Author: Matt Graham
Qantas Trials New Self-Service Kiosks
Earlier this month, we brought you the story about Qantas’ plan to remove domestic airport check-in kiosks and replace them with new self-service machines that can only print luggage tags and charge for excess baggage. This new technology is now a reality, with Qantas commencing a trial of the new airport kiosks that cannot check … Continued
Air Canada’s Interesting Domestic Premium Cabin Pricing
If you’ve flown in Business Class on Qantas’ Boeing 737s and Airbus A330s, you’ll know that there’s a huge difference in the Business Class products on these two aircraft. Qantas’ narrow-body Boeing 737-800 features basic reclining Business seats with a little more width and legroom, which are suitable for the short flights it generally operates… … Continued
Podcast #85: When Should Loyalty Programs Stop Extending Status?
Throughout the pandemic, most airline and hotel loyalty programs have offered free or easy status extensions to retain once-loyal customers and try to prevent them from switching to the competition when travel makes a comeback. But with travel starting to return with a vengeance and airport lounges getting full, is it now time to wind … Continued
When Should Loyalty Programs Stop Extending Status? – AIR085
In this episode, loyalty program expert David Feldman is back for another chat about airline & hotel loyalty programs! This extended interview covers topics including COVID-19 status extensions, the “golden handcuff” effect, recent changes to hotel loyalty programs, why Qantas could be risking killing its profitable “golden goose”, and lots more. Episode contents: … Continued
Velocity Gold vs Platinum Status: What’s the Difference?
Velocity Platinum members enjoy many additional benefits on Virgin Australia flights, but the extra perks are marginal on partner airlines.
Unlimited German Train Travel for a Month for $14!
Update: Please note that this deal is no longer available. However, you can now get unlimited local & regional public transport in Germany for €49/month with a Deutschland Ticket! If you’re travelling to Europe over the upcoming northern hemisphere summer months, there’s a great deal on train travel in Germany that you might like to … Continued
Guide to Virgin Australia’s Partnership with United Airlines
Velocity Frequent Flyer members can now earn and redeem points on United Airlines, as well as earning status credits and receiving reciprocal status benefits. Overall, this is great news for frequent flyers of both Virgin Australia and United. The partnership is reasonably comprehensive and there are benefits available in both directions. However, United MileagePlus members … Continued
Rex Withdraws from 7 Regional Routes
Rex will end all services on the Sydney-Canberra route this weekend, just over a year after entering the route. The announcement comes days after the regional airline revealed it will cease serving the Melbourne-Albury route at the end of May. Rex is also withdrawing from five other regional routes including Sydney-Bathurst and Adelaide-Kingscote at the end … Continued
Seats Lost in Qantas Call Centre Stuff-Up
When calling an airline to make a simple enquiry about a confirmed booking, you certainly wouldn’t expect them to cancel your entire ticket without your consent or knowledge. But that’s exactly what happened to a Qantas Frequent Flyer member recently after they called Qantas to enquire about changing their Business Class flights. AFF member davidhes had … Continued