The Australian Frequent Flyer

Cancellation Compo: Who? When? And How Much?

Wed, 22 May 2013 22:17:00 -0400

This week our members discuss compensation received by Qantas for delays and/or cancellations of their flights.

One member's recent flight from Sydney to Hong Kong was delayed and eventually cancelled and they were compensated with an evening at the Sofitel and 45,000 QFF points.

Other members have reported delays and cancellations being managed so seamlessly that they have not sought additional compensation for the inconvenience. Smaller 4-5 hour delays have typically resulted in food vouchers and the like to be used in the airport terminal. Other members

Mr Beanie (+ Hi Viz) here, there and everywhere

Tue, 21 May 2013 21:32:00 -0400

Time for another AFF Classic Trip Report. Don't miss Stoopidsteve's entertaining report of his travels with his striped Beanie & High Visibility vest. This is one report that you do need to see the photos, so be sure to be logged in to AFF so the photos are visible.

A teaser

And our members LOVE it.

Oneworld Business Class Round the World Trip for 280,000 points

Sun, 19 May 2013 23:31:00 -0400

Our Junior Member trblvb reminded our members about the "Oneworld" 280K Award trip

Just came back from a RTW 'Oneworld' 280K award trip (2 months OS). Just one thing I want to say about Qantas and their Oneworld Partners - EXCELLENT.

For the uninformed 280,000 Qantas points (plus taxes) will get you a Business Class RTW trip of up to 35,000 miles and 15 stops. Great value and the opportunity to enjoy the trip of a lifetime. For example, trblvb's

International Drivers Licence: A necessary Evil?

Wed, 15 May 2013 18:43:00 -0400

This week our members discuss the relative merit of obtaining an international driver's license and whether they are worth the time, paperwork and expense involved.

Some members have obtained the requisite international license but have never been asked for verification and have found their Australian domestic licenses have been sufficient proof when pulled over or queried. Hiring cars in some countries has also proven to be relatively care-free without the requisite license. However non-english speaking countries are unlikely to accept an Australian driver�s license and the international

Turning Qantas sale airfares into points upgradable ones

Tue, 14 May 2013 23:42:00 -0400

Our junior member trieu_thai writes

I am traveling to LAS from SYD early June with a couple of my bosses, both are Plat (I am Gold). Their airfares were booked by client and unfortunately, were red e-deal tickets and thus not upgradable by points.

Our member is curious

AAdvantage versus Qantas Frequent Flyer program

Mon, 13 May 2013 01:31:00 -0400

Our new member Aerials is seeking some AFF member Inisight into the advantages the American Airlines AAdvantage has over the Qantas Frequent Flyer program. Aerials has done some research and has come to the conclusion

that AAdvantage is indeed better for redeeming points for long haul economy flights

and would like our learned members to confirm this.

Long term member simongr makes

Aussie Accessories: Identifying Australians Overseas

Wed, 08 May 2013 16:10:00 -0400

One member this week queries whether our fellow AFFers go out of their way to identify themselves as an Australian whilst travelling overseas. Some members have seen Australians keen to display their "Aussie-ness" by decking themselves out in a myriad of Aussie accessories. An Australian-flag pin, an Australian rugby jumper and chants of "Aussie. Aussie, Aussie" will usually do the trick.

Many members, however, adopt a more subtle approach and report that they don't go out of their way to highlight their nationality. The preference for many of our members is to be mistaken

An African Adventure

Tue, 07 May 2013 17:45:00 -0400

Travel is about the journey (as all AFFers know only too well) AND the destination. The more exotic the destination, (generally) the better. And a good Trip Report covers this all with fine writing and glorious photographs. That said, don't miss drron's Report of his "Explorer in Africa" � another AFF Trip Report gem which ticks all the boxes.

A snippet from the many "flight" reports

QF63. SYD-JNB. ETD-1035, Pushback-1057. Takeoff-1105.
ETA-1530. Landed-1530.

The most valuable AFF Travel Tips

Sun, 05 May 2013 21:42:00 -0400

Our member smit0847 writes

Given how much terrific information is found on this site, I thought it might be interesting to ask you what was the most valuable piece of information that led to your proudest/most valuable achievement in travel.

And then goes on to add

Long Delays through LAX effects Aussie Travellers

Wed, 01 May 2013 18:23:00 -0400

A recent survey reported in "USA Today" indicates that security checkpoints for international travelers are causing noticeably larger delays. The increased wait-times are being attributed to federal budget cuts. The lines are reportedly taking up to ninety minutes longer.

One member this week has a three hour connection and asks our members to share their recent experiences in order to gauge their likelihood of making the connection.

One member reports waiting two hours to clear security causing them to miss their connecting flight. There is