Qantas and Philippine Airlines (PAL) have deepened their codeshare and loyalty partnership, granting Qantas Frequent Flyers access to 15 new island destinations across the Philippines. Members can now redeem Qantas Points for Classic Flight Rewards on PAL’s entire network, including flights from Australia to Manila and onward connections to Boracay, Cebu, Palawan, and a dozen other provincial airports.
The expanded agreement also unlocks one-stop itineraries to North America and the Middle East via Ninoy Aquino International Airport, giving Australian travellers a new points-based pathway to long-haul destinations traditionally served by Qantas partners like Emirates and American Airlines.
15 New Island Rewards and Growing Demand
Previously, many of the Philippines’ most popular island destinations were absent from Qantas’ partner reward map. The new list includes Boracay (known for its white-sand beaches), Cebu (a diving hub with access to coral reefs), and Palawan (home to the UNESCO-listed Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park and the limestone karsts of El Nido). Other additions include Davao, Iloilo, and Zamboanga, expanding options for leisure and business travellers alike.
The timing aligns with a surge in Australian arrivals: Philippine Department of Tourism data shows a 19% year-on-year increase in Australian visitors during the first quarter of 2026. This growth underscores demand for island-hopping itineraries that combine major hubs with remote beaches and nature reserves.
How the Partnership Works in Practice
Philippine Airlines operates 22 weekly flights between Australia and Manila, including daily Airbus A330 services from Sydney, A321neoLR flights from Brisbane, and select schedules from Melbourne. Qantas Frequent Flyers can redeem Classic Rewards in Business, Premium Economy, or Economy on these trunk routes, then connect to PAL’s domestic network or long-haul services to the U.S., Canada, and the Middle East.
Qantas Loyalty CEO Andrew Glance noted that members increasingly want their points to unlock “destinations that feel like a true reward,” such as Boracay and El Nido. PAL President Richard Nuttall added that the tie-up also benefits Mabuhay Miles members and deepens the flag carrier’s long-standing ties with Australia.
Search Tool and Broader Reward Ecosystem
These new PAL reward options join the 20 million Classic Reward seats available annually across Qantas, Jetstar, and more than 30 partner airlines, including Emirates, American Airlines, and Cathay Pacific. The number of partner airline Classic Rewards booked has doubled over the past five years, reflecting a shift toward multi-carrier itineraries.
To simplify searching, Qantas launched a Flight Reward Finder tool in March 2026 that scans a full 12-month window by region, destination, and cabin class. Members can now view Classic Reward availability across Qantas and partners—including PAL—in a single interface, then filter by Economy, Premium Economy, or Business.
For travel professionals, this partnership offers a new lever for constructing points-powered island-hopping itineraries that combine Sydney or Brisbane–Manila legs in premium cabins with onward hops to resort islands, dive hubs, and lesser-known provinces. The ability to book all segments through a single loyalty program reduces friction for agents and self-bookers alike.
As the travel industry continues to see a shift toward second-city and nature-led escapes, the Qantas-PAL expansion provides a timely tool for airlines, tour operators, and agents serving the Australian outbound market. For more on how loyalty programs are reshaping route networks, see our coverage of Celebrity Cruises' Captain's Club overhaul and BWH Hotels' detour destinations.
