Frequent flyer points are kinda like superannuation. Everybody has it, but not everyone knows how to use it, and all its ins and outs. We’re all busy earning points, but rarely do we cash them in or know what represents the best value.

Here are six golden rules to make sure you get your money’s worth on your frequent flyer points.

Save your points for flights

The best bang for buck is buying an international flight purely on points. For optimal value, we’re talking about booking a rewards seat at the pointy end of the plane (Business or First Class). Obviously this can take years of saving to get there and you might prefer a holiday a lot sooner. Domestic reward seats also present good value. Even if it’s just Sydney to Melbourne, the value far outweighs redeeming them for a blender or vacuum cleaner from the store.

Apply for an upgrade

This is a good way to use your points and generally the longer the flight, the better value you’ll receive. Though bear in mind chances of a successful upgrade are slim. Not all requests will be approved and whether you make the cut depends on a number of factors, from your status and the status of others competing for the upgrade, to seat availability.

Don’t use them in the store 

You might think it’s ok to stock up on wine or save on Christmas presents through the Qantas Rewards Store, but this is actually the worst way to spend your points. Instead, save them to put towards a flight down the track. If you’re strapped for cash for a gift, you can donate points to a family member. Qantas’ definition of a family member is broad, including step-parents, children (including foster and step children), siblings, half siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, son or daughter-in law, brother or sister-in-law, father or mother-in-law, uncles or aunts, nephews or nieces, and even first cousins.

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Don’t let them expire 

Your Qantas points won’t expire as long as you are earning or redeeming points. And it’s very easy to keep earning ticking along. This is where you buy wine in the Qantas Rewards Store and link your QFF account to Woolworths so your weekly shop converts straight into miles. You can also switch to a Qantas Frequent Flyer card, and link your BP Rewards, Deliveroo and Hoyts accounts to Qantas. 

Book well in advance 

The early bird gets the rewards seat. Everyone wants to save a bit of cash and use their points to book a seat. Airlines only make a certain number of seats available to book on frequent flyer points and these book out months in advance, especially at popular times like for summer in Europe, Christmas and school holidays. Book your seat a good six to 12 months ahead.

Keep an eye on your points 

While you wait to find the perfect flight or holiday to use your points on, keep an eye on your balance. Make sure it’s growing nicely, not expiring or vanishing – hackers have been known to steal miles.

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