Jetstar Elevates International Journeys as Qantas Points Unlock More Business Class Upgrade Opportunities

As of now, Qantas Frequent Flyers can use their points on a different airline. Jetstar introduces Classic Upgrades, allowing Qantas Frequent Flyers to convert some of their points to move from Economy to Business Class on select international flights. The Dreamliner offers a more comfortable long-haul flight and this option offers a greater experience at a higher cost. Using points to upgrade to Business Class is more economical for longer flights.

The new rewards feature arrives as Jetstar begins upgrading its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet, with a major cabin refurbishment designed to significantly increase Business Class capacity across its international network. The changes are expected to create thousands of additional premium seats each year, giving frequent travellers more opportunities to redeem points on popular Asia Pacific routes.

The expansion represents another step in strengthening the connection between the Qantas Frequent Flyer programme and Jetstar’s growing international network. The move follows increased demand for points-based travel options, with reward bookings across the wider Qantas Loyalty programme reaching record levels during FY26.

Jetstar Opens More Premium Travel Opportunities Through Qantas Points

The introduction of Jetstar Classic Upgrades provides Frequent Flyers with a new way to maximise their points when travelling internationally. Previously available on Qantas-operated flights, Classic Upgrades have now been extended to selected Jetstar Boeing 787 Dreamliner services for the first time.

Under the new system, members can request an upgrade using a fixed number of Qantas Points based on their travel route. This allows passengers to access Business Class benefits without purchasing a full Business Class fare.

The upgrade option is designed to provide greater flexibility for travellers who want additional comfort on longer international journeys. Eligible upgrades include enhanced onboard services and added travel benefits, helping passengers enjoy a more premium experience while using their existing points balance.

The launch also reflects the increasing popularity of Jetstar among Frequent Flyers, particularly travellers looking for affordable international travel options while still benefiting from loyalty programme advantages.

Jetstar Boeing 787 Fleet Upgrade Creates More Business Class Seats

The arrival of Jetstar Classic Upgrades coincides with a major transformation of the airline’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet. The refurbishment programme is expanding each aircraft’s Business Class cabin from 21 seats to 44 seats, more than doubling the available premium capacity.

The additional seats will significantly increase access to Business Class travel across Jetstar’s international network. Tens of thousands of extra Business Class seats are expected to become available annually on flights connecting Australia with key destinations across Asia and the wider Pacific region.

Popular routes benefiting from the increased premium capacity include:

The expanded cabins are expected to support growing demand for more comfortable international travel while allowing Frequent Flyers greater choice when redeeming points.

More Travellers Are Using Points for Premium Experiences

The launch comes during a period of strong growth in points-based travel across the Qantas Frequent Flyer ecosystem. During FY26, a record number of flight rewards were redeemed by members, highlighting increasing demand for using loyalty points for flights and upgrades.

Business and First Class upgrade requests on Qantas international services also increased during the period, showing continued interest in premium travel experiences.

With Jetstar now offering Classic Upgrades, Frequent Flyers have another opportunity to use their points strategically. The option provides an alternative for travellers who may prefer to upgrade selected journeys rather than redeem points for an entire premium cabin booking.

The introduction also supports the wider shift in the travel industry towards flexible loyalty benefits, where passengers increasingly expect more choices in how they earn and spend rewards.

How Jetstar Classic Upgrades Work for Frequent Flyers

Jetstar Classic Upgrades allow eligible Qantas Frequent Flyer members to request a Business Class upgrade after booking an eligible Economy Class ticket. The number of Qantas Points required depends on the selected route.

Each successful upgrade includes several Business Class benefits designed to improve the overall journey experience.

These benefits include:

• Business Class seating
• 30kg checked baggage allowance
• Inflight meal service
• Priority boarding access

Examples of upgrade points required at launch include:

The fixed points structure gives travellers a clearer understanding of the cost involved when planning upgrades. Members can use their existing points balance to enhance international trips without needing to purchase a separate Business Class ticket.

Upgrade Requests Initially Available Through Jetstar Bookings

At launch, Jetstar Classic Upgrade requests will be available for eligible flights booked through the Jetstar website. The option will later expand to bookings made through Qantas digital channels.

The phased rollout is expected to make the upgrade process easier for more Frequent Flyers as the service becomes available across additional booking platforms.

The introduction builds on recent loyalty improvements, including the addition of Points Plus Pay for Jetstar Business Class bookings. Together, these features provide travellers with more flexibility when deciding how to use their Qantas Points.

Passengers can now choose between different redemption options depending on their travel needs, budget and preferred level of comfort.

Jetstar Strengthens Its Role in Asia Pacific International Travel

Jetstar continues to expand its presence across the Asia Pacific region, with international routes connecting Australian travellers to major leisure destinations. The introduction of Classic Upgrades adds another layer to the airline’s offering by combining low-cost travel options with greater access to premium services.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet enhancements are expected to support this growth by increasing Business Class availability and improving passenger choice.

For Frequent Flyers, the new upgrade pathway creates a bridge between affordable international fares and premium travel benefits. The development highlights the changing role of airline loyalty programmes, where customers increasingly seek greater flexibility, better value and more personalised travel experiences.

With more Business Class seats becoming available and new points redemption opportunities introduced, Jetstar is expanding the ways travellers can use loyalty rewards while exploring destinations across the Asia Pacific region.