Update to international commission structure for Travel Agents in Australia - FAQs

On 20 May 2021, Qantas informed its Travel Agency partners of upcoming changes to its international commission structure. From 1 July 2022, commission paid on international fares ticketed in Australia will move from 5% to 1%.

This is the first time Qantas has made changes to commission on international fares in more than 15 years and was flagged as part of the airline’s three-year COVID recovery plan.

- This change will apply to Qantas International published fares (excluding trans-Tasman) and Qantas Business Rewards International fares ticketed in Australia.
- There has been no change to Qantas fares that are non-commissionable i.e. Australian domestic fares, trans-Tasman fares, international fares with travel originating outside Australia and most Private fares.
- The 1% commission rate will apply to bookings ticketed on and after 1 July 2022, including for any additional collection on reissued tickets.
- Any Qantas international fare ticketed in Australia (excluding trans-Tasman) before 1 July 2022 will continue to earn 5% commission.
- Qantas will honour the 5% commission earnt on existing international bookings held in credit and re-issued after this date.
- The five per cent commission will be honoured regardless of the number of re-issues.
- No. Qantas will update the GDS’s and broader selling systems to reflect 1% commission.
- You may need to update internal operating procedures and processes to ensure you only claim 1% commission post 1 July 2022. We encourage you to review your processes ahead of the change. This may extend to staff training.
International bookings made before 1 July 2022 and currently held in credit
a. International credits reissued to a domestic and/or trans-Tasman booking(s)

International bookings held in credit that are reissued for a domestic or trans-Tasman fare will no longer be eligible to earn commission. Qantas will recall commission as per our normal processes.

b. International credits reissued to an international booking(s)

Qantas will honour the 5% earnt on existing international bookings held in credit that are reissued for an international fare. Agents can claim 1% on any additional fare collected on /after 1 July 2022.
Domestic and Trans-Tasman bookings made before 1 July 2022 and currently held in credit
a. Domestic/trans-Tasman credits reissued to a domestic and/or trans-Tasman booking(s)

There is no change as these fares are not eligible for commission today.

b. Domestic/trans-Tasman credits reissued to international booking(s)

Agents can claim 1% on any additional fare collected.
- For refunds on/after 1 July 2022, commission earnt on International bookings that are refunded on/after 1 July 2022 will be recalled by Qantas.
- No. Qantas will update all selling systems to reflect the commission change on 1 July 2022.
- Yes. BSP will be updated to reflect 1% for new International bookings made on/after 1 July 2022.
- You may need to update your OBT to reflect the changes to International commission earn. We encourage you to speak with your provider about any required updates.
- Qantas will continue to audit for overcollection if BSP is overwritten. Qantas will raise an ADM to recall commission that is no longer eligible to be earned.

Useful Links

Base Commission Policy

Update on International Commission Structure

Update to international commission structure for Travel Agents in Australia - FAQs

What fares will this change apply to?

When do the changes apply and what do they mean for existing bookings?

Do I need to do anything to ensure all new tickets being issued on/after 1 July 2022 claim 1% commission?

What does the change mean for international tickets booked before 1 July 2022 and currently held in credit if reissued on/after 1 July 2022?

International bookings made before 1 July 2022 and currently held in credit

Domestic and Trans-Tasman bookings made before 1 July 2022 and currently held in credit

What does the change mean for refunds on/after 1 July 2022?

Do I need to do anything on/after 1 July 2022 when reissuing a ticket to ensure I retain the 5% commission?

Will BSP automatically calculate the new commission?

Will my OBT need to be updated to reflect the new model?

What happens if an agent claims an incorrect rate of base commission?