A Beginner’s Guide to Frequent Flyer Points

Two major frequent flyer programs in Australia: Qantas Frequent Flyer and Velocity

Frequent flyer points are a popular and powerful tool for unlocking travel perks—from free flights to luxurious upgrades. Whether you're aiming for a premium seat to Europe or just want to reduce the cost of domestic travel, understanding how these programs work can help you get much more out of every dollar (and mile). With Australia’s rich frequent flyer landscape, it’s easier than ever to start earning points even without flying, and in this guide, we'll explain exactly how to make the most of these opportunities.

What Are Frequent Flyer Points?

Frequent flyer points are part of airline loyalty programs designed to reward customer loyalty. Initially, you could only earn them by flying—and redeem them for more flights. However, as the value of loyalty programs has increased, so have the ways to earn and use frequent flyer points. In Australia, where frequent flyer programs like Qantas Frequent Flyer and Velocity Frequent Flyer are widely used, you can now accumulate points from a variety of activities—not just flights!

These points can be redeemed for far more than just airfare. Think upgrades, hotels, retail purchases, and more. Whether you're a regular flyer or someone who just wants to earn points as you go about your day, the possibilities are endless.

Why Earn Frequent Flyer Points?

Frequent flyer points are more than just a way to save money—they’re your passport to extraordinary travel experiences. Whether you’re looking to upgrade to business class, score a free flight to a dream destination, or simply make the most out of your everyday purchases, the possibilities are endless. With programs like Qantas Frequent Flyer and Velocity Frequent Flyer, earning points in Australia has never been easier. So why wait? Start collecting today, and watch your travel dreams take off!

Personally, I’ve used points to travel around the world in business class—an experience that would have cost tens of thousands of dollars if paid in cash. Instead, I booked it almost entirely with frequent flyer points. It’s an amazing feeling to walk onto a long-haul flight, turn left into the business class cabin, and know that you didn’t pay full price to be there. This kind of travel is more achievable than many people think.

Whether you’re a casual traveller or someone with big travel goals, there’s real potential in building up your points balance. A bit of planning, consistency, and the right earning habits can take you far—literally. If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing more of the world, flying in comfort, or just saving money on travel, there’s no better time to start collecting frequent flyer points than now.

How to Earn Frequent Flyer Points Without Flying

Qantas Frequent Flyer earn partners

Velocity earn partners

Contrary to the name, you don’t have to fly frequently to earn frequent flyer points. Here are the main ways to build your balance on the ground:

1. Credit Cards: Frequent flyer credit cards offer points for everyday purchases. Many also include generous sign-up bonuses and perks like lounge access.
2. Online Shopping: Shop through Qantas Shopping or Velocity eStore to earn bonus points at popular retailers like Apple, THE ICONIC, and Myer.
3. Groceries and Fuel: Link your loyalty accounts at supermarkets (e.g. Woolworths Everyday Rewards or Coles Flybuys) and fuel stations like BP or 7-Eleven to earn points.
4. Hotel Stays and Car Rentals:
   • Qantas partners with Accor Hotels, where you can earn Qantas Points for eligible stays. There's also the possibility to "double dip," earning both Accor ALL points and Qantas Points. For more details, visit Accor ALL & Qantas.
   • Velocity Frequent Flyer has a partnership with IHG Hotels (including brands like InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, and Holiday Inn), allowing you to earn Velocity Points. Learn more on the Velocity IHG page.
   • Both Qantas and Velocity have partnerships with car rental companies and other lifestyle services. For example:
     • DiDi partners with Velocity, allowing you to earn Velocity Points on rides.
     • Uber partners with Qantas, enabling you to earn Qantas Points on your eligible Uber rides.
   • Always check your airline’s frequent flyer program website for the full list of eligible partners and offers.
5. Dining & Lifestyle: Earn points through restaurant partners, wine clubs, experience bookings, and more.

How to Earn Frequent Flyer Points by Flying

Flying is still a valuable way to earn points—especially on longer routes or in premium cabins. Here’s how to make the most of it:

1. Fly with Partner Airlines: Most programs are part of global alliances or have individual partnerships. For example:
   • Earn Qantas Points when flying on Japan Airlines (JAL), even within Japan. Both Qantas and JAL are members of the oneworld alliance, which allows you to earn and redeem points across member airlines.
   • Earn Velocity Points when flying on Singapore Airlines.
   Just remember to enter your frequent flyer number and check that your fare class is eligible. Keep in mind that some fare classes from partner airlines, like the lowest economy fares, may not earn frequent flyer points. For example, Cathay Pacific's lowest economy class fare typically would not earn any Qantas Points, even if the flight is on a partner airline.
2. Premium Cabins Earn More: The higher the class, the more points you earn. Business and first class fares often earn 2–3 times more points than economy.
3. No Points on Reward Flights: Flights booked using points (reward or redemption bookings) typically do not earn additional points, regardless of travel class.

How to Redeem Frequent Flyer Points

Imagine sinking into the plush comfort of China Airlines’ superb business class—all thanks to clever use of your points, and for just a fraction of the full price.

Once you’ve earned enough points, you can use them in several ways:

1. Flights: Book flights with your airline or its partners. This is often the most valuable way to redeem points, especially in premium cabins.
2. Upgrades: Upgrade from economy to premium economy or business using points (subject to availability).
3. Retail Products: Redeem for electronics, gift cards, or household items through the airline’s online store.
4. Hotels & Car Hire: Many programs let you use points to book accommodation and transport.
5. Experiences & Vouchers: From wine tastings to sporting events, some programs offer unique experiences you can access with points.

Final Thoughts

Frequent flyer points are more than just a way to save money—they’re your passport to extraordinary travel experiences. Whether you’re looking to upgrade to business class, score a free flight to a dream destination, or simply make the most out of your everyday purchases, the possibilities are endless. With programs like Qantas Frequent Flyer and Velocity Frequent Flyer, earning points in Australia has never been easier. So why wait? Start collecting today, and watch your travel dreams take off!

If you’re ready to start your frequent flyer journey, consider signing up for Qantas Frequent Flyer (Save 99.5AUD with Woolworths Everyday Rewards!) or Velocity Frequent Flyer. By joining these programs, you can start earning points on your purchases, flights, and everyday activities. The sky's the limit!