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.

Court heavy fine

Airlines Fight Back Against Hidden-City Ticketing

Clever airline passengers have used hidden-city ticketing for years to save money on their flights. But now airlines are starting to fight back against the practice. German airline Lufthansa is currently attempting to sue a “no-show” passenger that didn’t board the last flight on their ticket. It’s demanding back-payment for the significant difference in price … Continued

11 Feb 2019 Post Flight
Oneworld airlines crew 20th birthday cake

Oneworld Alliance Celebrates 20th Anniversary

On 1 February 1999, five airlines created the Oneworld alliance. At the time, the new alliance promised to “make it as easy as possible for passengers to connect between one another’s flights, effectively creating a worldwide route network that will make global travel more convenient for consumers”. Twenty years on, four of Oneworld’s founding members … Continued

10 Feb 2019 Oneworld
AirAsia will resume Airbus A330 flights from Kuala Lumpur to Australia and New Zealand

Air Asia Starts Brisbane-Bangkok Flights

Brisbane flyers will soon have more ways to get to Thailand, with Thai Air Asia X launching direct flights from Brisbane to Bangkok. The low-cost carrier will operate four flights per week starting from 25 June 2019. Thai Airways is the only other airline operating direct flights on the Brisbane-Bangkok route. Thai used to offer … Continued

9 Feb 2019 Other Airlines
Qantas Cuts Chauffeur Drive Service

Qantas, Emirates Chauffeur Drive Cutbacks

Emirates and Qantas are both cutting back their complimentary Chauffeur Drive services from next month. These services are currently offered to Business and First Class passengers flying with Emirates on most routes, as well as Qantas Business Class passengers flying to or from London. No more Emirates Chauffeur Drive on award tickets From 1 March 2019, … Continued

8 Feb 2019 Emirates
Qantas A330-200 domestic Economy cabin

Aircraft Cabins: Too Hot for Comfort?

Ever felt uncomfortably hot (or cold) when flying? You’re not alone. It seems that aircraft cabin temperatures are a sticking point for many flyers, and are something that very few airlines get consistently right. Many AFF members find that aircraft cabin temperatures, generally, are too hot. While it varies across airlines and aircraft types, it … Continued

7 Feb 2019 In Flight
Singapore Airlines business class

Singapore Airlines Business to Europe from $4,555 return

Looking for a great Business Class deal from Australia to Europe? You can often get cheaper fares by purchasing tickets originating in Europe. But if you live in Australia, there are currently some very good airfares available to Europe with Singapore Airlines. Business Class flights from Perth to Europe, flying Singapore Airlines, are available from … Continued

How Qantas Plans to Fly A330s to LA, SFO

The Cost of Operating a Flight

Ever wondered how much it costs a commercial airline to operate a flight? It costs an airline just over $10,000 to fly a Boeing 737 from Sydney to Melbourne, meaning they need to make at least $60 in revenue from each seat to turn a profit. And it costs almost $200,000 to run an Airbus … Continued

3 Feb 2019 In Flight
There will be minimal changes to the interior of the ex-Virgin 737s

Best Velocity Status Runs with Double Status Credits

In case you haven’t already heard, there’s a brand new Velocity double status credits offer on now! You can earn double status credits for all new Virgin Australia marketed and operated flights booked by 12 February 2019, for travel until 28 December 2019. Thanks to the current promotion, it’s possible to accrue Velocity status credits on … Continued

How to Redeem Virgin Australia Travel Bank Credits

Velocity Double Status Credits Offer (February 2019)

Great news for Virgin Australia flyers… Virgin has announced a brand new Velocity double status credits offer! By taking advantage of this promotion, you can reach the heights of Silver, Gold or Platinum status with Virgin Australia with just half the usual amount of flying.   How to take advantage of this Velocity Double Status … Continued

Frankfurt Germany

Business Class Deal from Thailand to Europe

Looking for a cheap Business Class deal to Europe? There are once again some great deals from Thailand currently available, this time with Gulf Air. Business class tickets are available from Bangkok to both Frankfurt, Germany and Paris, France from $2,360 return. By combining this with a cheap Economy ticket from Australia to Thailand, you … Continued

30 Jan 2019 Other Airlines

Virgin Australia Gold Status Shortcut

Virgin Australia is offering a handy shortcut to Velocity Gold status, thanks to a new promotion. As part of its “Fly Freedom and Get Gold” offer, Virgin Australia Accelerate members can nominate someone for Pilot Gold Velocity membership by booking just one round-trip Freedom flight. This offer is available to members of Virgin Australia’s Accelerate … Continued

26 Jan 2019 Virgin Australia