To be fair (and this is a rare occurrence) you can find sale fares that end up costing less then a classic reward flight. So while it basically is the same as points + pay, there is that little positive nugget.

The Terms and conditions clearly state you receive the original status credits and points.

https://www.executivetraveller.com/news/emirates-airbus-a380-returns-to-sydney-in-december ?

Virgin has done this sort of promotion before with the same result - it’s just a bit of fun.

Originally Posted by tommygun Australian consumer law is weak at protecting people from contracts drawn up by large companies where terms are all in favour of the company. I think you'll find Qantas T's & C's pretty much fireproof, I'm sorry to say. Which is why my comment stands, ...