Qantas Economy Plus: A Costly Choice for Frequent Flyers?
Qantas is introducing its Economy Plus seating class, which promises additional comfort for domestic travelers. However, experts caution that the cost of using Frequent Flyer points for these upgrades may not be the best value. As the rollout begins this week, passengers considering Economy Plus should weigh their options carefully.
Understanding Qantas Economy Plus
Economy Plus offers up to 40% additional legroom, along with priority boarding and dedicated overhead luggage space. Prices for cash upgrades vary, starting at approximately $30 for a Sydney-Melbourne flight and reaching up to $90 for a Melbourne-Bali trip. Those opting to use Frequent Flyer points for an upgrade will find costs between 5,000 and 15,000 points.
Value of Frequent Flyer Points
Adele Eliseo from The Champagne Mile indicates that redeeming points for Economy Plus yields about 0.6 cents per point. This is significantly lower than the value often obtained through Classic Reward flights, which are commonly available for redemption.
- Economy Plus: 0.6 cents per point value.
- Classic Rewards: Typically higher redeemable values.
For travelers, the most effective use of points is often seen in business class upgrades. Points used for business flights can yield values of 5 cents or more per point, making them a much more financially sound choice compared to Economy Plus.
Customer Reactions and Expectations
Qantas has reported significant interest in the new Economy Plus class. Mark Trim, founder of Complex Travel Group, expressed that while the cost of points is on the high side, the offering will likely attract many customers. Introductory prices for Economy Plus upgrades make it a more budget-friendly option for those seeking extra comfort on certain routes.
Market Dynamics and Points Redemption
Airlines have long struggled with the balance between offering reward flights and managing the amount of points in circulation. With a surge in point redemptions post-COVID lockdowns, Qantas has devalued its Classic Reward points by 5 to 20%.
Classifications within their rewards program, such as Classic Plus, offer flexibility through dynamic pricing, but typically come at a higher points cost.
Expert Opinions on Points Usage
Steve Hui from iFLYflat Flights Club emphasizes that the practical cost of acquiring points can sometimes exceed their value when redeemed for Economy Plus. For instance, if a customer spends $5,000 to earn 5,000 points, they might pay more than the actual benefit received from using those points for an upgrade.
- High-tier customers automatically seated in Economy Plus.
- Classic Plus offers more availability but at a premium points cost.
Experts generally recommend that travelers prioritize using points for upgrade opportunities rather than Economy Plus, which might not deliver the best overall value.
Conclusion
While Qantas Economy Plus aims to provide enhanced comfort at a price, the overall value when using Frequent Flyer points remains questionable. Frequent flyers should evaluate their options to maximize their rewards efficiently. With varying redemption values and limited availability of other reward seats, making informed choices is essential for the best flying experience.
