Israel has traditionally been a difficult destination to reach using Qantas points. But redeeming points to Tel Aviv has just become a little easier, thanks to an expanded partnership between Qantas & El Al…
The Opportunity
Israel has traditionally been a difficult destination to reach using Qantas points. This is especially the case if you’re looking for award seats to Tel Aviv in Business or First class.
Qantas does not fly to Tel Aviv, and its oneworld partners don’t have many flights either between Australia and Israel. Cathay Pacific has a 4x weekly Hong Kong-Tel Aviv service, but finding award seats on this flight can be difficult. Qantas’ oneworld partner Royal Jordanian Airlines offers connections through Amman, and various other oneworld airlines fly to Tel Aviv from their hubs in Europe. That’s about all…
But Qantas also partners with El Al, Israel’s national airline. El Al is not a Oneworld airline, but you can redeem your Qantas points to fly with them.
Until recently, El Al award bookings were limited to Economy class only. But Qantas last week removed this limitation, meaning it’s now possible to book Business and First class award seats using your Qantas points!
El Al operates flights from Bangkok, Hong Kong and Beijing to its Tel Aviv hub, opening the door to numerous one-stop connections between Australia and Israel.
If you’ve never flown El Al, the experience is a little different to what you might be used to. Some of the airline’s aircraft are also a little dated, with angle-flat seats installed in Business class. But El Al’s new brand new Boeing 787s, which will serve the Hong Kong-Tel Aviv route from early next year, offer an excellent Business class product.
Either way, if you’re looking for flights to Tel Aviv, El Al offers the convenience of a direct flight… and you can now use your Qantas points to book a seat in Business or First class.
The Facts
- Currency: Qantas Frequent Flyer points
- Airline: El Al Israel Airlines
- Routes: Bangkok, Hong Kong and Beijing to Tel Aviv
- Class of travel: Economy, Business & First class
- Cost: Varies by route. A one-way Business award from Hong Kong to Tel Aviv costs 78,000 Qantas points + $61 taxes
- Availability: Very good. Many flights have seats in Economy, Business and First class available!
- How to book: Qantas website.
Would you like help using your frequent flyer points?
Frequent Flyer Solutions offers a personalised service that’s designed to take the hard work out of redeeming your frequent flyer points!
Award Flight Assist can help you to find the perfect flights using your points. Just let the team know how many points you have and where you would like to go, and they’ll prepare an itinerary for you.
Find out more about the Award Flight Assist service.
Not sure yet where you’d like to go with your points? Stay tuned for more Points Inspiration articles!
