Last Updated on July 28, 2026 by Daniel Globe
Qantas is generally a good airline for travelers who value a strong safety record, a large Australian network, full-service inclusions, and access to the Qantas Frequent Flyer and oneworld networks. It is not automatically the best choice for every trip, however. Fares, aircraft interiors, punctuality, and customer service can vary by route and date.
Quick Answer
Yes, Qantas is a good airline overall. Its main strengths are safety, an extensive Australian network, useful loyalty benefits, and a generally solid full-service product. Its drawbacks include fares that can be higher than low-cost alternatives, mixed cabin quality across aircraft, limited reward-seat availability, and a customer-service reputation that is still recovering.
Key Takeaways
- Qantas has had no fatal accident since 1951 and no jet-era fatalities or hull losses, although safety incidents and investigations have occurred.
- Official Australian data recorded 79.7% on-time departures for Qantas in 2025 and 87.8% in May 2026, not a consistent rate above 90%.
- The onboard experience depends heavily on the aircraft, route, cabin, and whether a flight is operated by Qantas, QantasLink, or a partner airline.
- Qantas Frequent Flyer is useful for regular travelers, but points seats can be limited and Status Credits work separately from Qantas Points.
- Qantas is strongest for travelers who value network reach and a full-service product more than finding the lowest possible fare.
Qantas at a Glance
| Safety | Excellent historical record, with no fatal accident since 1951 and no jet-era fatalities or hull losses. |
| Punctuality | Improving, but monthly and route-level performance varies. |
| Onboard Service | Generally solid full-service offering, with significant variation by aircraft and cabin. |
| Route Network | Excellent for travel within Australia, with useful long-haul and partner connections. |
| Frequent Flyer Program | Broad earning network and useful status benefits, but popular reward flights can be difficult to book. |
| Overall Value | Good when the schedule, baggage, loyalty benefits, and included service justify the fare difference. |
Safety Record
Qantas has one of the best-known safety records in commercial aviation. According to Flight Safety Australia, the airline has not had a fatal accident since 1951. Independent safety publications also note that Qantas has had no jet-era passenger fatalities or jet hull losses.
That record does not mean Qantas has never crashed an aircraft or experienced a serious incident. Fatal accidents occurred during its early propeller-aircraft history, and more recent flights have been subject to safety investigations. For example, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau investigated an engine malfunction involving a Qantas A330 after departure from Los Angeles in December 2024.
Note: A strong historical safety record is not the same as an incident-free record. Airlines report and investigate incidents so that risks can be understood and corrective action can be taken.
In the independent AirlineRatings 2026 safety ranking, Qantas placed third among full-service airlines. This is a third-party assessment rather than a government certification, but it supports the airline’s continuing reputation for safety.
On-Time Performance
What the Current Data Shows
The original claim that Qantas consistently achieves an on-time rate of at least 90% is not supported by official figures. The Australian Government’s Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics reported that 79.7% of Qantas departures were on time during calendar year 2025.
Performance improved in 2026. In May 2026, 87.8% of Qantas departures were on time. Qantas recorded the best departure result among the major mainline domestic airlines included in that month’s report, although some smaller regional operators performed better.
Qantas recorded 87.8% on-time departures in May 2026, compared with 79.7% across calendar year 2025.
Why Your Flight May Perform Differently
BITRE figures cover selected Australian domestic routes and should not be treated as a guarantee for one flight. Weather, air traffic control, airport congestion, engineering needs, crew availability, and delays carried over from earlier sectors can all affect departure and arrival times.
When punctuality is especially important, check the recent history of the exact route and avoid the last flight of the day. Earlier departures often leave more rebooking options if a disruption occurs.
Customer Satisfaction
Qantas’s customer experience has improved from the low point of its post-pandemic reputation, but passenger opinions remain mixed. In its first-half FY2026 results, the company reported that Qantas Net Promoter Score improved by five points.
Qantas is a full-service airline rather than a bare-bones low-cost carrier. Depending on the route and aircraft, a Qantas fare may include checked baggage, refreshments or meals, entertainment, and access to the airline’s broader connection network. Exact inclusions remain subject to the fare, route, aircraft, and operating carrier.
Cabin Quality Varies
The experience can be very different between a short Boeing 737 domestic flight and a long-haul Airbus A380, A330, or Boeing 787 service. Newer aircraft generally offer more modern charging, entertainment, lighting, and storage features, while some older cabins may feel dated.
Premium Economy and Business Class also vary by aircraft. A cabin name alone does not guarantee the same seat design on every route, so review the operating aircraft and seat map before paying a premium.
Pro Tip: Check the aircraft type in the booking details and compare it with the official Qantas seat map. An aircraft swap can still occur, but this gives you a better idea of the expected seat, charging options, and cabin layout.
Recent Customer-Service Controversy
A balanced review must also acknowledge Qantas’s recent consumer-law record. In October 2024, the Federal Court ordered Qantas to pay $100 million in penalties for misleading consumers by continuing to sell or display flights after deciding to cancel them.
The penalty does not describe every current interaction with the airline, but it explains why some travelers remain cautious about customer service and disruption handling despite more recent improvements.
Comfort is also personal on long sectors. Travelers who struggle to sleep upright may find the existing guide to the best travel pillows for long flights useful when planning a Qantas journey.
Fleet Age and Maintenance
Qantas operates a mixed fleet rather than an entirely new one. It continues to use established aircraft such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A330 while adding newer Airbus A220 and A321XLR aircraft. The airline is also preparing Airbus A350 aircraft for its future Project Sunrise long-haul services.
| Aircraft Type | How It Is Used | What Passengers Should Know |
|---|---|---|
| Boeing 737-800 | Core Qantas domestic, trans-Tasman, and selected short-haul services. | A proven aircraft, but its cabin may feel less modern than the incoming A321XLR. |
| Airbus A320 Family | Used within the wider Qantas Group, including Jetstar and selected QantasLink regional operations. | Do not assume a Qantas mainline product merely because the booking is sold through Qantas. |
| Embraer E190 | Selected QantasLink services operated in partnership with Alliance Airlines. | The 2-2 Economy layout avoids middle seats, but cabin configurations and the operating carrier should be checked. |
Qantas has started operating the Airbus A321XLR as part of its narrow-body renewal. QantasLink is also introducing the Airbus A220, which offers a quieter cabin and modern passenger features.
Aircraft age alone does not determine safety. Commercial aircraft must remain within approved maintenance and airworthiness requirements regardless of age. A well-maintained older aircraft can operate safely, while a newer aircraft still requires inspections, repairs, software updates, and careful operational oversight.
Pilot Training and Experience
There is no reliable public evidence that the average Qantas pilot has exactly ten years of experience. Experience varies widely between first officers, captains, aircraft fleets, and employees who joined Qantas after flying for other operators.
What can be verified is the regulatory framework. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority requires relevant proficiency checks, while airline operators must maintain approved training and checking systems. Training can include aircraft systems, normal procedures, emergency response, crew coordination, simulator sessions, and supervised line operations.
Pilots must also remain qualified for the aircraft type and operation they perform. This recurrent system is more meaningful than a broad, unsupported average number of years.
Route Network
Domestic and Regional Reach
Qantas is particularly useful for travel within Australia. Its published network includes more than 60 Australian destinations, covering capital cities, major regional centers, and many smaller communities through QantasLink.
Regional flights may be operated by QantasLink subsidiaries or affiliated airlines. The aircraft, cabin, baggage process, and onboard offering can therefore differ from a Qantas mainline flight.
International Connections
Qantas flies from Australia to destinations across Asia, Europe, North America, and the Pacific. Its long-haul network is especially useful for travelers connecting between Australia and major international hubs.
Qantas is also a founding member of the oneworld alliance. Codeshares and partner flights expand the number of available destinations, but the operating airline’s service rules apply during partner-operated sectors.
Why the Operating Carrier Matters
A flight number beginning with “QF” does not always mean that Qantas operates the aircraft. Before booking, check the wording beside each flight for phrases such as “operated by QantasLink,” “operated by Alliance Airlines,” or the name of another partner.
Awards and Recognitions
Qantas was named the Best Airline in Australia/Pacific in the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards. It also received regional awards covering several cabin and service categories.
Skytrax currently certifies Qantas as a 4-Star Airline. This represents a good overall product and service assessment, but it is below Skytrax’s highest 5-Star category.
Awards are useful supporting evidence, not a guarantee that every route, aircraft, or staff interaction will deliver the same experience. Rankings also use different methods, so results from separate organizations should not be treated as interchangeable.
Qantas Frequent Flyer
Qantas Frequent Flyer allows members to earn and use Qantas Points through flights, credit-card partners, shopping, hotels, and other participating businesses. Points can be used for eligible flights, upgrades, hotels, and selected products.
Qantas Points and Status Credits serve different purposes. Points are a reward currency, while Status Credits help members qualify for Silver, Gold, Platinum, and higher recognition levels. Status Credits generally reset at the start of each membership year.
Frequent Flyer Strengths
- A broad earning network within Australia.
- Access to Qantas and participating partner rewards.
- Status benefits that can include priority services, lounge access, and additional baggage, subject to tier and itinerary.
- Family-transfer and Points Club features for eligible members.
Frequent Flyer Drawbacks
- Popular Classic Flight Reward seats can be difficult to find.
- Taxes, fees, and carrier charges may still apply to reward bookings.
- The number of points required can vary by reward type.
- Points do not automatically provide elite status.
Financial Stability
Qantas’s latest available half-year results support the view that it is financially stable. For the six months ending December 31, 2025, the company reported:
- Underlying profit before tax of $1.46 billion.
- Statutory profit after tax of $925 million.
- Operating cash flow of $1.8 billion.
- A group operating margin of 12.3%.
These figures are available through the Qantas Investor Centre. Financial strength supports fleet investment, maintenance, technology, and operational recovery, but past results do not guarantee future performance.
Environmental Responsibility
Qantas has set a target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. It also has an interim target to reduce net Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse-gas emissions by 25% by 2030 compared with 2019 levels.
Its published sustainability strategy relies on measures that include newer aircraft, operational efficiency, sustainable aviation fuel, and carbon-management programs.
These are targets rather than proof that Qantas has already eliminated its climate impact. Long-haul aviation remains difficult to decarbonize, and the availability and cost of sustainable aviation fuel remain significant limitations across the industry.
Handling of Disruptions and Delays
Qantas publishes a Compensation and Refunds Policy explaining assistance that may be available after a delay or cancellation. The outcome depends on the cause, the itinerary, applicable law, and whether the disruption was within the airline’s control.
Warning: Do not assume that every delay automatically qualifies for cash compensation, meals, or a hotel. Rights differ by country and circumstances. An airline policy also cannot remove consumer guarantees that apply under Australian law.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission explains that passengers may be entitled to a replacement service or refund when a service is not provided within a reasonable time. The circumstances and cause of the disruption matter.
What to Do After a Qantas Disruption
- Check the Qantas app, email, and airport screens for the latest rebooking information.
- Ask whether you have already been moved to another flight.
- Request written confirmation of the cancellation or delay when practical.
- Keep receipts for reasonable meals, accommodation, and transport.
- Use the official Qantas reimbursement claim process if the policy indicates that your costs may be covered.
- Review your travel-insurance policy, including delay thresholds and excluded causes.
- Refer to the ACCC guidance if the replacement offered does not appear to be within a reasonable time.
Overall Reputation
Qantas remains a respected full-service airline with an exceptional historical safety record, a valuable Australian network, improving punctuality, and a substantial fleet-renewal program. Its 2025 regional Skytrax award and current financial position support the view that the airline has regained some of the ground lost during its post-pandemic customer-service problems.
Its reputation is not flawless. The 2024 consumer-law penalty was significant, some cabins are more modern than others, reward seats can be hard to secure, and fares may be noticeably higher than Jetstar or other competitors.
Qantas Is a Good Choice For
- Travelers who need strong connections within Australia.
- Passengers who value checked baggage and full-service inclusions.
- Qantas Frequent Flyer or oneworld members.
- Travelers who prefer an established premium airline over the lowest possible fare.
- Long-haul passengers who can choose a suitable aircraft and cabin.
Consider an Alternative If
- Your main priority is the lowest ticket price.
- Another airline offers a nonstop flight while Qantas requires a connection.
- The Qantas flight uses an older or less desirable cabin than a competitor.
- You are paying a large premium without gaining useful baggage, schedule, status, or lounge benefits.
Overall verdict: Qantas is a good airline for many travelers, especially those flying to, from, or within Australia. Compare the exact fare, operating carrier, aircraft, schedule, and disruption terms rather than choosing it on reputation alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Qantas a good airline?
Yes. Qantas is generally a good full-service airline because of its safety history, Australian network, loyalty program, and onboard inclusions. Value still depends on the fare, aircraft, route, and operating carrier.
Why is Qantas considered a good airline?
Its main advantages are a strong historical safety record, more than 60 Australian destinations, international and oneworld connections, a full-service product, and a broad frequent flyer ecosystem.
Does Qantas have good on-time performance?
Its performance has improved, but it is not consistently above 90%. BITRE reported 79.7% on-time departures for Qantas in 2025 and 87.8% in May 2026. Results vary by route, month, weather, and airport conditions.
What is the service like on Qantas flights?
Qantas generally provides a solid full-service experience with baggage, refreshments or meals, and entertainment on many services. The exact seat, catering, Wi-Fi, charging, and entertainment options vary by aircraft and route.
Does Qantas offer a good frequent flyer program?
Qantas Frequent Flyer is useful for people who regularly earn through flights, cards, shopping, or partners. Its weaknesses include limited availability on popular reward flights, variable points pricing, and additional taxes or fees on some bookings.
Is Qantas safe to fly with?
Yes. Qantas has had no fatal accident since 1951 and no jet-era fatalities or hull losses. It is also regularly placed near the top of independent safety rankings, although incidents and safety investigations can still occur.
Are checked bags included on Qantas flights?
Checked baggage is included on many Qantas fares, but the allowance depends on the route, cabin, fare conditions, frequent flyer status, and operating airline. Confirm the allowance shown in the booking before paying.
Is Qantas better than Jetstar?
Qantas usually offers more included service, stronger connection support, and a more premium experience. Jetstar may be better when its lower base fare remains cheaper after adding baggage, seats, meals, and other extras.
Sources
- Flight Safety Australia: Qantas—The Safety Story — historical fatal-accident and aircraft-loss context.
- Australian Transport Safety Bureau: Qantas A330 Engine Malfunction Investigation — recent safety-incident context.
- BITRE Airline On-Time Performance Statistics — current official Australian punctuality data.
- Qantas Investor Centre Results — financial performance and company-reported customer metrics.
- Civil Aviation Safety Authority: Proficiency Checks — pilot training and checking requirements.
- Australian Competition and Consumer Commission: Travel Delays and Cancellations — Australian consumer rights after airline disruptions.
