Can You Earn Qantas Points on Jetstar?
Yes — you can earn Qantas Frequent Flyer Points on Jetstar, but only on Starter Plus, Starter Max, and Business Max fare bundles. The cheapest bundle, Starter, earns zero Qantas Points. This catches many travellers off guard who assume all Jetstar fares earn points.
Two important caveats apply to all Jetstar earning:
- No Status Credits on any Jetstar fare — Jetstar flights do not contribute to Silver, Gold, or Platinum tier qualification
- QFF number must be on the booking at purchase — not added at the airport
Use our Jetstar points calculator to see exactly how many points your fare bundle and route will earn.
Jetstar Fare Bundles and Qantas Points Earn Rates
| Bundle | Points per km | Status Credits | What's included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | 0 pts/km | None | Seat only, carry-on bag |
| Starter Plus | ~3 pts/km | None | 20kg checked bag, meal, seat selection |
| Starter Max | ~4 pts/km | None | 30kg bag, meal, seat, flexibility |
| Business Max | ~8 pts/km | None | Business seat, 40kg bag, full flexibility |
Why Jetstar Doesn't Earn Status Credits
Jetstar is a separate legal entity from Qantas Airways — a distinct airline with its own operating certificate.
The Qantas Frequent Flyer program has determined that Jetstar flights (being ultra-low-cost carrier operations) do not contribute to elite status qualification, which is aligned with the program's focus on rewarding premium travel.
The absence of SC earning is a structural design, not an oversight. Qantas wants Status Credits to reflect high-yield flying — paying full fares on mainline Qantas or partner airlines. Budget flying on Jetstar earns points (in eligible bundles) but doesn't move you toward status.
Is It Worth Paying More for a Points-Earning Bundle?
The Honest Answer
It depends on the route length and the price gap between bundles.
Cost-Benefit: SYD → MEL (713 km)
Cost-Benefit: MEL → DPS (Bali, 5,600 km)
Jetstar Routes That Earn Qantas Points
Jetstar operates across three main regions where Qantas Points can be earned on eligible bundles:
- Australian Domestic: All major domestic routes (SYD, MEL, BNE, PER, ADL, CBR, DRW). Points earn on Starter Plus and above.
- New Zealand: Trans-Tasman routes from Australian capitals to AKL, CHC, WLG. Competitive points earning on longer segments.
- Southeast Asia: Bali (DPS), Phuket (HKT), Bangkok (BKK), Singapore (SIN), Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), Da Nang (DAD) — longer routes where points earning provides strong value.
How to Make Sure Your Jetstar Points Post
- Add your QFF number at the time of booking— on the Jetstar website, enter it in the “Frequent Flyer” field during checkout. Do not wait until check-in.
- Select Starter Plus, Starter Max, or Business Max — Starter earns nothing. The bundle must be selected at booking, not added after.
- Keep your boarding pass — digital or physical. Required for any retro-claim.
- Check your account within 7–10 days — Jetstar points typically post within a week of travel.
- Submit a retro-claim within 6 months if points don't appear— via qantas.com/frequentflyer under “Manage Missing Points.” Include booking reference and boarding pass.
Jetstar vs Qantas Mainline: The Points Comparison
When does it make sense to pay more and fly mainline Qantas instead of Jetstar?
| Factor | Jetstar (Starter Max) | Qantas Mainline (Flex) |
|---|---|---|
| Points per km | ~4 pts/km | 6 pts/km |
| Status Credits | None | Yes (~0.05 SC/km) |
| Tier bonus applies? | Yes (on points) | Yes |
| Upgrade eligible? | No | Yes (Flex and above) |
| Classic Reward seat access? | No | Yes |
| Service level | Budget LCC | Full service |
Fly mainline Qantas when: you're working toward a status tier, you want upgrade eligibility, or the price difference is small (under $50 on short routes). Fly Jetstar when: the fare saving is significant and Status Credits aren't a priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common questions about this topic
Calculate your Jetstar points
Enter any Jetstar route and bundle to see exactly how many Qantas Points you'll earn.
Open Jetstar Points CalculatorQantas Points Calculator
Published March 24, 2026 · Updated March 2026