Ever dreamed of exploring the globe without blowing your travel budget? With the right strategy, your frequent flyer rewards can turn that dream into a reality. For savvy travellers, Qantas Points offer an exceptional way to book a Round the World (RTW) trip—visiting multiple continents on a single ticket for a fraction of the usual cost.
Rather than redeeming points for individual flights, you can use them for a global itinerary packed with stopovers, adventures, and serious value. Here’s how to make it happen and get the most out of every point you’ve earned.
What Is a Round the World Award?
A Round the World award is a special type of frequent flyer redemption. Instead of booking separate legs for each flight, you create one itinerary covering multiple destinations across several continents. With Qantas, this is available as part of their OneWorld Classic Flight Reward.
The best part? You’ll use a fixed number of Qantas Points for the entire journey—even if you’re flying business class. You can include up to five stopovers (stays longer than 24 hours), plus a few shorter transits. It’s an ideal way to stretch your points and see more of the world in one go.
Why Use Qantas Points for a Round the World Trip?
If you’ve been collecting Qantas Points without a clear plan, this is one of the best redemptions available. For roughly the same number of points required for a return business class ticket to London, you could instead visit Tokyo, London, New York, and Santiago—all on one journey.
Not only is it more exciting, but you’ll also benefit from lower carrier charges and taxes than if you booked the legs separately. And because you’re booking with points, you can enjoy premium cabin travel without paying premium cash fares.
Step 1: Plan Your Route
Start by identifying your dream destinations. You can include up to five stopovers, so think about where you truly want to spend time. Each stopover must be more than 24 hours, and you can also add transit stops for less than 24 hours—perfect for brief sightseeing or rest between long-haul flights.
A typical RTW route might look like:
- Sydney → Tokyo (Stopover)
- Tokyo → London (Stopover)
- London → New York (Stopover)
- New York → Santiago (Stopover)
- Santiago → Auckland (Stopover)
- Auckland → Sydney
The key is to move in a continuous direction—either east or west—and avoid backtracking.
Step 2: Know the Rules
To be eligible for the Qantas RTW award booking, your trip must meet specific criteria:
- Maximum of 35,000 miles total across the itinerary
- Five stopovers allowed
- Travel must move in one direction only (east or west)
- Must visit at least two continents outside of Australia
You can use an online mileage calculator to check your total distance. If you go over, you’ll either need to simplify your route or redeem more points, which can reduce the value of the booking.
Step 3: Check Seat Availability
Qantas and its OneWorld partners only allocate a limited number of award seats per flight. That means availability—especially in business class—can be scarce.
Flexibility is your best friend here. Try flying mid-week, avoiding peak travel periods, and checking multiple departure cities if you’re having trouble. You’ll often have better luck finding availability if you search segment-by-segment instead of trying to view the whole route at once.
If your ideal itinerary isn’t available now, keep checking. Airlines regularly release more award seats as departure dates approach.
Step 4: Call to Book
While many Qantas Classic Flight Rewards can be booked online, RTW redemptions require phone assistance. This process can be time-consuming, so it helps to come prepared.
Before calling:
- Write down your full itinerary, including dates, cities, and flight numbers
- Check that your total mileage is under 35,000 miles
- Have alternative dates or routes ready in case some segments aren’t available
A knowledgeable agent can help troubleshoot and offer suggestions if your first draft isn’t quite working. Be patient—it’s worth the time investment for the rewards you’ll get.
Step 5: Prepare for Departure
Once you’ve locked in your booking, it’s time to sort the logistics:
- Check visa requirements for each country
- Ensure passport validity (some countries require six months remaining)
- Purchase travel insurance for peace of mind
- Consider booking accommodation and internal travel early to take advantage of deals
Don’t forget to double-check entry requirements, including any transit restrictions, especially in the current global travel climate.
Bonus Tip: Use a Travel Expert
Booking a Round the World itinerary with Qantas Points can be complex. If you’re unsure where to start or want to maximise value without the hassle, consider working with a travel specialist. Expert agencies can help design an efficient route, find award availability, and take care of the booking process.
Conclusion
With careful planning and a bit of flexibility, your Qantas Points can unlock a journey across the globe. Rather than spending them on a simple return trip, you can visit multiple cities, travel in style, and create unforgettable experiences—all without blowing your travel budget.
So if you’ve been sitting on a points balance wondering what to do, now’s the time to put it to work. Turn your rewards into round-the-world memories that are worth far more than the flights that got you there.
