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.

American Airlines and Qantas planes in Sydney

Qantas, American Airlines Joint Venture Approved

The US government has tentatively approved a joint venture between Qantas and American Airlines on trans-Pacific flights. The Oneworld partners will now be able to work much more closely on flights between Australia, New Zealand and the United States, bringing additional benefits for frequent flyers and opening the possibility of new Qantas routes to North … Continued

Qantas Extends Flight Credit Validity to December 2022

Qantas Platinum Priority Seat Purchase

One of the little-known benefits of Qantas Platinum and Platinum One status is the “Priority Economy seat purchase” perk. This benefit allows Platinum and Platinum One frequent flyers to purchase up to two Economy seats on any Qantas flight until midday on the day prior to travel – even if the flight is sold out. … Continued

2 Jun 2019 Qantas
Cancelled flights

Avianca Brazil Grounded, All Flights Cancelled

All flights on bankrupt airline Avianca Brazil have been suspended indefinitely after Brazilian regulators grounded the airline. The Brazilian carrier, which is a member of Star Alliance, already cancelled thousands of flights last month after most of its aircraft were repossessed. For clarity, Avianca Brazil is a different company to Avianca (which is based in … Continued

30 May 2019 Avianca
Cathay Pacific A330 HKG

Expanded Qantas, Cathay Pacific Codeshares Blocked

Australian regulators have tentatively rejected Qantas’ application for an expanded codeshare agreement with Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific. Back in January, Qantas applied for permission from Australia’s International Air Services Commission (IASC) to place its “QF” code on five Cathay Pacific services between Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Hong Kong. Similarly, Cathay Pacific would codeshare on five … Continued

29 May 2019 Cathay Pacific
How to get a Qantas Club Discount

Free Qantas Lounge Pass for 18-35 Year-olds

Qantas is giving away free Business Lounge passes to 18-35 year-olds who book an international Qantas flight in Economy class. This promotion is running until 31 August 2019 and is valid for international Qantas flights departing any time until 29 February 2020. If you’re aged between 18 and 35 years old and you’d like to … Continued

28 May 2019 Qantas
Qantas A380 Economy Class seats

How to Get a Qantas “Comfort Row” to Yourself

If you’re stuck in Economy on a long overnight flight, there’s not much better than getting a whole row of seats to yourself. Did you know that, on one Qantas flight, the airline will actually sell you the remaining seats in your row for a small fee? It’s much more cost-effective than upgrading to Premium … Continued

27 May 2019 Qantas
Lost and found airport sign

The Dumbest Travel Mistake I’ve Ever Made

Earlier this week, I made what is quite possibly the stupidest travel mistake I’ve ever made. After 472 commercial flights, it finally happened… I left my passport on the plane. Normally after losing your passport you’d realise fairly quickly. But by the time I realised, three hours had passed and the plane had already operated … Continued

26 May 2019 Post Flight
Australia Takes First Step Towards Trans-Tasman Bubble

Qantas & Air New Zealand Reciprocal Lounge Access Explained

In October 2018, Qantas and Air New Zealand launched an unlikely new codeshare agreement. Air New Zealand began code-sharing on Qantas domestic routes, and Qantas in turn placed its “QF” code on many Air New Zealand domestic flights. The agreement between Qantas and Air New Zealand means that frequent flyers can earn points and receive … Continued

25 May 2019 Air New Zealand
Etihad economy class meal

Etihad Charging for Snacks, Drinks in Economy

Etihad Airways has been on a relentless cost-cutting drive lately. The airline has already axed unprofitable routes (like Perth-Abu Dhabi), cut back its chauffeur drive service, reduced Business class amenities and introduced fares that exclude checked baggage. Now, the latest victim of Etihad’s cost-cutting is its Economy class catering. Etihad recently announced new “enhanced” Economy … Continued

25 May 2019 Etihad Airways
Sydney, Australia - October 9, 2013: Garuda Indonesia Airlines Airbus A330 airliner taking off from Sydney Airport.

Super Garuda Business Class Sale for Groups

Garuda Indonesia has launched an excellent sale on Business Class fares departing from Singapore. In a unique twist, the prices in this sale become progressively cheaper as you buy more tickets. The best prices are available for groups of six travelling together. The Garuda “6/5/4-to-go Business Class Special Deal” covers flights from Singapore to destinations … Continued

24 May 2019 Other Airlines
Night market in Taipei, Taiwan

Redeem Qantas Points to Taipei with China Airlines

Qantas Frequent Flyer has recently opened up points-based bookings on China Airlines flights between Australia and Taiwan. It’s now possible to redeem Qantas points to fly with China Airlines from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane to Taipei in Economy, Premium Economy and Business class. Award availability on China Airlines is surprisingly good. Many flights between Australia … Continued