Is the Qantas Frequent Flyer program the worst frequent flyer program in the world? Perhaps not however it leaves a lot to be desired.
Key Facts
- The Qantas Frequent Flyer program as we know it was originally created in in 1987
- Over 6 millions members
- More profitable than Qantas the airline itself
- Member of the huge OneWorld airline alliance
- Over 1 million Australians have a credit card that directly earns QFF points
Positive’s of the QFF Program
- Oneworld Alliance – Allows you to earn/burn your points across a wide range of carriers, including Americn Airlines, British Airways and Cathay Pacific
- Convenient flight schedules to North America – The quickest way to get there is a on a direct Melbourne/Sydney > Los Angeles flight.
- Quality and consistent service from the Qantas cabin crew
- Easy to earn points towards redemptions within Australia with many earning partners
Negatives of the QFF Program
- Not a free membership, no airline should charge a membership fee to join their program in my opinion
- Minimal availability of seats bookable on points trans-pacific
- Very-high fuel surcharges comparable to many others carriers
- Limited route network on their own aircraft e.g Melbourne/Sydney – London is the only option into Europe
- Many members who are looking for flights thus reducing the amount of available seats
Example of little to no availability.
- Searching for 1 First class seat – Melbourne to London – 270+ days from search
As you can see there is availability showing on the online calendar however when you proceed to the next step:
You will notice no available seats on any Qantas aircraft, not even in business class on this particular day.