Big Devaluation for Qantas Rewards on Emirates First Class from February 18.

[Willpanzer]

This was always going to happen after Emirates started limiting First Class reward bookings for their own base-tier members.


Honestly, I’m just grateful I’ve already had the chance to experience Emirates First on both the A380 and the 777 Game Changer — those were genuinely bucket-list flights.


Big reminder that points aren’t something to hoard forever. They’re basically a depreciating asset, and airlines will always find ways to quietly devalue them over time.


Best strategy is simple: when a great redemption opportunity comes up, take it.

 

[J-P]

Having frequent flyer award flights restricted to people who frequently fly with the airline or partner seems incredibly uncontroversial and sensible.

The points increases are a bit disappointing but also pretty in-line with other program devaluations..

 

[mviy]

Glad I have LifeTime Silver on QF. So until the QF/EK partnership gets devalued again/terminated I will retain access to Emirates First reward seats even if I drop down to my lifetime tier.

The points increase is disappointing, but if availability improves that will make a big difference for me. I have plenty of points to fly return to LHR, but I need availability to be able to book it.

 

[mviy]

Given there will be limited Project Sunrise F seats, I would not be surprised if QF copied this move by Emirates and restricted which tiers can get F reward seats on that, but still leave it open for all members to upgrade to it subject to availability.

Those with no status are likely not doing much flying in revenue J/F seats. Every time I fly long haul Y I am reminded that lie flat J seats are luxury in comparison.

 

[fletty]

Given there will be limited Project Sunrise F seats, I would not be surprised if QF copied this move by Emirates and restricted which tiers can get F reward seats on that, but still leave it open for all members to upgrade to it subject to availability.

Those with no status are likely not doing much flying in revenue J/F seats. Every time I fly long haul Y I am reminded that lie flat J seats are luxury in comparison.

They'll probably manage them like other premium routes where it's impossible to get F without having WP to call up anyway.

 

[justinbrett]

ACCC should cancel the QF/EK JV as a result of this change.

A bit strong?

They're just moving the redemption rate to the general table instead of the inner circle table (QF/JQ/FJ/AA).

I could take or leave the EK JV. Plenty of ways to get to Europe on oneworld (generally speaking if I'm going to Europe it's on a DONE4 or OWA these days).

Given there will be limited Project Sunrise F seats, I would not be surprised if QF copied this move by Emirates and restricted which tiers can get F reward seats on that, but still leave it open for all members to upgrade to it subject to availability.

Those with no status are likely not doing much flying in revenue J/F seats. Every time I fly long haul Y I am reminded that lie flat J seats are luxury in comparison.

I'm personally sceptical we'll be able to book J as a DONE4, let alone J reward seats - let alone F!

Not for the first few years at least while the novelty is high.