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.
Platinum Perks Whittled Away
It’s not that long ago that Qantas Platinum status came with the “ultimate” in perks. No expense was to be spared for the airline’s valuable Platinum members. But with Platinum One (and Chairman’s Lounge) members now trumping Platinum members, combined with a seemingly never-ending cycle of devaluations and cost-cutting, some members feel that their Platinum … Continued
Qantas Loyalty a One-Way Street?
After many years of loyalty to the flying kangaroo, one dissatisfied member feels that Qantas has failed to return the favour. This member has held Platinum status for over a decade, but had to put overseas travel on hold for a year due to the birth of a child. Qantas does not allow members to … Continued
The Ultimate Swiss Sightseeing Guide
Our member UpInTheAir:) recently spent a wonderful, warm summer week in Switzerland. Prior to departure, advice and suggestions were requested from our well-travelled members, who have once again risen to the occasion. A wealth of advice on everything to do with travelling in Switzerland has been offered. The result is a trip report packed full … Continued
Qantas/China Eastern partnership given green light
A new partnership between Qantas and China Eastern Airlines has been approved by the ACCC. The joint venture means that Qantas’ relationship with China Eastern will be akin to the much-touted partnership with Emirates. Qantas and China Eastern flyers will receive reciprocal benefits when flying on either airline including lounge access, other status privileges such … Continued
Virgin Reward Seat Availability Slashed
Despite a reputation of superior reward seat availability, it seems Virgin Australia has drastically slashed frequent flyer redemption flights made available to the USA. Significantly fewer reward seats, particularly in premium cabins are now being released, leaving Velocity Frequent Flyer members frustrated. It has not traditionally been difficult to find reward seats on Virgin Australia … Continued
Upgrading 101: Fly Business Class on Points
This week our members explain the ins & outs of using frequent flyer points to enjoy the luxury of Business Class. There are two different methods; the first being to buy an economy class seat and request a points upgrade to business class afterwards. The second method is to book a business reward seat outright … Continued
A humorous take on travelling to Bali
This week one member writes about their travels to the popular Indonesian tourist destination Bali, meeting up with family while earning some Virgin status credits along the way. But this isn’t any ordinary trip report. Along with detailed reviews of the flights, accommodation and things to see and do in Bali, the report is also … Continued
Premium Economy: Worth the extra cost?
The concept of Premium Economy is reasonably simple. The cabin provides a middle-ground, offering discerning customers greater comfort than traditional economy class at a price below that of Business class. But, what benefits do Premium Economy passengers receive exactly, and do they justify the extra cost over regular economy? I may need to do a … Continued
Qantas announces bumper profit, 787 orders
Brand new Boeing 787 aircraft will be added to the flying kangaroo’s international fleet from 2017. This is just one piece of good news to come from the Qantas full-year financial results, announced last week. Following consecutive losses and a lengthy restructuring program, Qantas also announced a large profit. It seems that our national airline … Continued