Author: Matt Graham

Matt Graham

The editor of Australian Frequent Flyer, Matt's passion for travel has taken him to more than 100 countries… with the help of frequent flyer points, of course! 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 @AFF Editor.

Missing Ticket Mystery

A Virgin flyer has been forced to pay for a new ticket on the spot after the airline lost all records of their booking. The reservation mysteriously disappeared after the first flight on the ticket had already been flown without incident. This member was flying from Canberra to Hobart, with a short layover in Melbourne. … Continued

Hotel Review: Sheraton on the Park, Sydney

AFF is not just about flying! Hotels are also an important part of the travel experience. In fact, AFF has an entire forum dedicated to hotel experiences and reviews. Our member mmchow recently wrote a review about their experience at Sydney’s Sheraton on the Park hotel. Sheraton on the Park Sydney is located in Elizabeth St, … Continued

Man in Qantas Club

Is Qantas Gold Status Worth It?

Having been offered a status challenge, one member wonders if the benefits of Qantas Gold status are really worth chasing. I’ve been offered a status challenge (200SC/90Day). Curious, my major flying days are over and I probably wouldn’t fly enough QF/One World metal to get another 600SC for next year; is it worth giving QF … Continued

Virgin Australia 737 economy class

Virgin Cuts Status Credits on Cheap Tickets

The number of Velocity status credits you’ll earn on Virgin Australia’s cheapest tickets will soon decrease by up to 50%. Status credits count towards qualifying for elite status with the airline. 500 status credits must be earned within 12 months to qualify for Virgin Gold status. Platinum membership requires 1,000 status credits. The changes come as Virgin … Continued

Cheap First Class Tricks

Want to experience the luxury of First class, but don’t have tens of thousands of dollars to splurge? No worries! This week our members reveal how they fly First class for just a small fraction of the normal ticket price. The trick to enjoying top-notch cuisine, champagne and even a shower on your next flight … Continued

First Class on a Trio of Airlines

Our member boomy recently had the privilege of sampling First class on not one, but three international airlines! Etihad, Cathay Pacific and Japan Airlines were all given a test run on a trip to Europe. The trip began, as they often do, with a visit to the lounge. The recently-opened Etihad lounge in Melbourne proved a … Continued

Emirates Boeing 777 Business Class

Emirates Upgrade Changes Hit Qantas Flyers

Qantas frequent flyers have enjoyed many benefits when flying Emirates since the Qantas-Emirates alliance was established in 2013. One of the most popular benefits, albeit an unofficial one, has been the free upgrades. Emirates has become renowned for dishing out generous operational upgrades, and Qantas flyers with Platinum or Gold status have been the beneficiaries of many … Continued

Qantas’ iPads Know All About You

Have you ever wondered how your Qantas flight attendant instantly knew your favourite drink, your preferred name, or perhaps where you worked? The answer is that Qantas knows more about you than you may think. The Customer Service Manager (CSM) on every Qantas flight has access to a whole range of information about their passengers … Continued

Virgin Customer Confusion

After a disappointing flight, one member recently contacted Virgin Australia to inquire about a lack of food or drinks on board. But the follow-up “customer service” was so abysmal, it left them feeling even more disappointed with the airline than they had been before complaining! Our member was initially disappointed not to receive a meal … Continued