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.

Air New Zealand cabin crew

Air New Zealand Status Match for Australians

If you’ve been looking for a Star Alliance status match, now could be your chance! Air New Zealand is currently offering a complimentary Gold status match to Australian and New Zealand residents that already hold status with another airline. It’s no coincidence that this offer comes in the middle of a bitter break-up between Air … Continued

Qantas 787 Business Class

Qantas 787 Business Class from London to Perth

Qantas began flying non-stop between Perth and London earlier this year. Back in March, AFF moderator JessicaTam wrote a scathing review of Economy class on QF10 from London to Perth. The conclusion was that the Economy seats were too narrow for a comfortable flight. But what’s it like at the front of the plane, flying QF10 from … Continued

8 Sep 2018 Qantas
Carry on luggage overhead locker

Etihad Decline Continues with Hand Luggage Only Fares

Etihad Airways has introduced a new fare type which doesn’t include checked luggage. Etihad’s new hand-luggage only fares are being sold as “Economy Deal” tickets and include only up to 7kg of carry-on luggage. Economy Deal fares also cannot be cancelled or upgraded, and Etihad Guest miles are earned at a reduced rate. Economy Saver … Continued

7 Sep 2018 Etihad Airways
Finnair A350 business class

Discounted Finnair Business Class with Alaskan Miles

It’s now possible to redeem Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles for Finnair flights! This new redemption option makes it possible to book some Finnair Business Class flights at significant discounts. Although Finnair does not fly to Australia, you can fly Finnair from destinations across Asia to Helsinki… or onward to destinations across Europe and North … Continued

6 Sep 2018 Other Airlines
Secret finger over lips

Unpublished Benefits of Velocity Platinum Status?

Velocity Platinum status is the highest level available to frequent flyers with Virgin Australia (other than “The Club” which is invitation-only.) Platinum status comes with a range of useful published benefits. There are the usual perks like lounge access (with up to 3 guests), priority check-in, priority boarding, bonus points and an increased baggage allowance. … Continued

Many Qantas Economy fare classes are ineligible to earn Qpoints or Qmiles, even on international flights

Economy Meals on Qantas & Virgin Australia Domestic Flights

Enjoy a meal on your flight? Within Australia, both Qantas and Virgin Australia offer complimentary food and drinks on all flights. But exactly what you’ll get depends on the airline, time of day and length of the flight. On some flights you’ll get a full hot meal with complimentary wine and beer, while on others … Continued

3 Sep 2018 In Flight
Stockholm, Sweden

Business Class Deals: Sweden to Australia from $3,365 return

Regular Australian Frequent Flyer readers will know that the best Business Class flight deals are found outside of Australia. Thanks to an invisible “Australia tax”, return Business class tickets from Australia to Europe generally start from around $6,000. But by purchasing a round-trip ticket from Europe to Australia, you can fly Business Class on top-tier airlines for … Continued

Bain Capital to Buy Virgin Australia

Virgin Australia Reveals $653m Loss for 2017-18

A week after Qantas posted a record annual profit, its competitor Virgin Australia has revealed a yearly loss of $653 million for the 2017-18 financial year. But much of the loss can be attributed to asset write-downs and restructuring costs for the airline. Once the impact of these one-off costs are accounted for, Virgin is … Continued

31 Aug 2018 Virgin Australia
Carry on luggage overhead locker

Qantas Hand Luggage Crackdown

Qantas is taking steps to stop passengers delaying flights by flouting its carry-on baggage limits and putting multiple bags in the overhead lockers.

30 Aug 2018 Qantas
Singapore Airlines A380

10 Things to Love About Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer

Update: In January 2019, Singapore Airlines slightly increased the cost of Singapore Airlines and SilkAir redemptions, and the rate at which miles can be transferred to/from Velocity has increased to 1.55:1. In April 2019, Singapore Airlines is also increasing the cost of Star Alliance awards. Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer is one of the world’s best frequent … Continued