Qantas vs Rex:Which is more popular?
In September 2026, Qantas had more branded searches than Rex among airlines in Australia. Qantas had about 1 million branded searches, while Rex had 49,500. Qantas made up 34% of all airline searches we track, and Rex accounted for 1.7%. When we asked ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews about airlines, Qantas appeared in three of the five answers and Rex in none.
Who do people search for more?
Qantas, about 20 searches for every 1 for Rex
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Top airlines in ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews
In three ChatGPT questions and two Google AI Overviews, Qantas was mentioned in three out of five: in all three ChatGPT answers, but not in either of the two Google AI Overviews. Rex did not appear in any of the five answers.
Most recommended by AI
Brands get a higher ranking if they are mentioned earlier in the answers.
Virgin Australia1st- Qantas2nd
Jetstar3rd
Rex–
Mentioned by AI
Each dot is one answer, filled in when that answer mentions the brand.
- Jetstar4 of 5Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 1 of 2 Google answers
- Virgin Australia4 of 5Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 1 of 2 Google answers
- Qantas3 of 5Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 0 of 2 Google answers
- Rex0 of 5Named in 0 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 0 of 2 Google answers
See every answer about airlines
5 answers
Asked ChatGPT
“Which airline should I fly with in Australia?”
Asked ChatGPT
“What are the best airlines in Australia?”
Asked ChatGPT
“What's the best value airline for domestic flights in Australia?”
Searched Google, AI Overview
“flights”
Searched Google, AI Overview
“cheap flights”
Not named in any answer:
Brands are shown in the order each answer named them. The survey took place in Australia on October 22, 2026.
Share of searches by month for Qantas, Rex. The figures are in the table below the chart.
View monthly share of searches table
| Month | Jetstar | Qantas | Virgin Australia | Rex |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2025 | 41.5% | 33.7% | 22.8% | 2% |
| Nov 2025 | 41.6% | 33.9% | 22.8% | 1.7% |
| Dec 2025 | 41.5% | 34% | 22.9% | 1.7% |
| Jan 2026 | 41.6% | 33.9% | 22.8% | 1.7% |
| Feb 2026 | 36.7% | 36.7% | 24.8% | 1.8% |
| Mar 2026 | 41.6% | 33.9% | 22.8% | 1.7% |
| Apr 2026 | 41.5% | 34% | 22.9% | 1.7% |
| May 2026 | 44.3% | 29.6% | 24.3% | 1.8% |
| Jun 2026 | 39.5% | 32.3% | 26.6% | 1.6% |
| Jul 2026 | 36.8% | 36.8% | 24.8% | 1.5% |
| Aug 2026 | 41.8% | 34% | 22.9% | 1.4% |
| Sep 2026 | 41.5% | 34% | 22.9% | 1.7% |
How has the Qantas and Rex comparison changed over the last 12 months?
3 findings
- Qantas was ahead of Rex in every measured month of the 12 months ending September 2026.
- Across the 12 months ending September 2026, Qantas’ share of searches among airlines in Australia moved from 33.7% to 34%, and its estimated monthly branded searches moved from 1.2M to 1M.
- Across the 12 months ending September 2026, Rex’s share of searches among airlines in Australia moved from 2% to 1.7%, and its estimated monthly branded searches moved from 74K to 49.5K.
How did search popularity change for Australia airlines in September 2026?
2 changes
How are branded searches counted?
3 search terms
Brandwave collects information about searches that people make online using Qantas’ and Rex’s names. When viewed over time, estimated search volumes for these branded terms can be used to understand whether interest in the brands is growing, holding steady, or fading.
Other head-to-heads among airlines
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