QANTAS POINTS PLANES TAKE OFF EVERY MONTH IN 2027: HOW TO BAG A REWARD SEAT TO PARIS
If you have a pile of Qantas Points sitting in your account and a dream trip in mind, next year could be the time to finally use them.
Qantas Frequent Flyer has announced it will run dedicated Points Planes every month of 2027, and the first batch of flights went on sale on Friday, November 6.
What are Qantas Points Planes?
On a Points Plane, every available seat on the flight can be booked as a Classic Flight Reward using points.
That applies across the cabin, from economy right up to the front of the plane.
Qantas first introduced the idea in 2019, and it has proved hugely popular with members who usually struggle to find reward seats on busy routes.
According to Travel Weekly, members redeemed points on 10 million rewards in the 2026 financial year.
The airline says around 10 reward seats are booked every minute.
Where the first flights are going
The first release includes 10 return services, which works out to 20 flights.
Tokyo is timed for Japan's peak snow season in January, which will appeal to skiers and anyone keen to see the country dusted in white.
Paris is scheduled for February, around Valentine's Day, so it is one to mention to your partner, or your best friend.
Hobart flights are timed for the school holidays, making them a handy option for families wanting a summer break in Tasmania.
Some international Points Planes will use the Airbus A380 or the Boeing 787, and Qantas says later releases in 2027 will include destinations such as Los Angeles, Hong Kong and Vancouver.
How many Qantas Points you need
Each Classic Reward costs a fixed number of points per route, plus taxes, fees and carrier charges.
The AU Review lists these starting prices for one-way flights:
Sydney to Paris via Singapore costs 63,500 points in economy, 124,700 in premium economy and 166,300 in business.
Sydney or Melbourne to Tokyo costs 36,200 points in economy and 98,400 in business.
Brisbane to Tokyo costs 29,000 points in economy and 82,100 in business.
Sydney or Brisbane to Hobart costs 13,800 points in economy and 29,000 in business.
Melbourne to Hobart costs 9,200 points in economy and 19,300 in business.
Qantas Loyalty and Customer chief executive Andrew Glance said "this series expands availability over and above the five million Classic Reward seats" members can already book.
Tips to snap up a reward seat
Seats on each Points Plane are limited, so speed matters.
Make sure you are logged in to your Qantas Frequent Flyer account well before you search, and check your balance so there are no surprises.
Book through the Qantas website or the Qantas app, and search for the dedicated services as each new release goes live.
Remember that reward flights are not completely free, as you will still pay taxes, fees and carrier charges in cash.
Those charges are usually higher on international routes, so factor them into your holiday budget.
If you are travelling as a couple or a family, check that you have enough points for everyone before you start, as it is disappointing to secure one seat and miss the rest.
Have your dates sorted with work, school and anyone looking after pets before you book, because changing plans later can be tricky.
Keep an eye on Qantas announcements throughout next year, as new routes and dates will be released progressively rather than all at once.
If you are short of points, now is a good time to look at how you earn them, from everyday shopping partners to linked cards, but always make sure any card suits your budget.
Is it worth it?
For anyone who has felt frustrated searching for reward seats, Qantas Points Planes take some of the guesswork out of using your balance.
A romantic February in Paris, a snowy January in Tokyo or a summer escape to Hobart could be closer than you think.
