Qantas Reduces Points and Surcharges for Economy Awards
Qantas, the highest-ranked airline in the world in terms of safety, added another feather to its cap this week by announcing a reduction in the number of points required for economy-class award flights. Qantas also reduced the hefty carrier-imposed surcharges it places on award tickets booked through the Qantas Frequent Flyer program.
While the number of points was only lowered by about 10%, the carrier-imposed surcharges are dropping between 20-30% thanks to lower worldwide fuel costs. Qantas deserves a tip of the hat, and it would be great if more airlines (such as British Airways) lower carrier-imposed surcharges, especially now that fuel costs are significantly lower.
Qantas is reducing the number of Qantas Points required for economy Classic Flight Rewards that fall within zones 4-10 of the Qantas Classic Flight Reward table. This includes selected international destinations across Asia, Europe, North America, South America and Africa. The number of points required on selected economy Classic Flight Rewards with partner airlines Fiji Airways, American and Emirates has also been reduced.
Round-trip flights from Melbourne to Los Angeles on Qantas or bookings on partner carrier American from Los Angeles to Sydney drop 6,000 points for a total of 90,000 points. Carrier-imposed surcharges decreased $190 to $419.32. By comparison, American's AAdvantage charges 75,000 miles and $104.76 for a round-trip economy award ticket from Los Angeles to Sydney.
Qantas became the 11th transfer partner of Citi ThankYou rewards earlier this year, and while this announcement helps lessen the sting of an underwhelming award chart, Qantas still isn't necessarily the most valuable partner. That said, if your travel plans will take you to Australia and you're sitting on a ton of Qantas or Citi ThankYou points, this is great news.
Will you book an award flight to Australia now that Qantas has reduced redemption rates and surcharges?
[card card-name='Citi ThankYou® Premier Card' card-id='221410120' type='javascript' bullet-id='1']
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta
- Annual companion ticket for travel on Delta (upon renewal)
- Ability to earn MQDs through spending
- Various statement credits for eligible purchases
Cons
- Steep annual fee of $650
- Other Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
- Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. and select international locations (as set forth on the Centurion Lounge Website), Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. (see the Centurion Lounge Website for more information on Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge availability), and Escape Lounges when flying on a Delta flight booked with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. § To access Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 90 minutes of their departing flight (including layovers). To access The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight. Effective July 8, 2026, during a layover, Card Members must arrive within 5 hours of the connecting flight.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees