Qantas Classic Reward & Upgrade Devaluation on 5 August 2025

[MelbFlyer]

I had 200k points and today, was able to get business class to Singapore (& return) in May next year. Qantas going there via Darwin and Malaysia Airlines via KL coming back.

Not the most ideal routing (especially via DRW as it's only a 737 business product), but better than economy in either instance!

Sources say a devaluation is inevitable at SQ this year.

What sources - and is this SQ redemptions via Krisflyer points, or SQ redemptions via VFF points?

If the latter, it would be terrible as SQ redemptions via VFF are already subject to very high taxes.

 

[drcam]

MelbFlyer: the former.

 

[Hadun]

What sources - and is this SQ redemptions via Krisflyer points, or SQ redemptions via VFF points?
If the latter, it would be terrible as SQ redemptions via VFF are already subject to very high taxes.

VFF devaluation already happened earlier this year didn't it? Or were SQ flight redemptions not affected?

 

[fly7689]

ah bugger, ok. Not sure what i should book then. Is malaysia or any other asian countries a good option with a decent amount of J Rewards. Or even i guess i could go to singapore J class and then go normal route from singapre to bkk and vice versa.

try MH from SYD/MEL, as of end 2025 i think they will be using new A330 Neo planes with the upgraded business class seat. From SYD/MEL it is 75k QFF points today and going up to 90k points tomorrow.

 

[RealtimeY]

said it was “reasonable” for me to do so

Has there been any suggestion that there will be a "reasonableness" test for changes to these bookings in future?

 

[Kangol]

Has there been any suggestion that there will be a "reasonableness" test for changes to these bookings in future?

The only relevant part is whether you have the points/cash to pay for the future changes.

 

[fly7689]

The only relevant part is whether you have the points/cash to pay for the future changes.

i hope that is the case, but a part of me thinks inside that Qantas might start enforcing these in the near future if they start getting a mass of people wanting to convert SYD > MEL domestic into international rewards trips! there may be Qantas agents spying this thread now...

in all seriousness i do wonder whether the Qantas system is sophisticated enough to detect. for example when changing a booking made under the old rules via their online website after the new rules kick in, would it apply the points required correctly? i would rather not have to go through the call center

 

[MelbFlyer]

What sources - and is this SQ redemptions via Krisflyer points, or SQ redemptions via VFF points?

If the latter, it would be terrible as SQ redemptions via VFF are already subject to very high taxes.

MelbFlyer: the former.

Okay thanks, makes no difference for my circumstances then as I don't accumulate KF points.

The transfer ratio is too poor to consider (3:1 NAB rewards points to KF points), even despite the better reward seat availability compared to redeeming via VFF.

AMEX unfortunately is the same poor ratio of 3:1.

 

[lonewolf]

try MH from SYD/MEL, as of end 2025 i think they will be using new A330 Neo planes with the upgraded business class seat. From SYD/MEL it is 75k QFF points today and going up to 90k points tomorrow.

Ok sounds interesting, MH is malaysian airlines? and thats going to KL right and then from KL to BKK i can just get a economy flight. So the lounges i can use will only be till i arrive at KL, once there, its done i presume?

Does this also mean i need to check out at KL and pick up bags and check back in again at KL to get on the next flight to sydney as its a totally different booking / flight?

I noticed there was a British Airways flight (code share) to singapore from sydney , is that better or similar or worse than Qantas?

 

[drcam]

Okay thanks, makes no difference for my circumstances then as I don't accumulate KF points.

The transfer ratio is too poor to consider (3:1 NAB rewards points to KF points), even despite the better reward seat availability compared to redeeming via VFF.

AMEX unfortunately is the same poor ratio of 3:1.

Well that's why I expect this to be my last ever Krisflyer redemption. It was nice while it lasted.

 

[fly7689]

Ok sounds interesting, MH is malaysian airlines? and thats going to KL right and then from KL to BKK i can just get a economy flight. So the lounges i can use will only be till i arrive at KL, once there, its done i presume?


I noticed there was a British Airways flight (code share) to singapore from sydney , is that better or similar or worse than Qantas?

yes MH is Malaysia Airlines. i recently checked availability for SYD > KUL using QFF and i can see many flights available for around Feb-May next year. maybe in a single week at least 3-4 days with flights available. Yes your lounge access would only be in australian airport or maybe the arrival lounge at KL not sure if they have one. for KL to BKK you can buy a cheap ticket. just give yourself some spare time in case your incoming flight is late because they are separate connections so the airline won't help you out if there are any delays

for british airways the surcharges via QFF are way higher compered to QFF own flight. the points required are higher too i believe, 75k points versus 68.4 with Qantas. note that british airways are only using their new plane during certain times of the year, i believe from October 25 to march 26, after that it reverts to the less comfortable club world suite for the Sydney leg

The Overpriced Business Class You Should Never Pay For

We tried British Airways 787-9 Business Class and it left us wanting less, not more.

dmarge.com

 

[lovestotravel]

I booked Singapore airlines first class on the way back in July FRA-SIN-MEL. Sources say a devaluation is inevitable at SQ this year.

Saver or Advantage ?

 

[MelbFlyer]

I noticed there was a British Airways flight (code share) to singapore from sydney , is that better or similar or worse than Qantas?

I was considering this one as well as there are plenty of business reward seats available, but the product is / will be worse than QF's.

SYD to SIN on BA uses an inferior 2-3-2 layout in business - it's a very old product. Not recommended.

BA Boeing 787-8 - AeroLOPA | Detailed aircraft seat plans

Had it been the newer Club World product as per on their 777-300ERs, I'd have probably already booked.

 

[Kangol]

i hope that is the case, but a part of me thinks inside that Qantas might start enforcing these in the near future if they start getting a mass of people wanting to convert SYD > MEL domestic into international rewards trips! there may be Qantas agents spying this thread now...

in all seriousness i do wonder whether the Qantas system is sophisticated enough to detect. for example when changing a booking made under the old rules via their online website after the new rules kick in, would it apply the points required correctly? i would rather not have to go through the call center

I think you are worrying a bit too much

What you are suggesting is allowed, and QF know this, plus there's nothing they can do. Go read the terms if you are that concerned.

 

[drcam]

@lovestotravel - Saver.

 

[lonewolf]

Struggling to find convenient return dates. Any difference if i just book 2 separate trips just the flights to the destination and book my return legs as economy / another airline later on?

 

[lovestotravel]

@lovestotravel - Saver.

Wow, well done, not many of those around and only on the 777 sadly, but hopefully changes to an A380 for FRA-SIN for you

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I was considering this one as well as there are plenty of business reward seats available, but the product is / will be worse than QF's.

SYD to SIN on BA uses an inferior 2-3-2 layout in business - it's a very old product. Not recommended.

BA Boeing 787-8 - AeroLOPA | Detailed aircraft seat plans

Had it been the newer Club World product as per on their 777-300ERs, I'd have probably already booked.

But a bulkhead seat is very good! And the seat itself very comfortable for sleeping.

I wouldn’t hesitate to book BA if it was available!

 

[Flyfrequently]

Like many, I have been trying over the past 5 days to get J x2 anywhere in Asia April/May/June/July - all requests unsuccessful.
Guess am just going to have to wear the 20-25% enhancement
Agent did say though he had been able to find a few EU rewards for pax.
Good luck to those still trying.

 

[MELso]

Like many, I have been trying over the past 5 days to get J x2 anywhere in Asia April/May/June/July - all requests unsuccessful.

Have you tried a paid sub to seats.aero to see what's there? And Daydream Explorer on pointsyeah.com may also work.

Pointsyeah tipped me off to the fact there are plenty of 2xJ seats on MH MEL-KUL in May, so give that a go.

Good luck, and smoke 'em if you got 'em...