Ultimate Guide: Using Qantas and Velocity points for flights
You can buy an overpriced toaster using points at the Qantas Frequent Flyer or Velocity redemption stores if you want to.
However, savvy point collectors generally save up for things that are a little more meaningful – including interstate and overseas adventures.
The ultimate goal for many is to experience Business Class or First Class on a long-haul international flight.
However, redeeming your points for short-haul domestic economy trips can still be valuable.
Here are some tips on best using your Qantas and Velocity balances.
Booking a reward flight with Qantas or Velocity points
When booking a reward flight, you can choose Economy, Premium Economy, Business or First Class.
Reward flights aren't entirely 'free', given the additional taxes and fees that accompany them.
However, in some cases, you can cover these with extra points, bringing your ticket total to $0.
Domestic hops typically have relatively low taxes and fees, but international adventures can charge hundreds of dollars.
That said, paying a few hundred for a flight that typically costs thousands is still a great deal.
How to book a reward flight with Qantas points
To book a flight using Qantas Frequent Flyer points, simply login to your Qantas Frequent Flyer account and navigate to 'Book Flights'.
Click on the 'Rewards' toggle and search for a seat as you normally would.
By also clicking the 'Flexible with dates' toggle, your search will bring up options for other days around your desired travel date.
From there, simply search for a flight as you normally would. Reward flight options that are available to book will appear on the next screen.
The process for booking international rewards seats with Qantas or its partner airlines is the same as booking domestic rewards seats.
You could be jetting off on a Qantas flight in no time using Frequent Flyer points.
Using Qantas points for flights
As of October 2024, here are some examples of one-way seats you could snag using Qantas points:
Melbourne to Gold Coast, Economy: From 12,000 pts + $51 taxes and fees
Melbourne to Gold Coast, Business: From 27,600 pts + $51
Sydney to Cairns, Economy: From 18,000 pts + $56
Sydney to Cairns, Business: From 41,500 pts + $56
Brisbane to Tokyo, Economy: From 25,200 pts + $159
Brisbane to Tokyo, Business: From 68,400 pts + $209
Sydney to Los Angeles, Economy: From 41,900 pts + $232
Perth to London, Economy: From 60,000 pts + $186
Here’s some examples of flights you can redeem with Qantas.
How to book a reward flight with Velocity points
To book a reward flight using your Velocity balance, log in to your Velocity account and navigate to 'Book' and 'Let's fly'.
Click the toggle next to 'Use Velocity Points' to search for rewards flights, and then continue your flight search as normal.
On the next page, you can select your desired rewards seats and continue to book them.
You can later select on a sliding scale how many points you want to use for the flight.
There is the option to pay all the fees and taxes using points as well - making the flight completely free - but this isn't the best bang for your buck.
The process for booking international rewards seats with Virgin Australia or its partner airlines is the same as booking domestic rewards seats.
Simply tick the 'Use Velocity Points' box when booking a flight on the Virgin Australia website to search for reward flights.
Using Velocity points for flights
Sydney to Melbourne, Economy: From 6,200 pts + $42 taxes and fees
Sydney to Melbourne, Business: From 15,500 pts + $42
Brisbane to Perth, Economy: From 14,100 pts + $55
Brisbane to Perth, Business: From 35,500 pts + $55
Adelaide to Singapore, Economy (Singapore Airlines): From 27,000 pts + $168
Adelaide to Singapore, Business (Singapore Airlines): From 57,000 pts + $258
Melbourne to San Fransisco, Economy (United Airlines): From 44,800 pts + $131
Melbourne to San Fransisco, Business (United Airlines): From 95,500 pts + $131
Here’s a few examples of the value you can get from the Velocity program.
Summary
Using your Qantas Frequent Flyer or Velocity points for flights is usually the best way to extract maximum value for them. It is easy to book reward flights online via the Qantas or Virgin Australia websites, and some seats and routes represent excellent value, including international Business Class seats.
Written By: Chris
Updated: October 2024