Sonali Tiwary
Qantas has kicked off a week-long international sale with economy return fares starting from A$499 to popular Pacific and African destinations. The “Red Tail Deals” sale runs until 11:59 pm AEST on May 5, 2025, offering travel dates between May 11, 2025, and March 31, 2026.
Sale Highlights: Where Can You Go?
Economy return fares include:
- Sydney/Brisbane/Melbourne to Vanuatu & Nouméa from A$499
- Fiji from A$599–699
- Palau from A$799
- Honolulu from A$999
- Johannesburg from A$1,699
- London from A$1,749
Premium cabin options include Premium Economy return to London from A$3,899 and Business Class return to Johannesburg from A$6,899.
All fares include checked baggage, meals, and beverages. Qantas is also rolling out free onboard Wi-Fi on A330-200 aircraft serving Asian routes, with trans-Tasman routes to follow.
The Fine Print: What You Should Know
The sale fares operate under specific fare-basis codes, with availability managed dynamically. Like most airline sales, seats are limited and pricing can fluctuate in real-time based on demand.
For international tickets, change fees apply based on fare class. Fully flexible fares allow free date/time changes, while promotional fares typically incur a change fee plus any fare difference. Qantas processes international ticket changes through an Electronic Miscellaneous Document (EMD-S) system.
Frequent Flyer Benefits
Qantas Frequent Flyer members can earn points and status credits on these flights. Typically, international Economy flights earn between 25–75% of the flown distance in points, Premium Economy around 100%, and Business Class approximately 125% (varying by route and fare type).
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The airline has announced upcoming program changes effective July 22, 2025, which will include increased earning rates on Qantas-marketed flights and bonus Status Credit opportunities.
Sustainability Initiatives
Qantas continues testing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) on key international routes through partnerships with Airbus and Boeing. Passengers can purchase carbon offsets during booking through the airline’s Climate+ portal. The carrier has set a target of net zero emissions by 2050, with an interim goal of 10% SAF use by 2030.
Industry Context
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reports international demand rose 12.4% in January 2025, with Asia-Pacific carriers leading the recovery. According to IATA Director General Willie Walsh, “We’ve seen a notable acceleration in demand this January, with a particularly strong performance by carriers based in the Asia-Pacific region. The record high load factors that accompany this strong demand are yet another reminder of the persistent supply chain issues in the aerospace sector.”
Industry analysts note that increased trans-Pacific capacity from carriers like Delta and United has driven approximately 10% year-on-year fare reductions in leisure markets, creating a competitive environment that benefits travelers.
Booking Options
Travelers can secure these fares directly through Qantas.com or the Qantas App, which offers a fare-alert feature. Major travel agencies and oneworld alliance sites also display the sale fares. Qantas Frequent Flyer members can use points for Classic or Classic Plus Flight Rewards, subject to availability.
As Qantas celebrates 90 years of international service in 2025—dating back to its first Brisbane-Singapore route launched on December 24, 1935—these sale fares offer an opportunity for travelers to experience the carrier’s long-standing commitment to connecting Australia with the world.
