Author: Matt Graham
Podcast #65: Loyalty Programs: Behind the Scenes
The ‘AFF on AIR’ podcast often looks at frequent flyer and loyalty programs from a consumer’s perspective. But what goes on behind the scenes? What is the logic behind the decisions made by the people running loyalty programs? To find out what goes on behind the scenes, Matt Graham is joined on Episode 65 of … Continued
Loyalty Programs: Behind the Scenes – AIR065
Ever wondered what the people designing loyalty programs are thinking? For example, why do points expire so quickly? Are all airlines just trying to devalue your points? And what role do loyalty programs play in helping airlines out of the pandemic? Find out this and lots more in this episode, as loyalty program … Continued
New Zealand Travel Bubble Paused for 8 Weeks
The New Zealand government has suspended travel from all Australian states & territories to New Zealand for the next 8 weeks, in response to growing outbreaks of the Delta strain of COVID-19 in various parts of Australia including Sydney. From 11.59pm on 23 July 2021, Australians will no longer be able to travel to New … Continued
Can You Get a Refund for Cancelled Domestic Flights?
As the past week has shown, domestic travel restrictions within Australia can change very quickly. This makes it difficult to book flights with confidence. But to maintain cash flow, airlines need the public to keep booking! So, most airlines have introduced additional flexibility for domestic flight bookings. But can passengers expect a refund if they’re unable … Continued
Virgin Australia Slashes Business Class Fares
Virgin Australia has significantly reduced its Business Class fares on many domestic routes, with seats now regularly available from as little as $199 one-way – or even as low as $182 with a promo code! But there’s a catch: Customers can no longer book the cheapest Business Saver fares on most routes within four weeks … Continued
New Flights to Australia Launched During COVID-19
There is no doubt that COVID-19 has caused enormous disruption to the aviation industry. Countless international routes in and out of Australia have been grounded, and many airlines have stopped flying to Australia altogether for the time being due to the highly restrictive inbound passenger caps. This now includes American Airlines, which just announced it … Continued
Rex Cancels All Boeing 737 Flights Until August
Rex Airlines has cancelled all of its scheduled Boeing 737-800 flights until at least the end of this month, as Adelaide joins Sydney and Melbourne in lockdown. As of this afternoon, there are no Rex jet services available for sale until 1 August 2021. It’s not yet clear if the cancellations will be extended even … Continued
Qantas Award Flights Were Incredible Value in the 1990s
Redeeming Qantas Frequent Flyer points for a Classic Flight Reward might seem like good value in 2021 – and it usually is. But the value of Qantas points in 2021 is nothing compared to the way things were 25 years ago! These days, for example, it costs 57,000 Qantas points + $80 in taxes & … Continued
Airline Customer Advocate “Ineffective”
There are renewed calls for the Airline Customer Advocate to be replaced by an independent ombudsman, after consumer advocacy group CHOICE found it has failed to resolve airline complaints – especially during COVID-19. Since 2012, the Airline Customer Advocate (ACA) should have been helping Australians to resolve airline complaints. But its scope is limited and … Continued