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.
Virgin Announces New Los Angeles, Abu Dhabi Flights
Virgin Australia last week announced two new long-haul routes. Melbourne-Los Angeles is back, and a new Perth-Abu Dhabi flight will also be added. As a result, Virgin will withdraw its 3x weekly Sydney-Abu Dhabi flights. Virgin’s Brisbane-Los Angeles service will also be reduced from daily to 6x weekly, with some of the remaining flights seeing … Continued
Is Loyalty a Trap?
You’re better off abandoning loyalty programs and forgoing status, according to one member. They believe loyalty has become increasingly meaningless as the relationship is skewed so heavily in favour of the business. Instead of reciprocating the loyalty shown by their customers, businesses are taking it for granted. In a recent experience with car rental agency … Continued
Trekking the Inca Trail
Our member bigpetebrown recently returned from an exciting trip to South America! Machu Picchu was the highlight of this trip through Argentina, Peru and Bolivia. There are two ways to get to Machu Picchu – by train or by foot. For adventurous tourists with a few days to spare, the walk to Machu Picchu along … Continued
Westpac to Devalue Altitude Rewards Program
If you have a Westpac credit card that earns Altitude points, now is the time to transfer them! From Wednesday 28 September, redemptions through Westpac’s Altitude credit card rewards program will become more expensive. The rate at which points are converted from Altitude to airline frequent flyer points will increase by up to 20%. And … Continued
Qantas Lounge Access when flying Fiji Airways
Qantas Club members, as well as Gold and Platinum frequent flyers, have access to Qantas lounges when flying Qantas or Jetstar. In addition, Gold and Platinum members can access the lounge when flying on Emirates, or any of Qantas’ oneworld partner airlines. But does this extend to Fiji Airways? Does anyone know if you can … Continued
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
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 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