A guide to Qantas Points expiry

So you've just logged into your Qantas Frequent Flyer account and noticed that your Qantas Points are about to expire, or worse, they already have. What can you do?

Read on to find out how Qantas Points expiration works and what you can do about getting back those expired points.

When do Qantas Points expire?

Qantas Points expire 18 months after their earned date, but only if you don't earn or redeem any points during that 18-month-long period. So to keep your points from expiring, you must earn or redeem points at least once every 18 months. That's not very difficult to do, given how easy it is to earn Qantas Points.

It's important to note that transferring points or purchasing points do not count towards extending the expiry date of your points.

How to stop Qantas Points from expiring

Based on Qantas Frequent Flyer's terms and conditions, any of the following actions will stop your existing points from expiring.

• Earning new Qantas Points, for example, with a credit card.
• Redeeming points, for example, to get flights or an upgrade.
• Transferring points from another rewards program, such as American Express Membership Rewards, Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, or IHG Rewards.
• Buying Qantas Points with a Top-up.

How to keep track of your Qantas Points

It's easy to track your Qantas Points balance on the Qantas website or using the Qantas app. Additionally, Qantas sends out notifications and reminders to remind members that their points are due to expire.

It's also a good idea to set a calendar reminder to check your points balance regularly, especially if you have a large number of points you're saving for a specific redemption. This way, you can ensure that your points don't expire before you can use them.

Useful services to track your Qantas Points

Several services exist to make it easier to monitor your reward points. These are particularly useful if you are a member of more than one program.

• Award Wallet. A popular third-party service that helps you keep track of all your rewards and loyalty program balances, including your Qantas Points. Easily monitor your balances, track your progress towards earning rewards, and get notified when your points are about to expire.
• Tripit Pro. Tracks your Qantas Points among many other rewards and loyalty programs.
• App in the Air. Another app designed to help prevent points from expiring. Integrates with lots of other popular programs.
• UsingMiles. Tracks your Qantas Points among many other rewards and loyalty programs. One of the key features of UsingMiles is its ability to help prevent points from expiring.

Ideas for redeeming Qantas Points before they expire

There are plenty of ways to redeem your points, such as booking flights with Qantas or its partner airlines, booking accommodation or car rentals, or even shopping for merchandise. But not every redemption is equal in value.

To maximise the value of your points redemption, consider booking a premium cabin or using your points during peak travel periods when cash tickets are at their most expensive. That being said, availability for award flights is limited and may vary depending on the route and time of travel, i.e. redeeming Qantas Points for a flight to Europe the week before Christmas is much easier said than done. Therefore, it's a good idea to plan and book your flights well in advance to ensure you can redeem your points for the flight you want.

If you can't redeem points for flights — maybe you don't have enough, don't have time off, or just don't want to fly to a random regional airport for the fun of it — the quickest and most reliable way to redeem points is on the Qantas Rewards Store. The value for your points here is generally considered low, but it would be better to get something for your points than let them expire.

How to reclaim expired Qantas Points

If your points have already expired, you may be able to get some of them back. How many points will be reinstated is determined at Qantas’ discretion — provided certain requirements are met — and will be communicated when you apply for reinstatement.

Members must contact the airline within 6 months of their points expiring to be eligible for a Qantas Points reinstatement. Suppose your points expired more than 6 months ago. In that case, reinstatement will only be considered on a case-by-case basis under exceptional circumstances, such as due to a medical condition or on other compassionate grounds. Proof of hardship may be required. You can contact the Qantas Frequent Flyer Service Centre by calling 13 11 31 or emailing frequent_flyer@qantas.com.au to initiate the process.

If you are eligible for points reinstatement, Qantas will offer you the Qantas Points Challenge to regain them: earn 2,500 Qantas Points within three months. This challenge is not all that challenging, especially if you already have a credit or debit card that earns Qantas Points.

FAQs

Do Qantas Points expire?

Yes. Qantas Points expire 18 months after their earned date if there has been no account activity during that time.

How long do Qantas Points last?

Qantas Points do not expire as long as you earn or redeem points at least once every 18 months.

Why do Qantas Points expire?

Qantas Points expire to encourage participation in and engagement with the Qantas Frequent Flyer program.

How do I know when my Qantas Points expire?

Qantas Points set to expire will be shown on your online points activity statement 60 days before their expiration date.

How often do Qantas Points get updated?

Qantas Points should appear in your account within 24 hours.

What doesn't stop Qantas Points from expiring?

Transferring points to a family member will not stop points from expiring.

Can earning points with a Qantas partner stop points from expiring?

Yes. Earning or redeeming Qantas Points with one of Qantas' partners will stop points from expiring.

Do Qantas Points last longer than Velocity Points?

No. Qantas Points (18 months of inactivity) do not last as long as Velocity Points (24 months of inactivity).