Flying around the world in business class may sound like something reserved for celebrities or corporate travellers, but with the right strategy and some well-earned Qantas Points, it’s surprisingly within reach. I recently completed a full round-the-world trip in business class using the Oneworld Classic Flight Reward, and I want to share exactly how I did it—so you can do it too.
This guide covers what the reward is, how to book it, and my personal tips to increase your chances of success.
What Is a Oneworld Classic Flight Reward?
The Oneworld Classic Flight Reward is one of the most powerful ways to redeem Qantas Points. It allows you to book a multi-continent itinerary across Oneworld airlines for a fixed number of points based on distance, offering exceptional value—especially in premium cabins.
Key rules to know:
- Your trip must include at least two Oneworld member airlines other than Qantas.
- You cannot include non-Oneworld airlines in the itinerary—including Jetstar and Emirates, which are not Oneworld members.
- The total distance flown must be 56,315 km (35,000 miles) or less.
- It’s charged as a return trip—even if you’re only flying one way, the distance and points will include a hypothetical return to your starting city.
- You’re allowed up to five stopovers, but only one per city and two transfers per city.
- Surface segments (travel overland between airports) are allowed, but the distance between those cities will still count toward your total.
- If you fly in mixed classes, the entire itinerary is priced at the highest class flown.
Used well, this redemption gives you the opportunity to circle the globe in business class at a fraction of the cash cost.
Why It’s Tricky to Book—But Totally Worth It
Finding Classic Reward seats—especially in business class—isn’t always easy. Availability for premium cabins on international routes is limited and highly sought after. While economy seats are easier to find, business and first class awards are snatched up quickly by savvy travellers.
Some Oneworld partners like Finnair, Japan Airlines (JAL), and Cathay Pacific are more generous with their premium seat availability, especially when booked many months in advance.
On the other hand, Qatar Airways, while highly regarded, is frustratingly difficult to book using Qantas Points. As of May 2025, Qatar typically only releases reward seats 30 days before departure, and often only in economy class. If you’re planning a premium itinerary far in advance, Qatar may not be a reliable option.
Despite the challenges, the value is undeniable. With persistence and flexibility, you can assemble a dream itinerary spanning multiple continents in total comfort.
How I Booked My Round-the-World Business Class Trip
After navigating the rules and running dozens of searches, I finally made it happen. Here’s what worked for me—and what you should consider if you’re planning the same.
1. Plan Ahead
Most reward seats are released up to a year in advance. Finnair and JAL often have strong availability at that 10–12 month mark, especially for business class. If you want to lock in a long-haul segment, booking early gives you the best chance.
And here’s the best part: if your plans change, cancelling only costs 6,000 Qantas Points. So it’s worth securing your seat now and reshuffling later if needed.
2. Be Creative
One of the most exciting aspects of booking Oneworld Classic Rewards is the ability to get creative with your itinerary. Sometimes, the best route to your destination isn’t the most direct one, and with a little flexibility, you can discover new travel opportunities.
For example, I initially planned to travel from the UK to Italy, then continue on to Dubai. However, I found that flights from Italy to Dubai weren’t available on my preferred dates, and there were also limited options from Dubai to East Asia. So, I had to adjust my route and flew UK-Dubai-Italy instead.
Additionally, Oneworld Classic Rewards allows for long connections of less than 24 hours to be treated as “connections,” meaning you can explore a new city along the way without it counting as a stopover. These connections can be a great way to make the most of your journey, even if it’s just a brief visit to a city before heading to your next destination.
By thinking creatively and remaining flexible, you can transform a simple flight itinerary into an exciting travel adventure, uncovering unexpected destinations and experiences along the way.
3. Be Flexible
Flexibility is one of the key elements to successfully booking Oneworld Classic Rewards. While it’s rare to find the perfect flight on the exact day you want, being open to slight adjustments can open up a world of possibilities.
Sometimes, the perfect non-stop flight may not be available on your preferred dates, but if you're willing to consider a few days earlier or later, you’ll often find more options. A bit of flexibility in your travel dates could unlock a wider range of premium cabin availability, allowing you to secure those coveted business class seats.
Also, consider alternative routes, like flights with a connection. You may find that a connecting flight, even with an additional stop, fits your schedule perfectly while offering a more adventurous experience. After all, the more flexible you are, the more opportunities you’ll have to design the ideal journey!
4. Travel in Low Season
Reward seats are heavily restricted during peak travel periods like school holidays, Christmas, and Easter. Airlines often "black out" these periods entirely.
I chose to travel from late August to mid-October, which helped me avoid peak demand. As a bonus, the weather was pleasant in most of the destinations I visited, and I enjoyed smaller crowds at popular attractions.
5. Be Determined
Don’t give up if your first search comes up empty. I got into the habit of searching every other night. It takes just a few minutes, and you’d be surprised how often something pops up unexpectedly.
If you see a key segment available, book it immediately. If another flight you need isn’t available yet, you can always add it later. Changing or adding flights costs 5,000 Qantas Points—a small price for flexibility.
How to Search for Reward Seat Availability
Having the right tools makes planning so much easier.
The multi-city booking tool on the Qantas website is a must. Here’s how to use it effectively:
- Select “Book with Rewards.”
- Enter your desired flight segments and dates.
- Tick the box for “Flexible with dates for all flights.”
You’ll get access to a calendar view that shows availability for each flight across a week. Look for the icons that indicate which cabin class is available—economy, premium economy, business, or first.
This view helps you quickly identify dates with reward seats and adjust your itinerary around what’s available, instead of guessing one date at a time.
Another invaluable tool is gcmap.com. It lets you calculate the total distance of your planned routing—just type in airport codes (e.g., SYD-HND-HEL-LHR-JFK-LAX-SYD), and it tells you if you're under the 56,315 km limit. This saves tons of time compared to manually checking distances and keeps your itinerary eligible under Oneworld Classic Reward rules.
Final Thoughts
The Oneworld Classic Flight Reward is one of the best-kept secrets in points travel. With strategy and persistence, you can fly around the world in business class, enjoying lie-flat beds, lounge access, and premium service for a fraction of the cash cost.
This kind of travel is luxurious—calm, comfortable, and incredibly rewarding. It elevates the journey from just a means of transportation to an experience that enhances your entire trip.
0 Comments