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.

No Lounge Access While Waiting for Delayed Status Credits

If you’ve just completed enough flights to qualify for a higher status tier, you’re probably excited to start using your new benefits. But your status doesn’t upgrade immediately after completing the necessary flights. Instead, you’ll need to wait until the status credits from these flights are credited to your frequent flyer account. This usually takes a … Continued

9 Oct 2018 Qantas
A QantasLink Boeing 717 at Canberra Airport

How Qantas Could Fix Priority Boarding

It’s common knowledge among frequent flyers that Qantas priority boarding doesn’t work. Not only does Qantas not police the priority boarding queue, but it boards the priority lane at exactly the same time as the general boarding lane. These lines then merge in the aerobridge. This week, one AFF member proposes a solution that Qantas … Continued

8 Oct 2018 Qantas
Award seats released calendar time

Qantas Adjusts Award Seat Release Times

Qantas Bronze and Silver frequent flyers must now wait even longer to access premium Qantas award availability on long-haul flights. Qantas makes most award seats available for booking exactly 353 days before departure. But, when this initial award seat release occurs, Qantas only gives access to premium international reward seats to its frequent flyers with … Continued

5 Oct 2018 Qantas
Cathay Pacific Business Class

Cathay Pacific Business Sale to Europe

The 2019 Europe early bird sales are now on, and there are some great deals available in Economy and Premium Economy. But if you’re looking for a good Business Class deal to Europe, the current Cathay Pacific Business sale is not bad either. Cathay Pacific Business Class flights from Australia to Europe are now available for … Continued

3 Oct 2018 Cathay Pacific
Qantas A330 Business Suite

When to Book Qantas Reward Flights

If you’ve ever tried to redeem Qantas points for a reward flight in Premium Economy, Business or First class, you’re probably aware of how difficult it can be. If you have Bronze or Silver status, finding Qantas reward flights is especially difficult. This is because Qantas gives priority for premium reward seats to Gold, Platinum … Continued

3 Oct 2018 Qantas
Alitalia is shutting down

Benefits for Velocity Members Flying Alitalia?

Since Airberlin went broke last year, Alitalia has been the only Virgin Australia partner airline operating flights within Europe. The Italian flag carrier, which also has ongoing financial difficulties, has been a partner of Virgin Australia and Velocity Frequent Flyer since April 2016. With hubs in Rome and Milan, Alitalia operates many short-haul flights within … Continued

Paris, France

Europe Early Bird Sales Released for 2019

It’s that time of year again when all the airlines discount their airfares to Europe for travel in the following year! Qantas, Emirates, Qatar, Etihad Airways, Singapore Airlines and many other airlines have all released Europe early bird sale fares. Right now, you can book a return ticket from Australia to Europe on a full-service … Continued

Bill shock resort fees surprise restaurant

Virgin Overcharges, Threatens Membership Termination

A Virgin Australia customer was recently overcharged by more than $4,000. But, despite acknowledging the error, Virgin initially refused to refund any of the money. This customer claims that an airline representative even threatened to cancel their Velocity Frequent Flyer membership and revoke their Platinum status if they submitted a credit card chargeback claim. The … Continued

South African Airways A320

South African Airways is Bankrupt

After months of financial problems, debt-ridden South African Airways is now technically bankrupt. But the good news is that the airline continues to operate all scheduled flights… and probably will for the foreseeable future. According to South Africa’s News24, South African Airways is operating at a significant loss. In March this year, the South African … Continued

29 Sep 2018 Other Airlines
Emirates A380 Sydney Airport

Emirates Reduces Australia Flights

Emirates is reducing or downsizing flights to most Australian destinations from next month. Some flights have been cancelled, while other services will be downgraded from Airbus A380 to Boeing 777 services. According to Routes Online, the Emirates service reductions vary by route. But most of the affected flights are during November this year or between … Continued

29 Sep 2018 Emirates
Qantas 737 at BNE airport

25% off Qantas Classic Rewards until Friday

Until Friday, you can get 25% off Qantas Classic Rewards for travel in Economy Class. The discount applies to all award flights on Qantas, Jetstar or Emirates. The 25% discount is valid for travel from 14 October 2018 until 29 August 2019 for travel on Qantas or Emirates, or until 30 June 2019 for travel … Continued

26 Sep 2018 Qantas