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.

Empty wallet

The Tricks Airlines Use to Deny EU261 Compensation

Unlike in Australia, Europe has a government-mandated compensation scheme that forces airlines to compensate passengers affected by delayed, cancelled and overbooked flights. European airlines – and non-European airlines flying from Europe – are legally required to pay compensation to passengers delayed over two hours. In theory, this is a very consumer-friendly system that prevents airlines … Continued

Easter Island, Chile

Four Inspiring Days on Chile’s Easter Island

Famous for its moai statues, Easter Island is a remote island in the Pacific Ocean between Tahiti and South America. Given its location, getting to Easter Island can be a challenge. Only LATAM Airlines flies there, with services only available from Santiago or Papeete once per week. But AFF member akmacca was lucky enough to visit recently, … Continued

Podcast #47: Flybuys Loyalty Program

Coles Trials “Flybuys Max” Subscription Service

Coles’ Flybuys loyalty program is trialling a new paid subscription service for Flybuys members. For $10 per month, Flybuys members would have access to additional benefits if they opt-in to “Flybuys Max”. A trial of the new program is currently taking place among Coles employees. It’s also open to family and friends of Coles staff. … Continued

Flight delay clock

How Australian Airlines Compensate for Delays

Flight delays and cancellations can happen on all airlines for many different reasons. But the way airlines handle lengthy delays can vary drastically. Some airlines will provide meal vouchers and compensation for delays. Accommodation may also be offered in the event of an overnight flight delay. But in Australia, there are no minimum standards or requirements. … Continued

Qantas A380 First Class

Qantas First Class Awards to Hong Kong Available

Qantas is bringing First Class back to its Sydney-Hong Kong route from December until March 2019. If you’re quick, you may even be able to book Qantas First Class to Hong Kong using frequent flyer points. There are currently two First Class award seats available on the new flights almost every day! For several years, … Continued

Crowne Plaza

IHG PointBreaks: Reward Nights from 5,000 Points

The latest IHG PointBreaks list has just been released, and there are two Australian hotels included. IHG Rewards Club points can be redeemed for hotel stays or transferred to a range of airline frequent flyer programs. When redeeming for Reward Nights, hotel rooms normally cost between 10,000 and 70,000 points per night. But there are … Continued

Qantas A330-300 Economy Class

Qantas Upgrade Revoked at the Gate

Ahead of a long-haul international flight, that beep at the boarding gate when you get an upgrade is a moment of pure joy. After working hard to save up enough frequent flyer points, you’ve won the upgrade lottery and can look forward to a delicious meal and comfortable sleep on board. But for one Qantas … Continued

Couples Leaving Empty Middle Seat: Unfair?

Strategic seat selection can make all the difference between a comfortable flight and a torturous experience in a cramped middle seat. That’s why many frequent flyers spend a lot of time and effort researching aircraft configurations and choosing the best seat on the plane. When travelling as a couple, aircraft with pairs of neighbouring seats … Continued

Qatar Airways was the only airline to increase flights to Australia during April 2020

Tag Flights within Australia on Overseas Airlines

Did you know that there are several domestic tag flights within Australia operated by overseas airlines? For example, Cathay Pacific flies from Brisbane to Cairns, with services continuing to Hong Kong. However, it is impossible to book a seat on these domestic tag flights within Australia. While overseas airlines are allowed to operate tag flights … Continued