Airlines, Miles and Points

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.

Virgin Axes Samsung In-Flight Entertainment Tablets

Virgin Australia is axing its Samsung in-flight entertainment tablets in Business Class on domestic and short-haul international flights. From 30 September 2019, Virgin says that it will no longer load Samsung Galaxy tablets for Business Class guests on its Boeing 737 aircraft. Instead, passengers can stream entertainment to their own devices via the Virgin Australia … Continued

21 Sep 2019 Virgin Australia
Qantas 787 Business Class

Qantas Changes: Where are the Extra Reward Seats?

Back in June 2019, Qantas Frequent Flyer announced that it would increase the number of points required for reward flight bookings in any premium cabin. In return, there would be a modest reduction in award booking carrier charges and Qantas would release “more than 1 million extra reward seats available annually on Qantas and new … Continued

20 Sep 2019 Qantas
Virgin Australia A320 flight attendants

Virgin Australia to Buy Back Velocity Stake

Virgin Australia will regain full ownership of its Velocity Frequent Flyer loyalty program after selling a 35% stake to Affinity Equity Partners in 2014. Virgin will pay $700 million to buy back the stake in its profitable Velocity loyalty program – around double what Affinity paid for it five years ago. Virgin Australia yesterday confirmed … Continued

17 Sep 2019 Virgin Australia
Qantas Extends Flight Credit Validity to December 2022

Qantas Downgrade Compensation is Woefully Inadequate

When you’ve booked a Business Class ticket, it’s extremely frustrating to turn up to the airport and find out you’ve been involuntarily downgraded to Economy Class. But, if you’re flying with Qantas, that’s only the beginning of the nightmare. Australian Frequent Flyer has been very concerned to learn of Qantas not providing adequate compensation to … Continued

16 Sep 2019 Qantas
Final call

Last Chance to Redeem Qantas Points Before Devaluation

There are now just days before the major 2019 devaluation to Qantas Frequent Flyer reward and upgrade pricing takes effect. After 11.59pm on Tuesday 17 September, Qantas will increase the number of points required for Classic Flight Reward and Oneworld Award bookings in Premium Economy, Business and First Class. This applies not only to flights … Continued

14 Sep 2019 Qantas
Opening reopen sign

New Qatar Airways Lounge for Singapore

Qatar Airways is constructing a brand new premium lounge at Singapore Changi Airport. The lounge will join the existing network of Qatar Airways lounges in Doha, London, Paris, Beirut and Bangkok. The new Qatar Airways Premium Lounge in Singapore will be in Terminal 1, located upstairs next to the existing Emirates Lounge. The lounge is … Continued

12 Sep 2019 Qatar Airways
Qantas 747

Qantas Eyes New Tokyo Haneda Flights

Qantas is reportedly considering new flights to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport after two new airport slot pairs were released to Australian airlines. Following the recent expansion of Haneda Airport, four new daytime slots have been released for flights to and from Australia. Two of these slot pairs have already been allocated to Japanese airlines – ANA … Continued

12 Sep 2019 Qantas
Amsterdam, Netherlands

Europe 2020 Early Bird Sales Have Landed

It’s that time of year again! The 2020 Europe early bird sales have landed, and airlines have already started offering discounted early-bird airfares for travel to Europe next year. Economy class flights from Australia to Europe on full-service airlines are currently available from just $1,027 return, and there are also some Premium Economy and Business … Continued

Loyalty brand customer strategy

AFF Response to ACCC Report on Loyalty Schemes

Last week, the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) released a draft report on customer loyalty schemes in Australia. The report identified “significant concerns” held by the ACCC surrounding data practices, consumer and competition issues relating to loyalty programs in Australia. The 107-page draft report is available to the public on the ACCC website. Before handing … Continued

Jetstar 787

Jetstar Points Planes to Japan a Poor Deal

Qantas Frequent Flyer is expanding its Points Plane concept to Jetstar. Until 17 September 2019, Qantas says you’ll be able to book any available seat on Jetstar flights between Australia and Japan, as well as across the Jetstar Japan network, for travel between 12 November and 12 December 2019. If you’ve been saving up your … Continued

7 Sep 2019 Jetstar