Qantas and Virgin Australia slash fares, increase reward seats amid airfare wars
The nation’s airfare war is heating up again with Qantas slashing the price on one million seats at the same time Virgin Australia increases the number of reward seats on offer.
Qantas has launched its 72-hour sale across 100 routes around Australia, with the lowest fares going for $109 from Ballina to Sydney, or 6400 point, plus $45 in taxes.
Other offers on one-way flights include Perth to Sydney for $299; Brisbane to Sydney for $129, or 7200 points; and Melbourne to Sydney for $139, or 8400 points.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Travellers can also book Hobart to Sydney for $139; Canberra to Melbourne for $159; Brisbane to Perth for $319; and Brisbane to Melbourne for $155.
The sale fares are available for travel dates from March 1 to April 3, April 29 to June 26 and July 18 to September 18.
Meanwhile, Virgin Australia has tripled the number of reward seats available on new international flights operated by Qatar Airways from Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Doha.
Economy one-way reward seats from Perth to Doha can be redeemed for 42,000 points, while trips to Doha from Sydney and Brisbane are going for 56,000 points.
Business class reward seats from Perth to Doha will set travellers back 89,500 points, while flights from Sydney or Brisbane will cost 56,000 points.
The flights — with a travel period between June 12 and December 10 — come following a new partnership between Virgin and Qatar in December.
Velocity Frequent Flyer chief executive Nick Rohrlach said the move to triple reward seats meant international travel was more accessible than ever.
“Whether it’s a bucket-list trip to Europe or a dream holiday in the Middle East, there’s never been a better time to be a Velocity frequent flyer,” he said.
“We know this is a big investment Virgin Australia is making to support its new flights for the European summer.
“We also know this will drive greater member engagement with our program and for our partners which is the key to continued growth and success of our Velocity program.”
It comes after the competition regulator late last year revealed Australian travellers have been paying a whopping 95 per cent more for major domestic flights since Rex Airlines collapsed.
