Airlines, miles, and points is the most popular topic at Australian Frequent Flyer. In this category, we provide expert tips, insider tricks, and facilitate discussions about Qantas, Virgin Australia, non-Australian airlines, and global airline alliances. From earning and redeeming frequent flyer points to maximising elite status benefits, we aim to help you get the most out of your travel.
We also cover every step of the journey – from planning and booking flights to experiencing the flight itself, and finally, arriving at your destination. Whether you're a seasoned traveller or just starting to explore the world of frequent flyer programs, you'll find valuable advice to elevate your travel experience.
See below for articles on airlines, miles and points.
Amid the current downturn in international air travel, many planes have been retired, returned to lessors or placed into deep storage – perhaps never to fly again. Larger and older aircraft are particularly affected, and Qantas & Virgin Australia have been no exception. Sadly, one of many unintended consequences is the indefinite loss of Australia’s … Continued
Qantas today revealed that it does not expect international flights to resume until at least July 2021. The grim outlook came as Qantas announced a $2.7 billion statutory loss before tax for the 2019-20 financial year. In today’s announcement, the national carrier said that its international network was “unlikely to restart before July 2021; possibly … Continued
Qantas has made a small underlying profit but a large statutory loss in the 2019-20 financial year. The results demonstrate a very strong first half but a disastrous second half, as the COVID-19 outbreak worsened and progressively harsher travel restrictions were introduced. Qantas estimates that it took a $4 billion revenue hit in the previous … Continued
Qantas Frequent Flyer members can no longer earn or redeem points on Air Niugini flights. The change quietly came into effect on 6 August 2020. A notice on the Qantas website states: Effective on and from 6 August 2020, Qantas Frequent Flyer members can no longer earn Qantas Points or use points for Classic Flight … Continued
When you’re flying, there aren’t many better feelings than getting a surprise beep at the gate and being handed a new boarding pass for a better seat up the front! The same goes for booking a cheap hotel room but being upgraded to a luxurious suite… or perhaps booking a budget rental car and receiving … Continued
Do you know somebody who is missing travel or doing it tough under the current Victorian lockdown? You can now brighten up their day by sending them a Qantas care pack! Qantas has begun selling care packages which include business class pyjamas, amenity kits, tim tams, tea and bags of the smoked almonds served in … Continued
Virgin Australia’s management and new owners have now outlined their vision for the future of Australia’s second-largest airline. Virgin won’t become a low-cost carrier, we’re told, but will instead aim to be the “best value carrier in the market”. “ The airline will serve business travellers, including corporates and customers travelling for a holiday and visiting … Continued
Last week, Virgin Australia confirmed that it will keep most of its airport lounges as it transitions to a new post-covid business model. But when will Virgin Australia’s airport lounges finally reopen? All 13 of Virgin Australia’s airport lounges shut on 23 March 2020 due to government COVID-19 restrictions, and remain closed to this day. … Continued
Tigerair will not return to the skies in Australia, with the Virgin Australia Group confirming this week that it will discontinue the Tigerair brand. Virgin Australia, which owns Tigerair, said the decision to axe the Tigerair brand is due to insufficient demand in the Australian domestic market to support two carriers at this time. When … Continued
Virgin Australia has revealed how the airline plans to emerge from voluntary administration, and it’s a mixture of good and bad news. Virgin will retain most of its airport lounges and Business class cabins, and all Velocity Frequent Flyer points and travel credits will be honoured. But it will emerge as a smaller airline focusing … Continued
With most international travel off the cards for the foreseeable future, many frequent flyers are reminiscing about past trips and longing to get back into the air. At this time, it’s easy to think about long-haul travel through rose-coloured glasses. But as any frequent traveller will know, long-haul travel is not always as fun as … Continued
In late 2019, Australian Frequent Flyer revealed that the Oneworld alliance was considering allowing frequent flyers of any Oneworld airline to use their points to upgrade on any other airline in the alliance. The news of Oneworld alliance-wide upgrades was welcomed by frequent travellers, and recently, Oneworld CEO Rub Gurney confirmed to Cranky Flier that the new upgrade proposition … Continued
