Qantas shows you multiple ways to use your points on the same route. The price difference between them can be enormous and it is not always obvious which one represents real value.
What the Numbers Actually Looked Like
Booking Melbourne to Singapore, I compared every available option on the same day. A Classic Reward fare came in at 29,000 points one way. A Classic Plus fare on the same route was 32,600 points, slightly more but still in a reasonable range.
Then I noticed a routing via Perth to the same destination on the same day. 87,800 points. Nearly three times the cost to arrive at exactly the same place.
Why This Happens
Qantas structures its points redemptions across different tiers. Classic Rewards use a fixed points chart and are almost always the best value option when seats are available. Classic Plus is a dynamic pricing model that can cost significantly more for no additional benefit. Other routing options, particularly indirect ones, can balloon in points cost in ways that make no logical sense relative to the destination.
The problem is that Qantas displays all of these options together without making it obvious which represents genuine value and which is a poor use of your points.
The Rule to Follow
Always check Classic Reward availability first. If Classic Reward seats are not available, weigh up whether Classic Plus is worth the premium. Never assume that because Qantas is showing you an option, it represents reasonable value.
The difference on a single booking can be tens of thousands of points. Enough, in some cases, for an entirely separate redemption.
Have you ever accidentally booked a poor value points redemption? Comment below.