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Qantas A380 Flights Resume Next Month: Here's How To Book Using Points

Qantas resumes A380 flights, offering enhanced travel experiences. Book now for premium comfort and flexibility.
Tom Goward
Tom Goward28 Dec 2021
Qantas A380 Flights Resume Next Month: Here's How To Book Using Points

Qantas plans to fast-track the return of its Airbus A380 operations, with the superjumbo set to resume commercial flights on 11 January 2022. That’s three months ahead of schedule, but long overdue after two years since the last Qantas A380 commercial flight.

Qantas A380 commercial flight

The airline has said it is bringing back the A380 early to ease pressure on 70 of its Queensland-based 787 pilots who are required to isolate for 14 days following each international service. As this is not the case for other states, Qantas will reshuffle their international schedule to make use of the A380’s larger capacity.

In addition, Qantas will also reduce its Melbourne to London route from daily 787 flights to up to four weekly services, while Melbourne to Los Angeles will drop from four 787 flights per week to three.

Just one A380 to return

VH-OQB will be the first A380 to re-enter service, with others to follow as demand increases. The aircraft was brought home to Sydney last month following storage in Germany. As of November, QQB was fitted with Qantas’ older generation seating, but the airline has said that all their returning A380s will have received a cabin refresh before they return to the skies.

While OQB’s return to glory is welcome, it’s also bittersweet. Qantas will send two of its A380s into early retirement, despite earlier reports that all 12 would return to service.

Direct to the City of Angels

The first A380 flight is now weeks away with Sydney to Los Angeles the route of choice. Qantas hopes to make up for their short-term reduction in flights with an increase in passenger loads per service, seeing the twin-deck superjumbo has more than double the number of seats compared to the 787.

Sydney to Los Angeles route

The airline has reduced their Sydney to Los Angeles route from a daily 787 service to three A380 plus one 787 services per week. The first A380 flight will depart Sydney on January 11.

How to redeem Qantas A380 Sydney to Los Angeles

Sitting on a mountain of unused Qantas Points? Why not fly to LA! Here’s how many Qantas Points you’ll need.

  • Economy: 41,900 points + $226 taxes
  • Premium Economy: 81,300 points + $306 taxes
  • Business: 108,400 points + $351 taxes
  • First: 162,800 points + $351 taxes

If you’re short on points, a solid Qantas credit card could be the way to go. Here are some of our favourite offers right now!

1) Qantas Premier Platinum

Qantas Premier Platinum

Earn 90,000 bonus Qantas Points by spending $3,500 or more on eligible purchases within 3 months of card approval, and in the first year, you also get a discounted annual fee of $199. This offer is available to new cardholders who apply online before 28 February 2022.

Qantas Premier Platinum: Click here to find out more or apply

2) American Express Qantas Ultimate

American Express Qantas Ultimate

Receive 55,000 bonus Qantas Points when you apply online, are approved, and spend $3,000 on your new Card within the first 3 months from card approval. Offer available to new Card Members only.

American Express Qantas Ultimate: Click here to find out more or apply

3) NAB Qantas Rewards Signature

NAB Qantas Rewards Signature

Receive 90,000 bonus Qantas Points when you spend $3,000 in the first 60 days, plus an additional 20,000 Qantas Points when you keep your card open for over 12 months. New cardholders also enjoy a reduced annual card fee for the first year.

NAB Qantas Rewards Signature: Click here to find out more or apply

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