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.
Rum, Cigars and Classic Cars: Encountering Cuba
          This week’s trip report comes from a part of the world that is attracting increasing attention as a tourist destination. Throughout the past five decades, dictatorship rule and US sanctions have limited Cuba’s development and tourism opportunities. The result is a country where you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d walked into the 1960s; quite a … Continued 
          
        
Jetstar Business vs Qantas in Economy
          Jetstar Business Class is not exactly renowned as a top-notch premium product. But is it worth considering when the price is only a little higher than Qantas’ asking price for a seat in Economy? This is the dilemma faced by one member currently researching flights to Hawaii. Qantas Business Class is too expensive, and our … Continued 
          
        
First Look: Virgin’s Brand New Perth Terminal
          Virgin Australia is moving in Perth! From next Sunday, 22 November, Virgin domestic flights will depart from a brand new domestic pier attached to Terminal 1. This is an extension of Perth’s current international terminal. Our member scottz95 recently got a glimpse of the new terminal ahead of the official opening. This member has generously … Continued 
          
        
      
            How to Earn American AAdvantage Miles in Australia
          There are countless ways to earn frequent flyer points within Australia through our local programs, Qantas and Virgin Velocity Frequent Flyer. Both programs offer a range of linked credit cards and dozens of local retailer partners. This makes the accrual of frequent flyer points relatively easy – even if you’re an infrequent flyer. But there … Continued 
          
        
Qantas Club Lounge Access Denied
          One frustrated Qantas Club member feels their membership has been devalued after they were wrongfully refused entry to a Qantas lounge. But even more concerning is that this issue appears to be systematic. The member was flying on a partner airline but had booked the ticket as a Qantas codeshare. Under the published rules, the … Continued 
          
        
First Class Apartments to the Caucasus
          This week we’re treated to not one, but two rare travel insights. Our member RooFlyer recently experienced the delights of Etihad’s renowned First Class Apartments on the way to a destination that rarely comes to mind for Australian travellers: the Caucasus region of Eastern Europe, which is home to Azerbaijan and Georgia. Today starts a … Continued 
          
        
      
            Perks and Pitfalls of Cruise Holidays
          Our members are often jet setting across the globe by air. But air travel is not the only way to enjoy a holiday. Cruises have taken off on a wave of popularity as a more relaxing and luxurious holiday option. Cruises vary from short trips arriving and departing from the same port, to longer trips … Continued 
          
        
      
            Citibank Reverses Decision to Devalue Points
          Following a resounding backlash from AFF members, Citibank has reversed its snap decision to slash the rate at which Citi Rewards points can be transferred to airline frequent flyer programs. Last week, Citibank provided no notice before increasing the number of the Citi Rewards points required for a transfer to Velocity Frequent Flyer and Singapore’s … Continued 
          
        
Tips & Tricks to Earn More Flybuys Points
          The recent major devaluation of the Woolworths Rewards program has left many former Woolies customers looking to Coles and its Flybuys loyalty program. While Woolworths has axed its partnership with Qantas, Flybuys recently began partnering with Etihad Airways. As Etihad miles can now be earned while shopping at Coles, Flybuys has become significantly more attractive … Continued