Author: Matt Graham
Qantas & Emirates in an Unhappy Marriage?
The extensive alliance between Qantas and Emirates has failed to deliver on its promises of improved service and choice for flyers, according to one member. Successive reductions in benefits for Qantas customers flying Emirates are just part of a long list of complaints. Our members particularly lament the loss of many Qantas international flights. Flights to Europe … Continued
Flying Around Indochina
Our member coyote25 recently sampled a range of Asian airlines as part of a tour of South-East Asia. Lao Airlines, Thai Smiles and even Qatar Airways were among the airlines flown as our member travelled around the delightful countries of Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. Flying overseas is always a unique experience, particularly when flying … Continued
Complimentary Qantas Status Renewal
In order to retain status with any airline, you generally need to do a certain amount of flying each year. Qantas Platinum members, for example, need to earn 1,200 status credits each membership year in order to retain Platinum Qantas status. But it may be possible to renew your status, even if you fall short … Continued
Redeem Virgin Velocity Points for BP Petrol
In recent weeks, Virgin Australia expanded its frequent flyer program partnership with BP. Virgin Velocity points can now be redeemed for petrol at any BP service station in Australia. This complements the existing ability to earn Velocity points on all BP purchases. Our members generally welcome new ways to earn and redeem frequent flyer points. … Continued
Deserting your Partner for an Upgrade
Would you accept an upgrade to Business class if it meant you had to desert your partner in Economy? This dilemma has divided our members. While some would gladly accept the upgrade, others believe that travelling together is more important. One member would prefer to sit with their partner in Economy than alone in the … Continued
The Best Value Round-the-World Tickets
Did you know that it’s possible to travel around the world for just a little over $2,000? One member discovered this recently while planning a round-the-world trip of their own. This member was researching fares in Economy class, with a preference for oneworld airlines. Does anyone know of a good value round the world fare that uses … Continued
Virgin Reward Availability Woes
If you’re having trouble using your Virgin Velocity points to book a reward flight, you’re not alone. It appears that the Virgin Australia website is currently displaying very limited reward seat availability, particularly for flights on Etihad and Singapore Airlines. In many cases, reward flight searches on the Virgin website are bringing up only the more … Continued
A Trip of “Firsts” to the USA
It may have been a short trip to the United States, but our member Amaroo certainly travelled there in style! Our member flew Qantas First class to Los Angeles, en-route to Las Vegas and New York. But that wasn’t the only “first” on a trip that also saw our member trying out new airport lounges … Continued
Airport Parking Scam
One member was in for a rude shock at the end of a recent trip when picking up their car at the airport. The car had been driven 500km since it was dropped off, and a mechanic believes it had even been driven recklessly while the owner was away. This member believes that an employee … Continued