Redeeming Qantas points for travel to Hawaii is notoriously difficult. Qantas does not generally release any premium cabin awards on its flights between Sydney and Honolulu. This leaves partner airlines like Jetstar, Fiji Airways and Japan Airlines as the only option for those looking to redeem their Qantas points for Business Class flights.
But there’s now some good news! Qantas award availability to Hawaii dramatically increased last week. There are now many dates with both Premium Economy and Business Class reward seats available!
The increased Qantas award availability to Hawaii appears a direct result of Qantas flying Boeing 747s to Honolulu from next month – almost four months earlier than planned. QF3/4 between Sydney and Honolulu will now be operated by Boeing 747s from 20 August to 26 September 2018. After this, the smaller Airbus A330 will return to the route temporarily. But Boeing 747s will again be used from 7 December 2018 to 15 April 2019.
The Boeing 747 has roughly the same number of Economy seats as the Airbus A330 it replaces. But it has more than double the number of Business class seats and a 36-seat Premium Economy cabin. The extra premium seating is great news for those hoping to redeem their points (or upgrade with Qantas points).
On dates where Boeing 747s will be used, there are up to 4 Business Class and up to 4 Premium Economy award seats available. So, if you’re a little flexible with dates, you may even be able to fly your whole family to Hawaii in style using Qantas points!
A return Qantas Economy ticket from Sydney to Honolulu will cost you 70,000 Qantas points plus $380.68 in taxes, fees and charges. Premium Economy costs 108,000 Qantas points and $530.68, while Business class is 144,000 Qantas points and $570.68 round-trip. The taxes payable include Qantas-imposed carrier charges of $180 for an Economy ticket, $330 for Premium Economy or $370 for Business Class.
Join the discussion on the Australian Frequent Flyer forum: Qantas PE & J awards available to Hawaii
Would you like help with redeeming 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.
