Author: Matt Graham
Airlines Slash Travel Agent Commissions
Many international airlines are about to slash the commissions they pay to Australian travel agents by as much as 80%, upending the traditional business model of travel agencies. From tomorrow (1 July 2022), airlines including Qantas and British Airways will reduce the base commission paid to travel agents via Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP) on … Continued
Australian State Requirements for Interstate & International Arrivals
Most Australian states and territories have now removed all interstate and international travel requirements, including for unvaccinated travellers. WA was the last to do so, removing the requirement to apply for a G2G Pass to travel to WA on 29 April 2022. Australian states & territories are also now allowing quarantine-free travel from overseas for … Continued
The World’s Safest Countries According to Smartraveller
If you’re looking for a safe destination to enjoy your next overseas holiday, look no further than Fiji – according to the Australian government. Over recent weeks and months, the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (DFAT) has been updating the travel advice for many of the countries listed on its Smartraveller website. The first … Continued
Air New Zealand Unveils Refreshed Long-Haul Cabins
Air New Zealand has revealed the new Business Class and Premium Economy seats that it will install on its long-haul fleet of Boeing 787 aircraft from 2024. The new cabins are set to offer a markedly better experience for passengers, particularly in “Business Premier”. The airline is also proceeding with plans to install bunk beds … Continued
Qantas Reduces Refund Waiting Times
Throughout the pandemic, many Qantas customers have complained about having to wait many weeks or months to receive a refund from Qantas for cancelled flights. Others have found it too difficult to request a refund. The good news is that Qantas recently made changes to its refund processes to make it easier and faster for … Continued
Air Canada Boeing 737 MAX Business Class Review
Air Canada offers 16 Business Class recliner seats on its Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, which is most commonly used for short and medium-haul flights. I recently tried out Air Canada’s Business Class service on a flight from Mexico City to Montreal, which I booked using Virgin Australia Velocity points. The service exceeded my expectations. … Continued
Podcast #87: Getting an Airline Status Match
Many Australian Frequent Flyer members would already know about the benefits of elite airline status. As a reward for your loyalty, you’ll receive special treatment and lots of extra benefits like lounge access, priority at the airport or better access to upgrades that make your travel experience just that much better. If you have status with … Continued
Getting an Airline Status Match – AIR087
In this episode, Matt is joined by co-founder of StatusMatch.com and former head of the Malaysia Airlines Enrich loyalty program Mark Ross-Smith for a behind the scenes look at the world of airline status matching. Learn about why airlines offer status matches, how you can get one, and more! Episode contents: 1:05 – … Continued
Qantas Adds Perth-Johannesburg Flights
Qantas will fly non-stop from Perth to Johannesburg in South Africa, with a new thrice-weekly service launching in November 2022. Operating on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, QF65 will depart Perth at 3pm and arrive in Johannesburg after 11 hours and 15 minutes of flying at 8.15pm, local time. The return service QF66 will depart Johannesburg … Continued