Mid-Year Red Tail Sale Launches
Qantas kicked off its International Red Tail Sale on Tuesday, 29 July 2025. The one-week event concludes at 11.59 pm on Monday, 4 August 2025. Travellers secure discounted return fares across almost the entire Qantas international network.
Discounted Seats and Routes
Qantas slashed prices on 350,000 economy seats. Fares for key routes include:
- Melbourne–Auckland from $499.
- Sydney–Nadi (Fiji) from $599.
- Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane–Tokyo (Haneda) from $949.
- Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane–Los Angeles from $1,099.
The sale covers more than 30 routes spanning Asia, the Americas, Europe, Africa and the Pacific. Economy return fares to Singapore, Honolulu, Hong Kong, Bangkok and Tokyo start under $979.
Travel Period and School Holidays
The discounted fares apply to travel from July 2025 to May 2026. Key school holiday windows include the Australian summer break, Easter holidays and the September–October break. Availability during holiday periods meets family travel demand.
Executive Comments
Cam Wallace, Chief Executive of Qantas International, said, “We know how much our customers love our international sales, and we’re excited to be offering some fantastic deals across almost our entire international network.” He added, “What makes this sale special is the availability during school holidays, which is something we know families really value. Whether you’re looking for a tropical escape to Bali, exploring Los Angeles and Dallas, or experiencing the culture in Hong Kong, there’s something here for everyone.”
Comparisons with Jetstar
Jetstar joined the mid-year event by offering 75,000 one-way fares. Standout Jetstar deals include Sydney–Gold Coast from $45 and Melbourne–Cairns from $99. Combined, Qantas and Jetstar provide 425,000 discounted seats on both domestic and international flights.
Booking and Conditions
Customers can book sale fares online. Fares may sell out before the sale ends. Standard fare conditions apply, including payment deadlines and limited availability on select flights and dates.
International Destinations on Offer
| Region | Sample Routes | Starting Fare |
| New Zealand | Melbourne–Auckland | $499 |
| Pacific Islands | Sydney–Nadi (Fiji) | $599 |
| Asia | Sydney–Tokyo (Haneda) | $949 |
| North America | Brisbane–Los Angeles | $1,099 |
| Asia & Pacific | Singapore, Honolulu, Hong Kong from under $979 | Under $979 |
Baggage Allowance on Sale Fares
Qantas includes one standard checked bag of 23 kg for economy passengers on most sale fares, with two pieces up to 23 kg each for Premium Economy and Business travellers. Carry-on limits remain at 7 kg for economy and 14 kg combined for higher cabins. Travellers may pre-purchase extra baggage up to 100 kg on international flights outside the Americas in increments of 5 kg, 10 kg, 15 kg, 25 kg or 35 kg.
Travel Documentation Requirements
Passengers require a valid passport with at least six months’ validity beyond travel dates. They must secure visas or electronic travel authorisations: ESTA for the US, eTA for Canada, NZeTA for New Zealand and ETA for the UK. Citizens of eligible non-European countries now need an ETA to transit the UK effective 8 January 2025.
Fare Inclusions and Loyalty Benefits
All sale fares include in-flight meals, beverages and entertainment on Qantas-operated flights. Sale bookings earn Qantas Points and Status Credits under the Frequent Flyer programme. Members retain tier benefits such as extra baggage and lounge access where eligible.
Also Read: CommBank’s excessive fee refunds under ASIC spotlight
Booking Conditions and Payment
Travellers must book by 11.59 pm (AEST) on Monday, 4 August 2025. Payment via BPAY, PayID or Qantas-issued UATP must occur at least seven days before departure. Other payment methods incur a fee capped at $120 per passenger for international travel. Fares may fluctuate if taxes or foreign exchange rates change, and seats on select flights may sell out early.
Change and Cancellation Policies
Standard fare rules apply. Economy passengers may change dates with a fee, subject to fare difference. Premium Economy and Business travellers enjoy more flexible change conditions with reduced or waived fees. All fare changes require payment of any higher fare.
Essential Booking Tips
Travellers should confirm passport and visa validity at least 72 hours before departure. They must review fare rules to understand change or cancellation fees. Families travelling during school holidays benefit from seat availability on peak dates.
Early Booking Advantage
Travellers benefit from locking in spring and summer getaways at reduced rates. With 350,000 seats on sale, the event offers widespread choice for families, couples and solo adventurers. Qantas emphasises that these deals support customers seeking value and flexibility during peak holiday seasons.
Conclusion
Qantas’s International Red Tail Sale presents a seven-day opportunity to secure discounted flights throughout its global network. With substantial seat availability during school holidays, the sale caters to both leisure and family travel needs. Travellers should act quickly to ensure they book the best deals before the sale closes on 4 August 2025.
