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.

Flying a Family to Japan on Points

Redeeming frequent flyer points for Business class seats can be difficult at the best of times – let alone four seats on the same flight. But that’s exactly what one member is hoping to do for their upcoming family holiday to Japan. We’re planning a family trip to Japan for October 2018 and will have enough … Continued

18 Jan 2017 Qantas
Defunct Tigerair Loses its Roar

Tigerair Cancels All Bali Flights

Tigerair has been forced to cancel all of its flights between Australia and Indonesia, effective from Wednesday 11 January. The snap decision by the Indonesian government to ban Tigerair from flying to the country has resulted in chaos as thousands of Tigerair passengers were left stranded. Tigerair operates three international routes to Bali from Melbourne, … Continued

16 Jan 2017 Virgin Australia
Star Alliance Lounge Los Angeles

Virgin Flyers Lose Los Angeles Lounge Access

Virgin flyers with Gold Velocity status will no longer receive lounge access in Los Angeles when flying on Virgin Australia. Gold Velocity members previously enjoyed access to the Star Alliance lounge in Los Angeles. Instead, Virgin flyers departing from Los Angeles to Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne will now receive a $40 voucher to spend in … Continued

14 Jan 2017 Virgin Australia

Compensation for mid-air injury

It’s not uncommon to receive compensation for a flight delay or inoperative entertainment system, but what about a mid-air injury? One member was recently hurt on a Qantas flight after stepping on broken glass. The incident occurred shortly after take-off, with the glass somehow having been left in the aisle. The passenger was not wearing shoes at … Continued

12 Jan 2017 Post Flight
Virgin Australia 737 economy class

Virgin Considers Domestic Premium Economy Comeback

Virgin Australia is reportedly considering bringing Premium Economy back on domestic flights. Under the plan, the first three rows of Economy class on Virgin’s Boeing 737 aircraft would be converted to Premium Economy seats with extra legroom. Virgin is also considering adding other Premium Economy benefits, such as dedicated overhead locker space and use of … Continued

11 Jan 2017 Virgin Australia

Qantas Points Expiry: Unfair

Qantas has come under fire over its inability to notify members that their points are about to expire. One member recently lost thousands of Qantas Frequent Flyer points, but says they were never warned by the airline. Qantas claims that it notifies members by email around a month before their points are due to expire. … Continued

7 Jan 2017 Qantas
American Airlines Admirals Club

Discounted Admirals Club Lounge Access

If you regularly fly with American Airlines, Admirals Club lounges provide a welcome sanctuary away from the hustle & bustle of crowded airports. Entry to the Admirals Club doesn’t come cheap though, with American Airlines charging $500 per year for membership. But if you’re a U.S. resident, did you know that you can gain unlimited … Continued

No Value in Business Class?

Business class may offer a more comfortable seat and a better meal, but it seems not everyone sees the value in flying up front. Some members believe that the differences do not justify the higher price of Business class, especially when multiple trips in cattle class can be had for the price of a single … Continued

5 Jan 2017 The Journey

Redeeming Virgin Velocity Points to the USA

Redeeming Virgin Velocity points for Business class flights to the United States used to be fairly simple. But in recent times, securing a reward seat has become a real challenge. All Velocity members can redeem points for Business reward seats. Velocity Gold and Platinum members can also request a points upgrade to Business class, provided … Continued

Velocity Points to Stop Flowing at BP?

BP has announced plans to purchase Woolworths Petrol for $1.8 billion, spelling an end to Woolworths’ long-standing partnership with Caltex. It will likely also signal the end of BP’s extensive partnership with Velocity, the frequent flyer program of Virgin Australia. As part of the deal, BP will acquire more than 500 Woolworths-branded petrol stations. If regulatory … Continued

31 Dec 2016 Virgin Australia

The Key to a Successful Points Upgrade

Upgrading to Business or First class is not only an affordable way to travel in luxury, but also an excellent use of frequent flyer points. Unfortunately, there’s a catch: upgrades can be difficult to secure, and there’s a risk that your request will be unsuccessful. But there’s some good news if you want to use … Continued

Virgin Australia 737

Should Virgin Australia Join an Alliance?

Virgin Australia currently belongs to a virtual network of partner airlines, including Singapore Airlines, Etihad and Air New Zealand. Virgin flyers can earn and redeem points with each of these partners. Velocity Silver, Gold and Platinum members also enjoy reciprocal status recognition when flying with these airlines. But some members believe that the existing arrangements … Continued