Qantas refund: What happens if I paid for my flight with points?

By Polly Fleeting · · 2 min read
Fact Checked
Advertiser disclosure

Qantas customers around the country are breathing a sigh of relief after the airline announced it’ll refund cancelled flights. 

But what happens if you paid for your flight using Qantas Frequent Flyer Points? 

Well, you are entitled to this same refund, it just works a little differently. 

For cancellations on or before October 31, 2020 

Customers that have a Classic Flight Reward booking (meaning you paid with Qantas Points) can cancel their trip and receive a full refund of Qantas Points used. You will also be reimbursed for any taxes, fees and carrier charges. 

Qantas will also waive the cancellation fee, just as long as passengers cancel their flight before October 31 this year. 

Bear in mind, this fee waiver applies to bookings that are Classic Flight Rewards only. If your itinerary is a combination of a Classic Flight Reward and a non-Classic Flight Rewards fare, the fee is not waived. 

For additional information on Classic Flight Rewards conditions, head to the Qantas website. 

For cancellations after October 31, 2020

If you opt to wait and cancel your flight after October 31, you’ll have to adhere to Qantas’ standard fare rules. 

While the total Qantas Points used along with any taxes, fees and carrier charges will be refunded, Qantas may slap you with some cancellation charges. 

On the other hand, if it is Qantas that cancels your flight (and not you), you won’t face these fees. 

Is it still worth using points for flights in 2020? 

There’s no doubt that redeeming points for flights is a savvy way to get value for your earnings. But with minimal flights operating at the moment, 2020 may not be the right time to redeem. 

Instead, you could turn your attention into making the rest of this year all about accumulating points so you can use them down the track.  

“The truth is that international travel isn’t around the corner for Aussies, so redeeming points for flights doesn’t really make sense at the moment,” Mozo Director, Kirsty Lamont said. 

“But for those credit card customers that earn rewards points for their everyday spending, and pay down their balance month-on-month, keeping up that habit is a great way to plump up your points stash for later on.”

RELATED ARTICLE: Credit card rewards: Why now could be time to rack up points

Looking to plump up your frequent flyer points stash for when international travel returns? Check out these great rewards credit card options below or jump over to our comparison tool!

Rewards Credit Cards 2020 - last updated 23 November 2024

Search promoted rewards credit cards below or do a full Mozo database search. Advertiser disclosure
  • Apply By 14 Jan 2025
    American Express Qantas Ultimate Card

    Qantas Frequent Flyer

    $450

    50,000

    1.25 points up to 100,000 points/year, then
    1 point uncapped

    Receive 50,000 bonus Qantas Points when you apply online by 14 January 2025, are approved, and spend $3,000 on eligible purchases on your new Qantas American Express Ultimate Card within the first 3 months of your approval date. T&Cs apply. Available for new American Express Card Members only.

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  • Citi Rewards - Rewards Points Offer

    Citi Rewards Program

    $199 $99 in the first year

    100,000

    1 point up to $10,000/month

    100,000 bonus Citi reward Points when you spend $5,000 on eligible purchases within 3 months from approval. That’s $400 when you Pay with Points! Earn up to 1 Citi reward Point per $1 on eligible transactions. Access up to 3 months complimentary International Travel Insurance and up to 14 days Domestic Travel Insurance with a Citi Rewards Credit Card when meeting eligibility criteria. Apply for a credit limit from $2,000 up to $100,000. This product is provided by National Australia Bank Limited, using certain trademarks temporarily under licence from Citigroup Inc.

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  • Kogan Money Black Card

    Kogan Rewards Points

    $0

    No current offer

    1 point uncapped

    Get 0% p.a. on purchases and balance transfers for 9 months with a 1% balance transfer fee. Reverts to cash advance rate. $0 annual fee to pay. Earn 2 rewards points per dollar on your eligible purchases at Kogan.com & 1 rewards point per dollar on your everyday purchases, almost anywhere (T&Cs apply). FREE Kogan First membership valued at $129/year. Add up to 4 additional cardholders at no cost.

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  • American Express Explorer® Credit Card

    Membership Rewards

    $395

    50,000

    2 points uncapped

    Receive 50,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points when you apply online, are approved, and spend $4,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 3 months. T&Cs apply. New Card Members only.*

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  • Citi Rewards - Balance Transfer and Purchases offer

    Citi Rewards Program

    $199

    No current offer

    1 point up to $10,000/month

    Enjoy 0% p.a. for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. Balance transfer reverts to cash advance rate. Earn up to 1 Citi reward Point per $1 on eligible transactions. Access up to 3 months complimentary International Travel Insurance and up to 14 days Domestic Travel Insurance with a Citi Rewards Credit Card when meeting eligibility criteria. Apply for a credit limit from $2,000 up to $100,000. Balance transfer fee applies. This product is provided by National Australia Bank Limited, using certain trademarks temporarily under licence from Citigroup Inc.

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  • Apply By 3 Dec 2024
    American Express Essential® Rewards Credit Card

    Membership Rewards

    $108

    60,000

    1 point uncapped

    Receive 60,000 Membership Rewards® Bonus Points* when you apply online through the link on this page by 3 December 2024, are approved and spend $3,000 on eligible purchases on your new American Express Essential Rewards® Credit Card within the first 3 months. T&Cs apply. New American Express Card Members only.

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^See information about the Mozo Experts Choice Rewards Credit Card Awards

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