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.

American Airlines 787

American Airlines Adds Christchurch, Auckland-Dallas Flights

American Airlines will add two more seasonal routes to New Zealand from next summer. In addition to non-stop Auckland-Dallas/Fort Worth flights, American will fly 3 times per week from Christchurch to Los Angeles. The new Christchurch-Los Angeles route will be the only direct service between New Zealand’s South Island and the United States. In addition, … Continued

Cheese plate in Qantas business lounge

How to get a Cheese Plate in the Qantas Business Lounge

Fancy a cheese plate in the Qantas Business Lounge? In the domestic Business class lounges, Qantas does not generally put out cheese and crackers with the rest of the lounge buffet food. But there’s a simple trick to get a delicious cheese plate complete with two types of cheese, crackers, nuts, quince paste, apricots and … Continued

Computer beach

Australian Government Overhauls Smartraveller Website

The Australian government will overhaul its Smartraveller service next month with a new website and changes to how Australians can access assistance while overseas. From November 2019, Smartraveller will have a brand new website with travel advisories that are easier to read. The website, which is run by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, … Continued

Australia air routes globe

Airline Route Changes from 27 October 2019

This weekend marks the start of the IATA northern winter scheduling period. As well as the end of daylight savings in Europe, this means lots of changes to airline routes and schedules. From this weekend, Cathay Pacific will pull out of Cairns. But there is also some good news, with United Airlines increasing flights to … Continued

Air New Zealand 787 Auckland

Air New Zealand to Fly Non-Stop to New York

Air New Zealand will launch non-stop commercial flights to New York next year, pipping Qantas to the post. Air New Zealand will fly 3 times per week from Auckland to Newark Liberty International Airport from 29 October 2020. The flights will depart both Auckland and New York on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays and will be … Continued

Visa-free arrival passport

6 Countries that are Easier for Australians to Visit in 2019

Australians are lucky to be able to visit 111 countries around the world without a visa. Australians can also easily obtain a visa on arrival in a further 56 countries, meaning we’re able to visit much of the world with relative ease. And as countries continue to liberalise their visa requirements, it will only get … Continued

Etihad business class

Manila to Europe in Business Class from $2,525 return

Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, KLM, Oman Air and Emirates currently have some excellent Business class sale fares from the Philippines to Europe, for travel right up until the end of August 2020. For example, you could fly with Etihad Airways in Business Class from Manila to Rome for just $2,571 return. If you live in … Continued

Ernst Krolke

The History of Airport Slots – Ernst Krolke Speech at AFF#13

Ever wondered how congested airports manage the flow of traffic throughout the day to ensure all flights don’t arrive and depart at exactly the same time? It’s all managed through “slots”. Ernst Krolke, who was recently inducted into the Australian Aviation Hall of Fame, ran Airport Coordination Australia for 20 years and was instrumental in … Continued

Tokyo Japan

Virgin Australia Wins Haneda Approval

Virgin Australia is set to launch daily Brisbane-Haneda flights next year, following a decision by Australia’s International Air Services Commission (IASC) to give one new slot each to Qantas and Virgin Australia at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport. Qantas had applied for both of the two daytime new take-off and landing slots available from next March at … Continued