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.

Emirates A380 shower

Emirates to Charge for On-Board Showers?

As competition in the international aviation market intensifies, cash-strapped airlines are eagerly searching for new ways to make money. With international airfares at record lows, even full-service airlines are beginning to look towards ancillary revenue. Ancillary revenue refers to the income received by airlines for additional products and services which are not included in the cost of … Continued

25 Feb 2017 Emirates

Advice for a First-Time Flyer

A new member has decided to take the plunge and travel overseas for the first time at the age of 50! While this first-time flyer is excited, th’re very nervous about the long flight to London. They’re unsure what to expect and are concerned about flying long distances over water. Our members have generously offered … Continued

Qantas 737 wifi

Qantas Rolls Out In-Flight Wifi

Qantas has begun trialling free in-flight wifi on one of its domestic Boeing 737 aircraft, with the service to be rolled out to the entire domestic fleet from later this year. In addition to offering internet access, Qantas will offer customers free access to television and movies through Foxtel and Netflix. Flyers will also have … Continued

20 Feb 2017 Qantas

Redeeming Velocity Points for a Family Holiday

This week one member seeks the community’s recommendations for a family holiday destination that can be reached using Velocity points. AFF member unfunkable is looking for a destination where they take their family of four to relax. While Hawaii had been the destination of choice, there are too few award seats available through Velocity Frequent … Continued

13 Feb 2017 Virgin Australia

Qantas Still Calls Australia Home… In Song Only

Qantas may still call Australia home, but calls to the Qantas Frequent Flyer Service Centre will soon be answered by staff in the Philippines. More than 100 Australian jobs will be lost when Qantas shuts its Melbourne-based call centre later this year. The Frequent Flyer Service Centre handles calls relating to the use of Qantas points, … Continued

9 Feb 2017 Qantas
Calculating value

The Value of Overseas Frequent Flyer Programs

Many Australians are familiar with the frequent flyer programs of Qantas and Virgin Australia. But there are other airline loyalty programs out there that offer considerably better value. Qantas Frequent Flyer and Virgin’s Velocity program are by far the most widely used by Australians. This makes sense, as it’s much easier to earn points within Australia with these programs. … Continued

6 Feb 2017 Other Airlines

Qantas Revamps Business Rewards Program

Qantas has axed its Aquire loyalty program for small to medium businesses, in favour of the newly-launched Qantas Business Rewards. It’s not just a name change, with several significant changes being made to the program. Qantas Business Rewards, like its predecessor Aquire, enables business owners to earn additional points on employees’ flights, as well as … Continued

4 Feb 2017 Qantas

The Qatar Airways Experience

Qatar Airways has been offering some excellent airfare deals on flights to Europe lately. But do these low fares come at the expense of quality? One member is considering using the Doha-based oneworld airline for the first time on an upcoming trip, and seeks the opinion of the AFF community on whether Qatar Airways is … Continued

30 Jan 2017 Qatar Airways
Qantas First Lounge, Sydney

Enjoy International Lounges on Domestic Flights

Flying internationally is often a markedly improved experience, compared to taking a domestic flight. The aircraft used on international routes are often more comfortable than planes designed for short-haul flying. The lounges in international terminals are also significantly better – especially if you happen to enjoy access to the Qantas First class lounge in Sydney or … Continued

28 Jan 2017 Jetstar

Qantas Privacy Breach

The personal details of numerous Qantas customers have been compromised after they were mistakenly sent to the wrong email address. Qantas recently emailed customers flying out of Melbourne, warning them of delays during roadworks on the Tullamarine Freeway. These emails mistakenly contained the surnames and booking reference numbers of other passengers. If the email recipient … Continued

26 Jan 2017 Qantas

Simplifying the Frequent Flyer Puzzle

Frequent flyer points open the door to a world of opportunities, including free flights and flight upgrades. But for some, the complexity of earning and burning points is too much hassle to make it all worthwhile. One member was recently told by a colleague that they must be rich because they often travel in premium … Continued