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.

Red wine vineyards

Are Qantas Classic Wine Rewards a Good Deal?

We all know that Qantas points can be redeemed for things like Classic Flight Rewards and Classic Upgrade Rewards. But Qantas Frequent Flyer is also now offering Classic Wine Rewards, or the ability to redeem your Qantas points for wine at fixed rates. Qantas Classic Wine Rewards can be used to purchase sparkling, red and … Continued

Hotel room quarantine

All Australian International Arrivals to be Quarantined in Hotels

All Australians returning from overseas will be quarantined in government-designated facilities such as hotels from today. The new rule, designed to eliminate any possibility of returning travellers passing on COVID-19, came into effect from 11.59pm on Saturday 28 March 2020. Australians arriving back from overseas have been required to self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival … Continued

Coronavirus graphic

COVID-19 Travel Update: 27 March 2020

This article contains an updated summary of the most important coronavirus news that is relevant to Australian frequent flyers. It specifically covers the implications of COVID-19 in terms of travel and loyalty programs. For the latest health advice, we recommend checking Australian government updates and the latest World Health Organization advice. This article was last … Continued

Earn Qantas Points & Status Credits at BP

The full partnership between BP Rewards and Qantas Frequent Flyer is now live! You can now earn up to 2 Qantas points per litre of fuel from BP, as well as 1 Qantas point per $1 spent in-store. In addition, Qantas Frequent Flyer is offering an opportunity to earn status credits with BP for a … Continued

SYD sign self-isolate

Arriving in Australia During the COVID-19 Shutdown

The Australian government has now introduced enhanced screening of inbound arriving passengers as it fights to reduce the spread of coronavirus. With the new COVID-19 measures in place, here’s what it’s like arriving in Australia as an international passenger right now… Getting back to Australia Over the last few weeks, the coronavirus situation has been … Continued

Lufthansa A320 cabin

Airlines Block Seats for Social Distancing

We’re told that social distancing – keeping at least 1.5 metres of physical distance from other people – is an extremely important weapon in the fight against the spread of COVID-19. In fact, some governments have now implemented strict laws to enforce it. Recognising the importance of social distancing in the current climate, some airlines … Continued

Virgin 737 at Darwin Airport

Virgin Cancels Most Flights, Tigerair Grounded

The Virgin Australia Group will cancel around 90% of its domestic flights from midnight on Friday 27 March 2020, as most Australian states move to shut their borders to contain the spread of COVID-19. This is in addition to the grounding of all international Virgin Australia flights from 30 March, and is a further cut beyond … Continued

How to Get an Exemption to Leave Australia

Australians Banned from Travelling Overseas

The Australian government has banned Australian citizens from travelling overseas until further notice, with some limited exceptions. The ban was announced last night and came into effect from midday today, on 25 March 2020. Last week, the federal government strongly advised against all overseas travel. In doing so, it updated its travel advice for the … Continued

Qantas A380

Coronavirus is Causing Some Unusual Flights

Over the past few weeks, things have been anything but “business as usual” for airlines. As more and more countries shut their borders – leaving some overseas travellers stranded – airlines have had to find some creative solutions. Two weeks ago, Air Tahiti Nui was forced to find a new way to operate its Papeete-Los … Continued