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.

Hong Kong

High Fuel Surcharges Returning to Hong Kong?

If you’ve ever tried to redeem your frequent flyer points for a reward flight, you’ve probably noticed that fuel surcharges can add hundreds of dollars to the cost of your “free” flight. But there are ways to avoid paying fuel surcharges on award tickets. One strategy is to book a flight from a country that … Continued

A Qantas Boeing 737-800 takes off at Melbourne Airport

Qantas Considering Unbundled Fares?

Qantas is reportedly considering a “pay as you go” service model on flights between Australia and New Zealand. In a move that would copy the existing models of Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia, Qantas passengers could be charged extra for things like checked baggage, meals, drinks, frequent flyer points, seat selection and in-flight entertainment … Continued

25 May 2018 Qantas
Los Angeles

Cheap Business Class to the USA

The United States is one of the most popular destinations for Australian travellers. But flights to North America are long and operate overnight in both directions. This makes a Business class bed a very attractive option for the trip across the Pacific. Premium cabin airfares from Australia can be very expensive. But there are ways … Continued

Qatar Airways 787 business class meal

Qatar Business Sale: Jakarta to Milan for $1,790 return

Business class airfares from Australia to Europe are typically expensive. But the same is not true for flights from south-east Asia to Europe! Earlier this week we showed you how you can fly from Bangkok to London in Business class for less than $2,000 return. Now Qatar Airways, a Oneworld alliance member, has some excellent … Continued

24 May 2018 Qatar Airways
Oops mistake glitch

Qantas Overcharging for Reward Flights

The Qantas website has been plagued with errors since it was “upgraded” earlier this month. Unfortunately, one of the most serious problems has still not yet been resolved. The Qantas website is currently overcharging for some Classic Flight Reward bookings. The correct amounts of taxes and carrier charges are being applied, but the amount of … Continued

21 May 2018 Qantas
London, UK

Bangkok to London under $2,000 return in Business

Looking for cheap Business class flights to Europe? If you don’t mind making your own way to Bangkok, there are some exceptional Gulf Air Business class fares from Bangkok to London for under $2,000 return. The cheap Gulf Air Business fares are available for travel any time until the end of the year, except from … Continued

19 May 2018 Other Airlines
Air Namibia A319

Earning Points with Obscure Airlines

If you’re a loyal Oneworld, Star Alliance or SkyTeam flyer, you probably try to fly with airlines from your alliance at every opportunity. But, as great as airline alliances and partnerships are, they don’t cover every corner of the globe. When travelling overseas, you’ll occasionally need to fly with obscure airlines that aren’t part of … Continued

19 May 2018 Other Airlines
Grounded Air New Zealand & Qantas planes at Auckland Airport

Boeing 787 Engine Problems Ground Aircraft

Boeing 787 engine problems are causing serious disruptions to flights with Air New Zealand, LATAM Airlines, British Airways and several other airlines. But, thankfully, not all airlines operating the Dreamliner are affected. Here’s what you need to know… What are the Boeing 787 engine problems? Some airlines have discovered that the turbine blades in their … Continued

13 May 2018 Air New Zealand
Qantas Hangs Up on Platinum Member Requesting Refund

Qantas Refund Black Hole

An AFF member and Qantas Platinum frequent flyer is still waiting for a Qantas refund of $4,000, two months after they had to cancel their flight. And they could be waiting a lot longer, as Qantas has stopped responding to emails and phone calls. PaulDQLD had originally booked two return Qantas Business class fares from Sydney … Continued

10 May 2018 Qantas
Air France A340 lands at St Maarten over beach

Air France in Financial Trouble?

Air France, the French flag carrier and a founding member of the SkyTeam alliance, could be in serious financial trouble. The airline’s CEO resigned last week amid an ongoing industrial dispute, sending the share price plummeting. Meanwhile, the French government says the airline’s future is in the balance, vowing not to bail out the airline. … Continued

9 May 2018 Other Airlines
Emirates A380 Sydney Airport

10 Unusual Emirates Routes Bookable with Qantas Points

Qantas points can be used to book Emirates flights to destinations all over the world! Most Emirates flights start or end in Dubai, but Emirates also has many useful fifth-freedom routes. From Australia, Emirates flies a range of useful fifth-freedom routes including Sydney-Christchurch, Melbourne-Singapore, Brisbane-Singapore and Sydney-Bangkok. These are just a few of the many unusual … Continued