Qantas Frequent Flyer points are set to be devalued as the airline faces pressures from the Australia Federal Government¡¯s carbon tax.

Around eight million frequent flyer members will be affected by price hikes, with Qantas and Jetstar customers already being hit by more price increases last week as a result of higher fuel costs and the carbon pricing scheme, the Australian reported.

"Earlier this month Qantas announced that future ticket prices for Qantas and Jetstar passengers will be impacted by higher jet fuel costs and the Australian Government's carbon pricing system," Qantas Loyalty Head of operations Sid Gokani said.

"As a result there will be increases to the points required when paying for surcharges, fees and taxes on Australian and New Zealand domestic and regional Classic Award flights."

From 1 April 2012, the loyalty programs' eight million members will be charged an extra 350 points when paying for surcharges, fees and taxes on flights within Australia and New Zealand increasing to 750 on 1 July 2012.

A Qantas spokesperson said the airline is not making additional money from the points increase.

¡°It simply reflects the additional costs associated with the high cost of fuel and the introduction of the carbon tax."