Flying Blue Opens Qantas Premium Economy and First Class Awards


Flying Blue miles can now book Qantas award seats in Premium Economy and First, on top of Economy and Business. Since October 2026, the Qantas partner page of the Flying Blue program shows miles being spent across all 4 of the Australian carrier's cabins, subject to availability.
For Canadian travellers, that opens another route to Australia and the South Pacific. Air France and KLM's Flying Blue program is fed in Canada through point transfers, so these cabins are within reach even if you never fly Air France or KLM.
Until now, Flying Blue members could redeem miles on Qantas in Economy and Business only. The two new cabins round out the options:
The change covers flights marketed and operated by Qantas (QF code), on routes where these cabins exist, such as Sydney to Los Angeles or Singapore to Melbourne. Award seats are limited and vary by flight and date.
It builds on the expanded partnership between Air France-KLM and Qantas announced in July 2025.
Flying Blue Ultimate members also get into the Qantas First Lounge in Los Angeles, Melbourne and Sydney. The Singapore First Lounge is not available because of airport restrictions.
Few travellers will use this, since Ultimate is the program's top tier. The full tier breakdown is on our Flying Blue program page.
Booking happens online, in the Air France or KLM award tool:
If a Qantas flight does not show online, Flying Blue customer service can book it by phone. The number of miles depends on the cabin, the route and the date.
American Express Membership Rewards points transfer to Flying Blue. The current ratio is covered in our article on the Membership Rewards transfer to Flying Blue.
Before you transfer, make sure an award seat is actually open on the flight you want. Qantas First award seats are scarce.
On partner awards, Flying Blue often charges a high number of miles, plus carrier surcharges. Our look at Flying Blue surcharges shows how much these fees weigh on an award ticket.
So run the numbers before you book. Our method for working out the real value of your Flying Blue miles works on a Qantas flight too: cash fare, minus taxes and fees paid, divided by the miles used.
For Canadians, the appeal sits mainly on Qantas transpacific flights out of Los Angeles and on routes between Asia and Australia. From Montreal, Toronto or Vancouver, you first need to reach a city served by these cabins.
Flying Blue has added Premium Economy and First to Qantas awards, which now cover all 4 cabins. If Australia is on your list, check availability in the Air France or KLM tool first, compare the total cost with other programs, then transfer your points only once the seat is found.
To keep up with loyalty program news, sign up for our newsletter, and see our ranking of the best credit cards in Canada to earn transferable points.
Our reviews and rankings are based on an objective assessment. Advertisers do not influence our content. We may receive compensation through some links; our analysis and opinions remain independent.