The north African nation of Morocco may be synonymous with the Sahara Desert. But aside from being the easiest entry point to this vast, natural wonder, Morocco’s rich culture entices the most curious of travellers.
The country is an eclectic mix of deep-rooted traditions, vibrant celebrations and bustling medinas. Top this off with remarkable mountains, exquisite architecture and a delicious array of spices to whet your tastebuds and you’ve got one of the most exciting destinations on the planet.
And what’s even better is that flying to Morocco from Australia is a breeze. In our pocket guide, we cover how you can make your way to Casablanca or Marrakech using points from your preferred frequent flyer program. Plus, we explore how to maximise your rewards when booking accommodation, as well as our top tips for a memorable trip to Morocco.
Flying to Morocco on points
When flying into Morocco, there are two key entry points – Marrakech and Casablanca. Both are major cities that offer plenty of accessibility for international travellers.
We’ve outlined all the options below to fly from Australia to Marrakech and Casablanca with different frequent flyer programs.
Flying Qantas and Royal Air Maroc
Qantas’ Sydney to London route that goes via Singapore is just one of the ways you can fly to Morocco. From London, you can fly with Royal Air Maroc to Casablanca or Marrakech.
Note that there are Royal Air Maroc flights departing from both Heathrow and Gatwick airports in London, so it pays to double-check the airport when booking.
 &  using  Qantas Points | Economy | Business | First |
| Sydney to Casablanca (via Singapore, London) | 75,200 | 188,400 | 260,700 |
These points amounts are for Qantas to London, plus Royal Air Maroc to Casablanca, which costs extra as the airlines are on a different points table. The First Class option includes London to Casablanca in Business Class.
Ways to earn Qantas Points
You don’t need to fly often to earn points towards the Qantas Frequent Flyer program. In fact, the easiest – and quickest – way to earn Qantas Points is from your activities on the ground.
Earn up to 20,000 Qantas Points when you purchase an eligible case of wine via Qantas Wine. And with bonus point offers and promotions year-round, there are ample opportunities to top up your points balance (and your wine rack!) Plus, unlocking Qantas Points Club will net you triple points on your purchase.
A Qantas Points-earning credit card can help you earn points on your everyday spending. And with many credit cards offering sign-up bonuses, like the NAB Qantas Rewards Signature, you could potentially earn enough points to cover a one-way flight to Morocco.
You can also convert your Everyday Rewards points by linking your Everyday Rewards account to Qantas Frequent Flyer. This means that when you shop at participating retailers including Woolworths, Big W, BWS and other partners, you could be one step closer to your Moroccan getaway.
Flying British Airways
Prefer to fly British Airways instead? Redeem Qantas Points to fly from Sydney to London and onward to Marrakech or Casablanca. The Sydney to London route has a stopover in Singapore and features British Airways’ delightful Club Suites, the carrier’s famed Business Class product.
British Airways operates flights from Heathrow and Gatwick in London, so check your booking carefully to avoid a stressful airport change mid-trip!
 using Qantas Points | Economy | Premium Economy | Business | First |
| Sydney to Marrakech (via Singapore, London) | 66,200 | 124,800 | 159,000 | 227,500 |
Flying Emirates
Qantas Points can also be redeemed on Emirates flights to Morocco with a stopover in Dubai. The Emirates lounges in Melbourne, Sydney and Perth are certainly a drawcard for eligible travellers departing from these cities. But what’s even more spectacular is the Emirates First Class Lounge in Dubai – if you’re travelling to Morocco at the pointy end, that is. Experience Emirates Boeing 777 First Class on selected routes from Dubai to Casablanca.
 (one-way)using Qantas Points | Economy | Business | First |
| Perth to Casablanca (via Dubai) | 61,500 | 139,200 | 199,300 |
| Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney to Casablanca (via Dubai) | 66,200 | 159,000 | 227,500 |
Flying Etihad Airways
Members of the Velocity Frequent Flyer program can redeem Velocity Points for flights from Australia to Casablanca via Abu Dhabi with Etihad Airways.
Using Velocity Points
The number of Velocity Points needed to fly Etihad Airways is shown below.
 (one-way)using  Velocity Points | Economy | Premium Economy | Business |
| Melbourne, Sydney to Casablanca (via Abu Dhabi) | 75,000 | 112,500 | 139,000 |
Ways to earn Velocity Points
Members of the Velocity Frequent Flyer program can earn points on the ground thanks to the Flybuys-Velocity partnership. By linking your accounts, you could convert Flybuys points earned at retailers like Coles, Target, Kmart, Bunning and Officeworks into Velocity Points.
If you need a stack of points towards your trip to Morocco, signing up for a credit card that offers bonus Velocity Points can get you there. Cards like the American Express Velocity Platinum offer Velocity Points on all eligible spend so you can be on your way to a reward seat sooner.
The Velocity e-Store is a simple way to earn points when shopping online at your favourite retailers. Simply click through the online portal to track your purchase and collect Velocity Points across a variety of categories including electronics, health and beauty and homewares. Paying with a points-earning credit card can have you double-dipping on rewards too.
Flying Qatar Airways and Royal Air Maroc
Redeem either Qantas Points or Velocity Points to fly to Casablanca via Doha with Qatar Airways. The Doha to Casablanca route is serviced by Royal Air Maroc. If you’re looking to fly at the pointy end, here’s what to expect in Qatar’s A380 First Class from Australia to Doha.
Also read: Fly to exotic Marrakech on points
Using Qantas Points
As Qatar Airways is part of the oneworld Alliance, Qantas Points can be redeemed on Qatar Airways flights from Australia to Johannesburg. The number of Qantas Points needed to fly Qatar Airways is shown below.
Important: at the time of writing, Qatar Airways Business and First Class rewards do not appear to be bookable with Qantas Points.
 & using Qantas Points | Economy | Business | First |
| Perth to Casablanca (via Doha) | 61,500 | 139,200 | 199,300 |
| Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney to Casablanca (via Doha) | 66,200 | 159,000 | 227,500 |
Using Velocity Points
The recent partnership between Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways means that Velocity Frequent Flyer members can now redeem their points for Qatar Airways flights, which can take you all the way to Morocco.
The number of Velocity Points needed to fly Qatar Airways is shown below.
using Velocity Points | Economy | Business | First |
| Perth to Casablanca (via Doha) | 65,000 | 121,000 | 177,000 |
| Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney to Casablanca (via Doha) | 75,000 | 139,000 | 203,000 |
Exploring Marrakech’s Menara Airport
Marrakech’s Menara Airport is a short hop away from the heart of Marrakech – just seven kilometres, to be exact. A taxi can take you to the town centre in around 20 minutes and you can expect to pay roughly $15 for the ride. Though keep in mind the historic walled medina quarter is largely car-free.
Alternatively, you can hop on a public bus from Menara Airport to the city which will set you back around $4.50. This may be a decent option if you’re travelling solo and don’t mind a bit of sightseeing – not so great if you’re travelling heavy and prefer a more direct route to your accommodation.
But there’s no need to make a beeline for the city when you fly into Marrakech. Menara Airport is highly regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful airports thanks to its striking exterior. A combination of arabesque patterns and contemporary elements complete the facade, so it’s worth spending a bit of time marvelling at this architectural masterpiece.
Also read: Majestic Marrakech is calling
Lounges at Marrakech’s Menara Airport
Pearl Lounge
There are only two lounges in Marrakech’s Menara Airport. Both lounges are located airside in Terminal 1, though one is for departing passengers and the other for arriving passengers. The latter is especially handy if you want to refresh after a long flight.
The independent Pearl Lounges are not affiliated with any airline, so passengers can simply pay to enter. Alternatively, if you hold Priority Pass membership, you’ll also be granted entry to these lounges.
Exploring Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport
As the largest airport in Morocco and the fourth busiest in the African continent, Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport is a major access hub. Casablanca serves as a gateway to Morocco, both as a final destination for travellers and a connection point to other cities like Marrakech.
If you’re spending a bit of time in the nation’s capital, the centre of Casablanca is just 25 kilometres from Mohammed V International Airport. A taxi can get you there in around 40 minutes, with prices starting at roughly $35. A train also departs every hour from the airport arrivals area to Casa Port Station in the city. The 45-minute journey will set you back a very reasonable $6.
Lounges at Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport
Pearl Lounge
Similar to Marrakech, Casablanca’s Airport is also fitted with the independent Pearl Lounges. You’ll find departure lounges for international travellers airside in Terminals 1 and 2, plus an arrivals lounge airside in Terminal 2.
A Priority Pass membership will allow you to zip straight into the lounge, or you can pay a one-time fee to enter.
Le Zenith Lounge
Passengers travelling internationally from Casablanca with Royal Air Maroc can unwind at the Le Zenith lounge in Terminal 1. Admission is limited to Gold, Ambassador or Silver members of Safar Flyer, Royal Air Maroc’s frequent flyer program, though you can also gain entry if you’re flying Business Class.
Access is also available to oneworld Sapphire and Emerald frequent flyers, such as Qantas Gold and above.
Earning and using points on hotels in Morocco
You’ll find an array of travellers seeking to explore Morocco – everyone from budget-conscious backpackers to those seeking a luxurious escape. And thankfully, there are accommodation options in Morocco to cater to every crowd.
No matter where you choose to rest your head after a long day, here are some top tips to earn rewards from your stay in Morocco.
Book directly with the hotel
There are plenty of perks to hotel loyalty programs, and the best way to maintain or increase your status is by booking directly with the hotel. You can enjoy a range of member benefits, which may include daily breakfast, a welcome drink and even late check-out.
You’ll find a number of properties throughout Casablanca and Marrakech where you can work towards status with programs like Accor Live Limitless, IHG One Rewards or Marriott Bonvoy.
Book through a third-party provider
Did you know that you can turn your accommodation into frequent flyer points? When you book through a third-party provider, you can make your stay count towards your preferred frequent flyer program. And if you’re staying at a hotel in Morocco that isn’t part of a wider loyalty program, this is one way to ensure you’re still earning rewards.
If you want to earn Qantas Points
Qantas Hotels rewards you for hotel and Airbnb bookings made through the platform. You can pocket a nifty three points per $1 on hotel bookings, and one point per $1 spent on Airbnbs. And if it’s your first Airbnb booking through Qantas Hotels, you’ll get a 500-point bonus. Plus, Qantas Points Club members can earn up to 50% extra points on bookings made through Qantas Hotels.
You can also redeem Qantas Points on the Qantas Hotels platform. Just be sure to keep an eye out for Classic Rewards, as this will give you the best value for your hard-earned points.
If you want to earn Velocity Points
Velocity doesn’t have its own hotel booking platform, but its partnership with Rocket Travel allows you to earn three Velocity Points per $1 spent on accommodation.
If you want to earn KrisFlyer miles
Rocketmiles is a separate platform from Rocket Travel. Bookings made through Rocketmiles can earn you points towards the Rocketmiles rewards program, which can be converted to KrisFlyer miles or other frequent flyer programs.
If you want to save on the cost of your hotel bill
Not too fussed about hotel loyalty status or points? If you’ve got an American Express card that offers travel credit, you may be able to offset the cost of your accommodation when you book through American Express Travel.
You can put this credit towards the cost of staying at a riad, for example, for an authentic Moroccan experience. Cards like the American Express Platinum Edge Card and American Express Explorer Card include travel credit, and you’ll even get access to American Express Membership Rewards.
Point Hacker’s tips and tricks
Here are a few extra tips and tricks to help you make the most of your time in Morocco.
- Marrakech is a shopaholic’s paradise, and you’ll get the best bang for your buck by haggling. Shopkeepers are willing to go below their ‘first price’, which can often seem like a small fortune.
- Speaking of which – if your goal is to shop ’til you drop in Morocco, you may want to consider a credit card with no overseas transaction fees. Some even let you pocket extra points as you spend – win-win!
- For a traditional experience, book a riad. These gorgeous Moroccan houses built around lush internal courtyards offer safe, authentic accommodations topped off with exceptional Moroccan hospitality.
- Get the best value from your points by booking a reward seat in a premium cabin, like Qatar’s Qsuites. Find out more about reward seats and how they work.
- No matter what airline or class you’re flying, choose the best seat on the plane to ensure a comfortable journey to Morocco.
And that sums up our pocket guide to Casablanca and Marrakech. Magnificent Morocco awaits!
