That's the big question we're raising this week.
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Qantas Gold frequent flyer Aaron P is not happy. He's been sitting on nearly one million points for several months and hasn't been able to use them to snag a single business class seat.
"Pre-COVID, I used to be able to secure business class international seats for points 80 per cent of the time," the Wollongong-based frequent traveller tells Explore. "But something has changed. Qantas has made it far more difficult since COVID."
Unlike Aaron P, Sydney-based Simone Wilkins has had a successful experience. "I have just booked Syd-LAX via points, and have used my points to book flights to Singapore, Dallas and London in the past. It's hard, but I just look everyday," she says.
Melbourne-based Steve Hui is the founder of iFLYflat, which specialises in helping its clients book business class international seats using points.
Hui says cases like Simone Wilkins are exceptions rather than the rule. "Many Qantas customers are sitting on points they can't use," he says.
When we look for classic rewards seats for our clients, there's been nothing. Nothing for that week. Nothing for that month. It's a complete desert.
"In fact, when we look for classic rewards seats for our clients, there's been nothing. Nothing for that week. Nothing for that month. It's a complete desert."
But fortunes of people like Aaron P may change.
Earlier this week, Qantas announced it would be releasing "tens of thousands of new international reward seats" across all cabins - economy, business and first - for frequent flyers.
While a large chunk of those seats were released on Friday, Qantas said it would release more seats in the coming months, allowing more frequent flyers to have a chance of snaring them.
In spite of additional rewards seats, experts say the field is still very competitive, particularly if you're after long-haul business or first-class seats.
"Being able to book rewards business class international seats using points offers seven times more value than using those points for, say, gift cards," says Hui.
So what's the best way to grab those coveted seats?
David Flynn, editor of the Executive Traveller website, says planning ahead is key.
Look for when rewards seats are available and plan your travel dates accordingly, instead of the other way round
Look for when rewards seats are available and plan your travel dates accordingly, instead of the other way round.
"It's highly unlikely you'll find a business-class seat for points for next week, but if you're looking to travel in, say, six or eight months time, you'll have a much better success rate."
According to Hui, flexibility goes a long way, too. "Look for when rewards seats are available and plan your travel dates accordingly, instead of the other way round."
Flynn says if you see rewards seats around the dates when you intend on travelling, book them straightaway, even if you're unsure of your travel plans. "You can always cancel those seats and get your points back, barring a 6000 point cancellation fee."
Avoid planning travel in peak periods, such as school holidays, says Flynn, while Hui says look for rewards seats on different routes. "You may want to go to Europe and may not find rewards seats on flights to London. Try Rome instead and then book a flight from Rome to London. At least you'll have the long-haul sorted," he says.
