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.
8 Common Award Flight Booking Mistakes
Here are 8 of the most common errors Australians are making when trying to redeem their points for award flights... and how you can avoid them.
These Airlines Give Lounge Access in Premium Economy
As an exception to the rule, Japan Airlines, ANA and Air Astana provide airport lounge access to Premium Economy passengers.
Qantas’ Mysterious Downgrade Compensation Policy
When Qantas moves a passenger from Business to Economy, they are entitled to compensation for the involuntary downgrade. But Qantas won't reveal how it calculates the refund amount.
My Virgin Australia Downgrade Experience
I was involuntarily downgraded from a paid Business Class ticket to Economy on a Virgin Australia flight. It took two months and multiple follow-up phone calls to receive a refund of the fare difference.
Reward Seat Release Patterns Have Changed Fundamentally
Qantas no longer releases most Classic Reward seats on international flights 353 days in advance. Instead, airlines are releasing frequent flyer redemption seats in batches closer to departure.
Reward Seat Alert: Qantas First Class to Johannesburg
If you'd like to use your Qantas Points to fly to South Africa, there are currently up to 9 First Class reward seats available on QF63 from Sydney to Johannesburg.
Qantas Removes COVID Credit Expiry
Qantas has removed the deadline for customers who still hold unredeemed COVID flight credits to request a refund.
How to Calculate the Points You’ll Earn Flying Partner Airlines
More airlines are offering branded fare categories that all book into the same fare class (RBD). This can cause confusion when trying to work out how many frequent flyer points and status credits you'll earn when flying partner airlines.
Good Premium Award Availability to Chile with Qantas Points
If you'd like to redeem Qantas points from Australia to South America, Qantas and LATAM currently have good Classic Flight Reward availability in Premium Economy and Business.