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.
It’s no secret that flying Business or First class is more comfortable than flying Economy. But if you can’t afford a Business class ticket – and don’t have enough points to redeem one – what other options are available to fly to the USA in comfort? Does anyone have any ideas on how to fly from … Continued
Virgin Australia last week announced two new long-haul routes. Melbourne-Los Angeles is back, and a new Perth-Abu Dhabi flight will also be added. As a result, Virgin will withdraw its 3x weekly Sydney-Abu Dhabi flights. Virgin’s Brisbane-Los Angeles service will also be reduced from daily to 6x weekly, with some of the remaining flights seeing … Continued
A Virgin flyer has been forced to pay for a new ticket on the spot after the airline lost all records of their booking. The reservation mysteriously disappeared after the first flight on the ticket had already been flown without incident. This member was flying from Canberra to Hobart, with a short layover in Melbourne. … Continued
Having been offered a status challenge, one member wonders if the benefits of Qantas Gold status are really worth chasing. I’ve been offered a status challenge (200SC/90Day). Curious, my major flying days are over and I probably wouldn’t fly enough QF/One World metal to get another 600SC for next year; is it worth giving QF … Continued
The number of Velocity status credits you’ll earn on Virgin Australia’s cheapest tickets will soon decrease by up to 50%. Status credits count towards qualifying for elite status with the airline. 500 status credits must be earned within 12 months to qualify for Virgin Gold status. Platinum membership requires 1,000 status credits. The changes come as Virgin … Continued
Want to experience the luxury of First class, but don’t have tens of thousands of dollars to splurge? No worries! This week our members reveal how they fly First class for just a small fraction of the normal ticket price. The trick to enjoying top-notch cuisine, champagne and even a shower on your next flight … Continued
Qantas frequent flyers have enjoyed many benefits when flying Emirates since the Qantas-Emirates alliance was established in 2013. One of the most popular benefits, albeit an unofficial one, has been the free upgrades. Emirates has become renowned for dishing out generous operational upgrades, and Qantas flyers with Platinum or Gold status have been the beneficiaries of many … Continued
After a disappointing flight, one member recently contacted Virgin Australia to inquire about a lack of food or drinks on board. But the follow-up “customer service” was so abysmal, it left them feeling even more disappointed with the airline than they had been before complaining! Our member was initially disappointed not to receive a meal … Continued
There could be any number of reasons not to take the first flight of a multi-sector booking. For example, one member recently discovered that it was cheaper to book a ticket from Perth to Singapore via Melbourne, than a direct Melbourne-Singapore flight. Being based in Melbourne, the member is considering purchasing the ticket from Perth … Continued
One member is bitterly disappointed after Qantas cancelled their booking without notifying them. Adding insult to injury, the airline even charged a cancellation fee. This member had redeemed their hard-earned Qantas points for a flight to Tanzania on oneworld partner Qatar Airways. The points were debited from the member’s frequent flyer account and the additional … Continued
Low-cost airlines Air Asia X and Scoot have both announced new flights to Europe, and tickets from Australia to Europe are now on sale for as little as $369! From 30 October 2016, Air Asia X will commence flights from Kuala Lumpur to Barcelona using an Airbus A330. The flights will operate via Istanbul, and … Continued
When redeeming frequent flyer points, high taxes can add hundreds of dollars to the cost of a “free” flight. These taxes typically need to be paid with real money, in addition to the points required. Many airlines also impose their own “carrier charges”, sometimes disguised as fuel surcharges. Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Emirates and British Airways … Continued