Most people file Qantas Points under "Australia only" and move on. That is a mistake. Qantas runs distance-based partner charts covering all of oneworld, Emirates, and — the part almost nobody knows — El Al, with award pricing that beats every alternative on routes to Israel.
And because Qantas Points trade at the cheap end of the market (see our price index), the gap between what they cost and what they book is unusually wide right now.
Sweet spot #1: El Al to Tel Aviv — no fuel surcharges
Qantas is El Al's most useful airline partner, and it is not close. Three things make it work:
- No fuel surcharges. Qantas adds none on El Al awards, so the cash portion of a Tel Aviv ticket is minimal taxes — unlike Avios or Etihad bookings on comparable routes.
- Fixed distance chart. New York, Newark or Boston to Tel Aviv, one way: roughly 37,800 points in economy, 70,800 in premium economy, 90,000 in business.
- Bookable online at qantas.com for most El Al routes, with El Al's saver space visible to Qantas.
The arithmetic: at our current Qantas Points rate, 90,000 points cost well under half of what an El Al business class cash fare runs on New York–Tel Aviv. Even economy awards at 37,800 points frequently beat cash fares in peak season, when Tel Aviv economy tickets exceed $1,500.
The honest caveat: El Al business class award space on the US–Tel Aviv nonstops has been inconsistent — it has opened and closed over the past two years, while economy and premium economy space stayed reliable. Business space on Tel Aviv–Europe and Tel Aviv–Asia routes is easier. This is exactly why we check live availability for your dates before you buy points — tell us the trip first.
Sweet spot #2: Emirates business class — live numbers
Qantas Points book Emirates across its network on the dedicated Qantas–Emirates chart (in effect for bookings since 31 March 2026). Checked live on the Qantas engine this week: Dubai–London in Emirates business is 73,400 points + US$654 in taxes and surcharges, one way — with economy at 25,700 points + US$163.
The arithmetic at our 500K allocation rate of 1.45¢: 73,400 points cost about US$1,064, so the all-in business seat lands around US$1,720 against cash fares of US$4,000 and up. A 500,000-point balance covers six one-way business seats on the route.
One 2026 rule to know: from 18 February 2026, Emirates First class awards require Qantas Silver status or above (the engine shows First at 123,200 points where available). No status, no First — so the practical play for bought points is business class, which carries no status gate.
Sweet spot #3: oneworld partners
The standard partner chart covers Cathay Pacific, JAL, Qatar Airways, American, British Airways and the rest of oneworld. Standouts for a Hong Kong or Asia-based traveller: Cathay regional business, JAL to Tokyo, and Qatar's Qsuite where space appears. Qantas' own Classic Reward space on Australia routes is famously tight — the partner chart is where the value lives.
The 18-month rule
Qantas Points expire after 18 months without activity — but any earning or redemption resets the entire balance. If you buy points for a trip later in the year, one small transaction keeps everything alive indefinitely.
Buying Qantas Points
Our current rate is on the Qantas Points page, with volume tiers for larger balances — and this month's allocation deal on the promotions page is the cheapest way in if your target needs 500,000 points or fewer. Points land in your own Qantas Frequent Flyer account, you book the award yourself, or our award booking service handles the whole job for one price.
As on every page: buying points breaches programme terms — a contractual matter rather than criminal in most jurisdictions, disclosed in full in our award ticket terms, with a 100% refund if an airline cancels a ticket before travel.
Frequently asked questions
Can I book El Al flights with Qantas Points?
Yes — Qantas Frequent Flyer is El Al's most useful airline partner. Awards are bookable on qantas.com for most El Al routes, Qantas adds no fuel surcharges on El Al, and pricing follows Qantas' distance-based partner chart.
How many Qantas Points for New York to Tel Aviv?
On the current partner chart, one way: roughly 37,800 points in economy, 70,800 in premium economy and 90,000 in business class, plus modest taxes. Business class award space on US–Tel Aviv nonstops comes and goes — we check live availability before you commit to buying points.
Can Qantas Points book Emirates flights?
Yes. Emirates awards price on a dedicated Qantas–Emirates chart (from 31 March 2026). Checked live: Dubai–London business is 73,400 points plus about US$654 in taxes, one way. Note that from 18 February 2026, Emirates First awards require Qantas Silver status — so the practical target for bought points is business class.
Why are Qantas Points good value to buy?
They price on fixed distance-based charts rather than dynamic pricing, they never expire while your account has activity every 18 months, and on El Al specifically there are no fuel surcharges — the taxes on a Tel Aviv award are minimal.
Do Qantas Points expire?
Only after 18 months with no earning or redemption activity. Any activity — even a small transfer — resets the clock on the whole balance.
What do Qantas Points cost to buy?
Our current rate is published on the Qantas Points page, with volume pricing on larger orders and a monthly allocation deal on our promotions page. Points are deposited to your own Qantas Frequent Flyer account.