Author: Matt Graham
Matt Graham
Matt was the editor of Australian Frequent Flyer from 2015 until 2025. His passion for travel has taken him to more than 100 countries - with a lot of help along the way from frequent flyer points! Matt's favourite destinations (so far) are Germany, Brazil, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. His interests include aviation, economics & foreign languages, and he has a soft spot for good food and red wine. You can connect with Matt by posting on the Australian Frequent Flyer community forum and tagging @Mattg.
The Boeing 737 MAX Will Soon Return to Service
Almost two years since the Boeing 737 MAX was grounded globally, Boeing is now in the final stages of getting the aircraft type recertified. But it could be a while yet before we see the troubled airliners flying in Australian skies – and when they do, the aircraft will probably have a different name. A … Continued
Change & Cancellation Fee Waivers for Qantas, Jetstar & Virgin Australia
Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia have been waiving change fees on new bookings since early 2020. This is designed to give people confidence to book new flights despite borders continuously opening and closing during the COVID-19 pandemic. In some cases, particularly for reward bookings made using frequent flyer points, Australia’s airlines have even been offering … Continued
Qantas Flags New Destinations, Further Cost Cuts
Qantas has foreshadowed the possibility of launching flights to South Korea, Taiwan and the Pacific Islands by early next year at yesterday’s Annual General Meeting. It comes as Qantas flags further cost cutting and lashes out at some states for keeping borders closed against health advice. Qantas eyes new markets as borders remain closed At … Continued
Many Surprising New Domestic Routes Launching
Although international travel may remain off the cards for a while longer, Australian airlines have been launching a surprising number of new domestic routes lately. Many of these new routes are on smaller regional airlines like FlyPelican, Link Airways or Alliance Airlines. The new routes launched in Australia over recent months have taken advantage of … Continued
Virgin Australia Holidays is Closing Down
Following the demise of Tigerair, another of Virgin Australia’s businesses is being permanently shut down as the fallout from COVID-19 sadly continues. Virgin Australia Holidays will be closed from 31 October 2020, bringing an end to Virgin Australia’s Mystery Breaks, AFL Travel and Supercars Travel Packages. Launched in 2003 by then Virgin Blue as “Blue … Continued
How to Use Virgin Australia “Future Flight” Credits
Update: Virgin Australia Future Flight credits were previously valid for bookings made until 31 July 2022, for travel until 30 June 2023. However, their validity has since been extended. Future Flight Credits are now valid for bookings made until 31 December 2023, for travel until 31 December 2023. Virgin Australia has converted the “conditional credits” held … Continued
Canberra Added to Priority Pass Network
A café at Canberra Airport has been added to the Priority Pass network, giving members another option when travelling in Australia. Priority Pass members can now receive a $36 food & beverage credit at City Hill Coffee, located near gate 8 at Canberra Airport. This is offered in lieu of lounge access, and could be … Continued
St George to Axe Points for ATO Tax Payments
St George Bank will no longer give points on government-related transactions, including tax payments to the Australian Tax Office (ATO), from 9 December 2020. The change affects the St George Amplify, Amplify Platinum and Amplify Signature credit cards, which until now have continued to reward points for government payments. The St George Amplify Signature card … Continued
Where Are the 137 Grounded Qantas & Virgin Planes?
EXCLUSIVE | If you’ve visited any Australian airport in the past six months, you’ve probably seen all the grounded Qantas and Virgin jets parked on the runways and taxiways. They’re a striking symbol of the pandemic that has shut down much of the travel and tourism industry… every grounded plane represents dozens of airline staff … Continued