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.
Cruising from Dubai to Singapore
Our member Atleastonce recently experienced a truly unique way to travel between the Middle East and Asia. Multiple flights per day do the trip from Dubai to Singapore in just seven hours. But instead of flying, our member decided to travel the long way, enjoying a two-week cruise! Departing from Dubai, the trip on board … Continued
How to Spend 120,000 Amex Points
What would you do with 120,000 Amex rewards points? That’s the enviable dilemma faced by one member this week. This member recently applied for an Amex Platinum Charge card, which is currently offering a large sign-up bonus of 100,000 Amex points. But by taking advantage of a referral, such as the ones found in our … Continued
Cathay Pacific Premium Economy: Worth the Price?
Many airlines have been introducing Premium Economy in recent years as a “middle ground” between Economy and Business class. Most Premium Economy cabins offer seats with more width and legroom than Economy. Some airlines also offer improved meals and other comforts. For example, Qantas provides amenity kits for Premium Economy passengers. One member is considering … Continued
Virgin Upgrade Regret
A Virgin flyer’s recent decision to treat themselves to a Business class upgrade ended in bitter disappointment. This member feels they received second class service, including last meal choice, because they had upgraded from an Economy ticket. This member watched on as full-fare paying passengers received blatantly preferential treatment. It seems the type of fare … Continued
Earn Qantas Points on All Hotel Bookings
Three Qantas points per dollar can now be earned on all hotel bookings made on the Qantas website. Points have been awarded on hotel bookings made through Qantas Hotels previously, however only on selected participating hotels. Now, at least 3 points per dollar are earned when booking any of the 127,000 worldwide hotels featured on the Qantas website. Selected … Continued
Why Air Asia is Cancelling its Bali Flights
Indonesia Air Asia X will suspend all flights from 1 September 2016. This will result in the cancellation of all flights between Sydney, Melbourne and Bali. Affected passengers have been contacted and given the option of a rebooking onto new flights, including via Kuala Lumpur, or travelling prior to the route suspensions in September. Passengers … Continued
Qantas Loyalty Abandoned
This week one member reveals why they abandoned their loyalty to Qantas. After years of successive frequent flyer program devaluations, this member felt like their loyalty was no longer a two-way street. The loss of Any Seat Awards, reductions in earning rates on oneworld airlines and a loss of anytime lounge access all contributed to … Continued
Frequent Flyer Goal Setting
This week our members discuss their frequent flyer point goals, and what they have done to reach them. Been thinking about this one for a while and I am wondering how long it has taken everyone to get the desired points needed for a specific purpose? What was the goal of your points, how did … Continued
Virgin Eyes China Flights
Virgin Australia could fly to China from next year, with Beijing and Hong Kong flagged as possible new destinations. The flights would be operated by Airbus A330 aircraft currently used on most flights between the east coast and Perth. The announcement comes after HNA Group, which part-owns Chinese-based Hainan Airlines and Hong Kong Airlines, bought … Continued