Author: Matt Graham
Beware of Dynamic Currency Conversion
Have you ever been asked while travelling whether you wanted to pay in Australian dollars or the local currency? The offer to pay in Australian dollars overseas is known as “dynamic currency conversion”, and it’s a complete and total rip-off. When a customer pays using dynamic currency conversion, the merchant makes a commission. So it’s … Continued
A VPN is a Must-Have for Overseas Internet Access & Security
If you travel overseas a lot, there are several reasons it can be beneficial to use a virtual private network, or VPN. As well as improved online security, VPNs allow you to circumvent geo-blocking and watch streaming services like US Netflix and ABC iView while you are overseas. While you’re online, a VPN connects your … Continued
Final Approval for Qantas, American Joint Venture
The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has officially granted final approval for Qantas to commence its Joint Venture with American Airlines. It follows the tentative approval which was given last month for coordination on trans-Pacific flights between the United States and Australia & New Zealand. The final approval paves the way for Qantas to launch new, … Continued
Canada Introduces Air Passenger Protections
If you’re flying to, from or within Canada, you’re now entitled to up to $1,000 in compensation if your flight is delayed or cancelled. And if you’re bumped from a flight due to overbooking, you could receive up to $2,400. As part of new Air Passenger Protection laws, airlines in Canada are also now required … Continued
Why Business Class can be Cheaper than Economy
Premium airline cabins normally command a significant price premium over Economy. But, occasionally, Business class tickets are in fact cheaper than Economy! AFF members have discovered multiple examples of Virgin Australia Business fares that were cheaper than Economy class on the same flight. So, why does this happen… and why would anyone still book an Economy … Continued
Qantas Denies Boarding for Damaged Passport
An AFF member is $1,500 out of pocket after Qantas denied them boarding due to minor passport damage. While an unfortunate mistake by the passenger, the airline also could have done more to resolve the situation. Cossie was flying from Canberra to Jakarta with Qantas. This member was also booked to continue from Jakarta to Amsterdam … Continued
Delta Updates Comfort+ Fare Classes
Delta has re-jigged the fare classes used for its Comfort+ and Premium Select cabins, resulting in changes to Velocity Frequent Flyer earning. Delta is now using both “W” and “S” fare classes for its domestic Comfort+ product. The “S” class was previously used for Discount Economy tickets, causing some concern that the change would result in … Continued
Qantas Implements Two-Factor Authentication
Qantas Frequent Flyer implemented two-factor authentication on Monday, meaning members may now be required to enter an SMS verification code or answer security questions when accessing their accounts. Qantas’ two-factor authentication is designed to make frequent flyer accounts more secure and prevent fraud. But some AFF members are unhappy with the way it has been … Continued
Free Lounge Access with Singapore’s Changi Transit Programme
Are you flying with Singapore Airlines, SilkAir or Air New Zealand through Singapore’s Changi Airport? Thanks to the Changi Transit Programme, you can get free lounge access or a shopping voucher while in transit! Eligible passengers connecting through Singapore on a round-trip booking can receive a SGD$20 gift voucher to use at almost any shop … Continued