The top 9 uses of 100,000 Qantas Points

“How should I spend 100,000 Qantas Points?” It’s one of the biggest questions we get asked at Point Hacks.
But with Classic Reward seat prices increasing from August 2025, many are left wondering if 100,000 Qantas Points is really enough to unlock their travel goals.

This week I chat to Brandon Loo about the price increases and discuss if his top 9 list still holds up.

We cover:

• What changed in the Qantas reward devaluation (up to 20%) and how it reshapes the value of 100,000 points
• Emirates First Class SYD-CHC: why it still punches above its weight
• Asia in Business with Cathay or China Airlines
• JAL Business: what’s great, what’s quirky
• Qantas A330 Business to Asia
• Qantas First SYD–SIN vs saving ~40k by booking Business instead
• When cash fares beat points for long-haul economy
• Short regional hops (~9,200 pts) that shine when cash spikes
• and pick our favourite redemption from the list

Key Takeaways

Fortunately, many of Brandon’s picks still sit under 100,000 Qantas Points after the revaluation, including Business Class flights to Asia. My personal favourite, Emirates fifth freedom flight between Sydney and Christchurch, had one of the lowest price-hikes on the list.

It used to be 64,500 points, but now Emirates has moved back to the Qantas table. So even though there’s been an increase, it’s quite modest. So this award will set you back 65,300 points now. An increase of only 800 points.

Not every reward on the list held up though.

On the Airbus A380 between Sydney and Singapore, you can book Qantas First Class. It used to be 102,600 points, so it’s a bit over 100k, but you know, that’s manageable. It’s now 123,100 Qantas Points.

And at that point I’m a bit iffy.

But Qantas First Class it’s supremely comfortable. You get a super wide seat and very comfortable bed. But, you know, compared to other First Class products, I would say the food and the service probably isn’t quite there. So for that price… I would probably be happy flying business for 80,000 points instead.

Further reading and helpful links

Brandon’s 9 favourite uses of 100,000 Qantas Points

My experience on Emirates First Class for under 100,000 Qantas Points

How I unlocked every Qantas tier in one trip for under 100,000 Qantas Points

How American Express Membership Rewards and British Airways can unlock alternative Qantas redemptions

Need to boost your Qantas Point balance? Credit card sign-up bonuses and point earning credit cards are often one of the most effective tools to reach the 100k mark. Take a look at the card below or peruse our list of Qantas Point earning credit cards to find a card that suits your needs.

Qantas American Express Ultimate

Find Out More & Apply

Read the guide

Sign-up Bonus:

Up to 90,000 bonus Qantas Points¹

Rewards Earn Rate:

1.25 Qantas Points earned per $1 on eligible everyday purchases. 2.25 Qantas Points per $1 spent on selected Qantas products and services in Australia. 0.5 Qantas Point per $1 at government bodies in Australia. After a total of 100,000 Qantas Points is earned in a calendar year, the everyday earn rate will change from 1.25 to 1 Qantas Point per $1 spent.

Annual Fee:

$450 p.a.

Offer expires

13 January 2026

Earn 70,000 bonus Qantas Points when you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months, plus an additional 20,000 Qantas Points when you spend a minimum of $1 on your Card within 90 days of paying your second year annual Card Fee¹. (Offer ends 13 January 2026. New Amex Card Members only. T&Cs apply.) This card includes an annual $450 Qantas Travel Credit, two Qantas lounge passes, complimentary international travel insurance, and Qantas Wine Premium Membership (valued at $99). Earn 1.25 Qantas Points per $1 on everyday spend, 2.25 on Qantas purchases, and 0.5 on government payments. The annual fee is $450.

Where to watch and listen

For the full experience, including additional tips and footage from our adventures, you can watch Point Hacks on our YouTube or Facebook pages. We also publish our key takeaways on Instagram and TikTok.

Prefer to listen? Point Hacks is now available in your favourite podcasting app including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean, iHeartRadio, and good old fashion RSS.