent Flyer program kick in – and the news isn’t good for those wanting to redeem for travel at the pointy end.

From 18 September 2019, Qantas Frequent Flyer will reduce carrier charges on international flights. However, the points needed to book Classic Flight Reward seats in premium economy, business and first class will rise by up to 15%.

Adele Eliseo, Publisher of leading frequent flyer website The Champagne Mile, is urging Qantas Frequent Flyer members to lock in premium Classic Flight Reward bookings now. She said “Australians should redeem their hard-earned Qantas points for travel in premium economy, business or first class before 18 September, to avoid paying up to 15% more.

The price of flight upgrades is also rising by up to 9%, so travellers looking to upgrade a future Qantas flight should lock in requests before the increased pricing kicks in. If you’re flying after 18 September 2019, you’ll still be able to access the lower rate, provided you request your upgrade beforehand.”

Adele’s top picks of premium Classic Flight Reward redemptions to lock in before the devaluation are:

  • Return premium economy flight between Melbourne and San Francisco, flying the Qantas Dreamliner. Currently costs: 144,000 Qantas Points (plus fees) Cost from 18 Sep 19: 162,600 Qantas Points (plus fees) – an increase of 12.9%
  • Return first class flight on Emirates A380 between Sydney and Christchurch. Currently costs: 108,000 Qantas Points (plus fees). Cost from 18 Sep 19: 62,200 Qantas Points (plus fees) – an increase of 15.1%
  • Business Class OneWorld Classic Award: This ‘around the world’ redemption enjoys near mythical status amongst savvy frequent flyers, allowing up to 35,000 miles travel on OneWorld airlines at a fixed points cost. Currently costs: 280,000 Qantas Points (plus fees) Cost from 18 Sep 19: 318,000 Qantas Points (plus fees) – an increase of 13.5%

Adele also said that “with Qantas releasing reward seats just shy of one year out, now is the perfect time to snap up a premium Qantas or partner Classic Flight Reward into the USA and Europe for the peak 2020 northern hemisphere summer travel period”.