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Qantas to change frequent flyer points system

Just weeks after Qantas announced 5,000 staff redundancies, the airline is now making changes to its frequent flyer program.

The changes will see the airline’s nine million members earn fewer points for budget economy travel, but more for full fare tickets.

Qantas loyalty members received an email about an overhaul to its loyal program stating the change was "all about creating a fairer, more simplified program".

From July 1, frequent flyer points earned from discounted and economy fares will be slashed from 1,000 to 800 points.

To earn more points, members have to pay for a more expensive flexible economy ticket.

Angry members let fly on social media in response to the news.

“You gotta love Qantas, they're in the process of firing 5000 employees - now they want to screw their frequent flyers too,” member Sean wrote on Facebook.

“I'm not surprised in the slightest, Qantas is a business not a charity,” Travellers Magazine Editor Georgia Rickard said.

Currently when flying from Sydney to Perth on a discounted economy flight one way, members earn 2,041 points.

From July, this will be grounded to 1,450 points, a reduction of almost 600 points one way.

But a more expensive flexible ticket will earn members 159 more points than they would currently, and business class customers will earn more points too.

Qantas also offered free membership to new flyers on its email list today.

The airline declined to comment.