Maximizing value of Qantas and Velocity frequent flyer points for economy flights
Consensus Summary
Both articles explain how Qantas and Velocity frequent flyer points offer significant savings on economy flights, especially for short, expensive routes. They highlight that points costs are based on flight distance, not cash price, making short flights like Sydney-Lord Howe Island or Sydney-Melbourne highly valuable. Velocity caps domestic economy flights at 12,900, 18,900, or 26,900 points depending on route length, while Qantas allows cancellations for 6000 points. Jetstar flights now require only 5700 Qantas points from August 2025, and future changes in February 2027 will grant free checked baggage and priority boarding for points users. International examples include London-Paris for 11,500 Qantas points and Hong Kong flights for 22,000-23,000 points. Both sources emphasize avoiding variable-priced 'Classic Plus' or 'Any Seat' options and prioritizing fixed-cost reward seats for maximum value.
✓ Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Sydney-Lord Howe Island flights cost 9200 Qantas points (plus $94 or $91 in taxes and fees) instead of $783 cash, saving $689
- Brisbane to Canberra flights cost 9200 Qantas points (plus $91 in fees) instead of $275 cash, saving $184
- Velocity caps domestic economy flights at 12,900 points (short), 18,900 points (mid-length), and 26,900 points (east-west)
- Minimum Velocity points for domestic economy flights: 5900 (short), 8900 (mid-length), 13,500 (transcontinental)
- Qantas allows cancellation of points bookings 24 hours before departure for 6000 points (refunding points + taxes)
- Velocity allows cancellation of domestic points bookings 24 hours before departure for 4500 points or $35, international for 7500 points or $60
- Jetstar flights from Sydney-Melbourne cost 5700 Qantas points plus $36.29 one-way from August 2025
- London to Paris costs 11,500 Qantas points on Air France or British Airways
- Hong Kong flights cost 22,000 Velocity points or 23,000 Qantas points one-way on partner airlines
- US domestic flights (e.g., Los Angeles to San Francisco) cost 8500 Velocity points or 9200 Qantas points, with $US5.60 ($7.94) tax
- Jetstar points bookings include free checked baggage and priority boarding from February 2027
Source Articles
What most people don’t understand about frequent flyer bookings
Unlike when you pay cash, the cost of a flight in points isn’t determined by how popular the flight is or how far in advance you book.
What most people don’t understand about frequent flyer bookings
Unlike when you pay cash, the cost of a flight in points isn’t determined by how popular the flight is or how far in advance you book.