One of the improvements Qantas promised to make last week as part of the shake-up of its frequent flyer program is greater award seat availability, including in premium cabins.
It could be that we’re seeing the first signs of this being implemented. Over the next few months, I’m seeing a solid number of award seats on multiple routes, including to popular destinations like Singapore and Los Angeles, in economy, premium economy and business class.
Here’s what availability looks like for Melbourne-Singapore for two people next month (red = economy; yellow = premium economy; gold = business class).
Unfortunately the return leg has lower availability, but there are still some decent options.
I’m seeing lots of seats to Singapore from other cities as well, like Perth for example:
Here’s what Melbourne-Los Angeles looks like for two people.
Again, there are fewer options on the return leg: in this case, mostly maxing out at premium economy.
If you’re thinking about a winter getaway, this could be a great opportunity to spend some Qantas Points.
It’s also worth exploring other routes to see what you can find.
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It’s not as simple as it sounds. Bought my ticket few months ago for travel in August. Rang Qantas to redeem points for a Premium Economy seat from Sydney to Singapore. Was told firstly my ticket not Flexible Fare and a Q class ticket which does not allow upgrade. Have to pay to extra to upgrade to S class and even then it’s not a guarantee that I’ll get a seat!
Yes getting an upgrade is a bit of a lottery. With reward seat bookings however, they are confirmed immediately.
Those supposedly available seats in premium classes could in fact with QF partners eg Emirates rather than on QF metal ?
I checked and they are QF seats.