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List of promotions, sales, and discounts as announced by airlines.
We are currently monitoring over 150 carriers, including Qantas.
updated November 27, 2023
What is the best time to book Qantas flights?
The best time to book international Qantas flights is between 2 to 8 months before your travel date. The prime booking window (the most likely time to find the bargains) is 4–6 months before takeoff. For Qantas domestic flights within Australia, making a reservation from 4 to 8 weeks in advance is recommended.
Why do prices fluctuate?
Airfare prices fluctuate due to demand, seasonal trends, and competition, causing numerous price drops and increases as your departure date approaches.Airlines such as Qantas use sophisticated revenue management systems to adjust pricing for optimal seat sales. Generally, as seats are sold, prices tend to become more expensive.
Don’t book too early
Qantas start selling their flights 9–12 months in advance. However, booking a ticket too early in that window can be an expensive mistake – the airline typically starts by setting prices at a relatively high level to capture early demand from those willing to pay more to secure their seats.
Prime Booking Window
For long-haul flights with Qantas, the best time to book your ticket is around 4–6 months before departure. It is the “Prime Booking Window” – after some seats have already been sold, the airline starts dropping prices to stimulate demand. It may also offer promotions and sales (especially for flights departing from its hub in Brisbane Airport BNE, Melbourne Airport MEL, Sydney Airport SYD). This is the ideal time for bargain hunting.
Fly on weekdays
It makes a difference which day of the week you board the plane. Midweek travel (especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays) is less busy and likely cheaper than flying on weekends. The Australian airline charges higher prices for weekend travel due to the high demand from people going on short getaways or visiting family and friends.
Opt for early morning flights
Select a late night or early morning (1–5 am) flight to save on airfare. Qantas often offers discounts on their first morning flight (up to 15-20%) simply because of lower demand – most people are not willing to go to the airport so early. Moreover, morning flights have fewer delays, and airport queues are usually shorter.
Peak seasons are expensive
Peak travel seasons are always expensive – due to higher base prices set by Qantas for dates it expects to be popular. Avoid the high season during summer and major holidays, including holidays in the country you’re flying to.
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Why is Qantas so cheap on ATC?
Qantas can be extremely cheap when you seize opportunities such as ‘mistake fares‘, sudden price drops, sales and promotions or employ strategies like hidden city ticketing. Moreover, Qantas flights associated with their main Australian hub airport — Brisbane Airport BNE — are typically priced lower due to the benefits of economies of scale and streamlined operations.
Air Traveler Club has a team of experts who diligently monitor for price reductions, promotional offers (often not widely advertised), under-the-radar airline sales, and other potential savings on flights. In the case of Qantas, we particularly focus on tracking prices for flights originating from their Brisbane hub.
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Qantas reviews 2023,A.I. summary
We let the A.I. analyze thousands of Qantas reviews for an averaged, more accurate rating and opinion. Please note: this is an experimental feature.
Overall rating
| Baggage handling | ★★★★☆ |
|---|---|
| Seat comfort | ★★★☆☆ |
| Food | ★★★☆☆ |
| Entertainment | ★★★☆☆ |
| Crew | ★★★★☆ |
| Customer support | ★★★☆☆ |
Is Qantas a good airline?
Qantas holds a 3/5 rating, marking it as a decent airline, a grade attributed to its reliable but not always exceptional service.
In terms of network coverage, Qantas stands out, connecting to more than 80 destinations worldwide and excelling particularly on trans-Pacific routes. The airline’s ticket pricing tends to skew toward the premium end, often justified by its robust loyalty program and enhanced in-flight amenities.
While comfort levels generally meet expectations, particularly in business and first class, passengers have raised concerns about aging aircraft and inconsistent meal quality. Ultimately, Qantas offers moderate value for money, best suited for travelers who prioritize reliability and a broad route network over budget considerations.
Strengths
- Broad route network: Passengers often laud Qantas for its extensive list of destinations, which provides an array of options for both domestic and international travel. This robust network is particularly advantageous for those looking to travel trans-Pacific routes.
- Loyalty program: Qantas Frequent Flyer is consistently mentioned as a strong perk. The program’s generous rewards system and various partnerships allow for easy accumulation of points, which can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other amenities.
- In-flight amenities: High-quality in-flight entertainment and Wi-Fi connectivity have received positive remarks from travelers. These features are especially praised on long-haul flights where passenger comfort becomes even more critical.
Weaknesses
- Pricing: One of the most cited drawbacks of flying with Qantas is its high ticket cost. Many passengers note that while the airline does offer a premium experience, it often comes at a premium price.
- Aging fleet: Reviews frequently mention the age of some Qantas aircraft, particularly on domestic routes. Passengers have complained about outdated interiors and worn seats, which can detract from the overall travel experience.
- Inconsistent meal quality: While Qantas generally offers a range of dining options, passengers have pointed out a lack of consistency in meal quality. Some have been pleasantly surprised, while others found the food lackluster, creating a hit-or-miss dining scenario.
Passenger's experience
Is Qantas a budget airline?
No, Qantas is not a budget airline but a traditional, full-service carrier. It is one of the largest airlines in Australia, a member of the Oneworld, and it offers a broad spectrum of services that distinguish it from budget airlines. These include free checked baggage, complimentary meals and beverages (even in Economy), on-board amenities (blankets, pillows, sometimes noise-cancelling headphones) on long-haul flights, and a wide range of in-flight entertainment.
Furthermore, Qantas provides multiple travel classes, such as Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First — each with varying levels of comfort, space, and amenities. In contrast, budget airlines typically offer only Economy class with minimal benefits.
What can I expect when flying with Qantas?
When flying with Qantas, passengers can anticipate a generally reliable and comfortable journey, thanks in part to the airline’s broad route network and extensive list of in-flight amenities.
Although ticket prices lean towards the higher end, travelers often find value in Qantas’ robust loyalty program, which allows for the easy accumulation and redemption of points. Comfort levels are typically high, especially in business and first-class cabins, but an aging fleet on certain routes can sometimes undermine the experience.
Dining options are available, but the quality can be hit or miss. Overall, Qantas offers a dependable service tailored more for those who prioritize extensive route options and a comprehensive loyalty program over budget considerations.
What are the seating options?
Economy Class
- Standard Seats: Basic but comfortable seats with adjustable headrests.
- Extra Legroom Seats: Positioned near the emergency exits, these seats offer more space to stretch.
- Preferred Seating: Seats located closer to the front of the economy section for quicker boarding and deplaning.
Premium Economy Class
- Standard Premium Seats: More spacious than an economy with a greater recline and legroom.
- Bulkhead Seats: Located at the front of the premium economy section, these offer even more legroom but may have limited storage.
Business Class
- Business Suite: Fully flat bed with direct aisle access.
- Skybed: Older Business Class seat, reclines to a fully flat bed, but not all have direct aisle access.
First Class
- First Suite: Private suite featuring a fully flat bed, an ottoman, and enhanced privacy.
Is Qantas economy comfortable?
The comfort level in Qantas’ economy class is generally regarded as satisfactory, especially when compared to other airlines operating similar long-haul routes.
Seats are equipped with adjustable headrests and adequate padding, designed to provide basic comfort for long durations. While you won’t find the luxuries that come with higher-tier classes, Qantas does offer some optional upgrades within the economy cabin for extra legroom and preferred seating closer to the front.
Passengers have also commended the in-flight entertainment options, which serve as a pleasant distraction on longer journeys. However, it’s worth noting that comfort can vary depending on the aircraft type, as some of Qantas’ older planes may have less modern amenities. Overall, Qantas’ economy class offers a decent level of comfort considering it’s a budget-oriented option.
How to get an extra legroom seat on Qantas plane?
Securing an extra legroom seat on a Qantas plane requires some planning and flexibility, but you can easily score one of these seats by familiarizing yourself with the cabin layout and checking in for your flight early. You may also consider paying for an upgrade to a seat with ample legroom and enhanced comfort.
As the location of the extra legroom seats varies depending on the aircraft, we recommend visiting the SeatGuru website. By simply entering your Qantas flight number, you can access a detailed seat map specific to your flight. Hover over individual seats to identify those with ample legroom. They are often found in exit rows, bulkhead rows (the first row in each cabin section), or other designated areas that offer additional legroom.
Due to their desirable features, the preferred seats are in high demand. They are often limited in number and typically incur additional fees. Seats with extra legroom located in front and exit rows ("hot seats") are priced higher. However, for medium– and long–haul flights, the additional cost of $10-$50 may be worth the increased comfort. Hot seats typically provide at least 36 inches of legroom (4-6 inches more than standard economy seats), wider seat pitch, and may also have adjustable footrests and recline further back.
Paying for an extra legroom seat is usually a more affordable option than upgrading to a Premium Economy.
What is the baggage allowance?
Qantas’ baggage allowance varies by class and route, adhering to both weight and piece concepts depending on your destination. Here’s a general breakdown:
Domestic flights
- Economy Class: 1 piece up to 23 kg (50 lbs)
- Business Class: 2 pieces up to 32 kg (70 lbs) each
International flights
- Economy Class: Typically 1 piece up to 30 kg (66 lbs) but may vary by route
- Premium Economy: 2 pieces up to 23 kg (50 lbs) each
- Business Class: 2 pieces up to 32 kg (70 lbs) each
- First Class: 3 pieces up to 32 kg (70 lbs) each
Trans-Tasman flights (Australia/New Zealand)
- Economy Class: 1 piece up to 23 kg (50 lbs)
- Premium Economy/Business Class: 2 pieces up to 23 kg (50 lbs) each
- First Class: 3 pieces up to 23 kg (50 lbs) each
Does Qantas have Wi-Fi?
Yes, Qantas does offer in-flight Wi-Fi on selected domestic and international routes.
Does Qantas have refundable tickets?
Qantas’ refund policies are tiered by fare type and service class, each with distinct cancellation fees:
Economy Class
- Sale: $500 fee
- Saver: $200 fee
- Flex: No charge
- Classic Rewards: 6,000 points
Premium Economy Class
- Sale: $400 fee
- Saver: $200 fee
- Flex: No charge
- Classic Rewards: 6,000 points
Business Class
- Sale: $600 fee
- Saver: $300 fee
- Flex: No charge
- Classic Rewards: 6,000 points
First Class
- Flex: No charge
- Classic Rewards: 6,000 points
How do I obtain my Qantas boarding pass?
Qantas boarding pass is a travel document that contains crucial information about your flight, confirms your seat and allows you to board the plane. It includes the passenger’s name, flight number, boarding time, boarding zone, gate number, seat number, and other essential flight details. The Qantas boarding pass can be in paper or electronic format. The boarding pass is issued during check-in — online on the airline's website (usually available 24 hours before the flight), its mobile app (mobile boarding pass) or at the airport. You can print your boarding pass at home or use a mobile app to store the digital boarding pass on your smartphone. Alternatively, you can check in at the airport, where the airline's representative will issue the boarding pass for you.
How to check Qantas flight status?
If you have the flight number at hand, you can conveniently check the Qantas flight status on the airline’s website. Visit the flight status page to get the reliable information regarding the scheduled and actual departure and arrival times.
There are several online platforms where you can check the status of Qantas flight: FlightRadar24, FlightStats, or FlightAware. They offer comprehensive information about any flight (regardless of the airline) – including real-time flight tracking.
Alternatively, input your flight number directly into Google's search bar. Drawing data from diverse sources (including the airlines themselves), Google will provide you with all the crucial flight information right on the search results page.
Qantas shortcuts
Essential links to Qantas official website.
Qantas flight booking
Search Qantas flights and book your Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First class ticket online.
Online check-in
How to check-in and receive your Qantas boarding pass?
Qantas baggage policy
Learn about checked and hand luggage regulations on Qantas flights.
Flexible tickets
Want to change your flight? Qantas flexible booking offer and policies.
Refunds and cancellations
Guidelines on returning a Qantas ticket and getting your money back.
Qantas help & support
Get in touch with the airline: customer service numbers, call centers, offices, and more.
Why are Qantas flights so expensive in 2023?
Airfares soared in 2023. Qantas flights are more expensive now due to rising demand, limited supply, inflation, fuel prices, closed airspace, and increased operational costs.
One key factor within your control is the timing of your booking. To save money on travel, it’s wise to plan ahead – the best time to book international flights with Qantas is between 2 to 8 months before your departure date.
The primary elements that impact the cost of flights:
- Rising demand With more people traveling in the post-pandemic era, airlines have no incentive to lower prices. Instead, they capitalize on spiked demand and raise prices to make up for lost revenue during the period of 2020-2022.
- Limited supply In 2023 Qantas is still operating at reduced capacity after the pandemic. Staffing shortages of pilots, plane crew, and airport workers lead to flight cancellations and delays, affecting the supply even more. With fewer flights, the Australian carrier charges more for the plane tickets that are available.
- Inflation Inflation has a significant impact on flight prices, as it directly increases the cost of fuel and labor for airlines. This can be particularly true for Qantas that operates in countries with high inflation rates.
- Jet fuel costs Fuel is a significant airline cost, influenced by crude oil prices, geopolitical tensions, and supply chain disruptions. To cope with rising fuel prices, the airline may pass it on to travelers in the form of a fuel surcharge added to the ticket price.
- Closed airspace Avoiding airspace due to war, political conflicts, extreme weather, or natural disasters make airline tickets more expensive. Qantas may be forced to take longer routes to reach the destination airport – which means higher fuel and labor costs.
- Qantas operating costs The costs of labor, aircraft maintenance, aircraft leasing or purchasing expenses, marketing, etc. significantly increased in 2023. As Qantas aims to remain profitable, it must factor in these operating costs when setting ticket prices.
- Will flight prices go down in 2023?Historical trends suggest that airfare prices will fluctuate based on the factors described above. As long as the demand for travel is up, so is airfare. After tough years the Qantas is in no position to offer discounts for passengers and will likely try to maximize profits in 2023.
Qantas price history charts
and price-drop alerts
Understanding past airfare trends for your chosen Qantas flight route can help you forecast future prices and identify ideal booking times.
Google Flights is one of the best tools that provide access to price history — it tracks airfare fluctuations, predicts price changes based on historical data, and helps to pinpoint optimal booking times. In addition to viewing price history charts, you can set up price alerts for Qantas flights via email — and catch price drops as they happen.
While the tracking tools provide valuable insights on Qantas price history, they cannot guarantee future prices. They are also usually restricted to one particular route. For regular updates on price drops and deals across various popular destinations (holiday ideas!), consider Air Traveler Club — it’s free to join.
Qantas tips
How to ensure smooth transit between Qantas connecting flights
Before your trip, research your connecting airport. Familiarize yourself with its layout, terminals, amenities, and the location of your connecting gate. This will save you time and stress during your layover. Every airport has a minimum connection time — make sure your layover is longer than this minimum time.
Additionally:
- You may need to move between terminals if you have a connecting flight with a different airline or separate point-to-point tickets with Qantas. Each flight may require individual check-in procedures and an additional pass through security. As your luggage may not be automatically transferred to your final destination, you’ll need to retrieve your bags and check them in again for your subsequent flight.
- When flights are booked on separate tickets, Qantas is not responsible if you miss your connection due to a delay with the first flight. Allow plenty of buffer time between flights to account for any potential delays.
- Gate assignments can change. Regularly check the flight information boards to ensure you’re in the right place.
- If your airport connection is tight (1-hour layover or less), pick a set near the front of the plane. It can shave 5–10 minutes off your deplaning time, especially on larger planes. Consider purchasing “hot seats” if available on your plane — they cost extra, but it may be worth it.
- When flying domestically, try not to book the last flight out of your connecting airport. In case of a cancellation, the airline will put you on its next flight, but it will require an overnight stay and arrival a day later.
- Flights can be delayed or canceled. Have a backup plan in case you miss your connecting flight. Know your rights and the Qantas policy on missed connections.
Booking group flights with Qantas
Flights are cheaper when purchased in bulk rather than as individual tickets. Booking group flights with Qantas can be a cost-effective option for a school trip, family reunion, or corporate group traveling to a conference.
To qualify for the special group rate, the group must usually have at least 10 passengers. Discounts depend on the group size and travel dates and typically range from 5% to 20% off the regular airfare.
Qantas website typically limits automatic group bookings to 9 passengers. This limit reflects the complexity of managing larger groups, which require personalized service and more time to coordinate. To get the price quote for your group, you’ll need to contact the airline directly.
A travel agent may be better if you want more personalized service. Travel agents may have access to discounted group rates for Qantas and can help with logistics and scheduling.