Why savvy travellers are booking indirect flights as Qantas doubles rewards

Qantas has renewed its double reward offer, promoted as a way to fast-track status upgrades and accrue extra Frequent Flyer points.

But one travel consumer advocate recommended reading the Terms and Conditions, given the limited flight routes included in the promotion.

It comes as Qantas increased fares, cut some domestic capacity and reshuffled its network as the Middle East crisis sends fuel costs soaring.

The week-long promotion offers double status credits or Frequent Flyer points but only for flights in Australia and New Zealand between May 12 to August 31.

Double points were also available on Qantas Hotel and Holiday bookings made during the period, until May 11.

Adam Glezer from Consumer Champion said "what could seem like a generous offer on its face, is maybe not so generous because the points that you'd accrue through domestic flights are so much less than international flights".

"Transparency is always king. People actually appreciate that," he said.

Another important caveat to the deal: the points or status credits only apply if the traveller has registered through the Qantas app.

Point Hacks editor-in-chief Brandon Loo said, with the double reward scheme in place, it was a good reason to go for a connecting, not direct route.

"If you need to take two flights to get to your destination instead of one, then you'll actually be better off," he said.

He pointed to flights between Brisbane and Queenstown as an example. The route runs direct between the cities three times per week, but will otherwise require a stopover in Sydney.

Flying directly to Queenstown will accrue 40 status credits in discount economy or 160 status credits in discount business.

But adding a stopover in Sydney increases discount economy to 60 status credits, and 240 status credits in discount business.

"Return in business via [Sydney Airport] earns a maximum of 480 status credits, which is enough to attain Silver status straight away (300 status credits) and reach 69 per cent of attaining Gold (700 status credits) from just one trip," he said.

Perks on offer to Qantas Frequent Flyers include airport lounge access, priority boarding and extra baggage allowances as part of the week-long campaign.

Qantas has also announced discounted international flights to six destinations across South America, South Africa and the Pacific.

The seven-day sale includes return fares to Johannesburg, Santiago, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Samoa and Norfolk Island.