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.

Qantas flight QF5 runs from Sydney to Rome via Perth

What to Expect Flying QF5 from Sydney to Rome via Perth

Qantas flight QF5 is now back for 2025. Here's what you can expect on the 16,638km journey from Sydney to Rome via Perth on a Boeing 787-9.

TAP Air Portugal A321neo Economy Class cabin

Long-Haul Economy Class on an A321: How Bad Could It Be?

TAP Air Portugal flies its narrow-body Airbus A321neo LR on long-haul trans-Atlantic routes including Lisbon-Montreal. We review the Economy Class experience.

Air Tahiti Boeing 787 at Auckland Airport

How to Redeem Qantas Points for Air Tahiti Nui Flights

You can now redeem Qantas Points to fly Air Tahiti Nui between Papeete and Seattle, in addition to the existing codeshare routes.

Room at Hilton Sydney

Hilton Monetises Late Checkout for Elites: Beginning of the End for Hotel Loyalty?

Hilton Honors has removed late check-out for its Silver, Gold and Diamond elite members, but plans to sell it back to them. Is this the start of a sad new trend for hotel loyalty programs?

Priority bag drop at Virgin Australia Sydney Airport T2

When Does Virgin Australia Open Check-In & Bag Drop?

You can drop your checked bag at the airport for a Virgin Australia domestic flight any time on the day of departure until 30 minutes before the flight leaves. But international flights have more limited check-in and bag drop times.

Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-9

Last Chance to (Indirectly) Convert Amex Points to Alaska Miles

For a few more weeks, Australians can convert Amex Membership Rewards points into Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles via Hawaiian Airlines. This is why you should do it.

Jetstar Asia Airbus A320 at Singapore Changi Airport

Jetstar Asia is Closing Down

Qantas' Singapore-based low-cost carrier Jetstar Asia will shut down at the end of July 2025 after almost 21 years, citing rising costs.

Virgin Australia and Qantas Boeing 737s

Frequent Flyers Less Engaged in Velocity Program After Changes?

Velocity Frequent Flyer members seem less invested in recent double status credits offers, compared to before the 2025 program changes. The interest is also significantly less than it is for similar Qantas promos.

A Jetstar Airbus A320 at Canberra Airport

When Can You Check In for a Jetstar Flight?

For Jetstar domestic flights, you can check in and drop your checked bags at the airport between 2 hours and 40 minutes before departure. There are different timings for international flights.