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.
One member is currently trying to determine the best Oneworld frequent flyer program to join. This member travels three times per year between Australia and the UK in Business class. Status is the most important consideration for this member, however the ease and value of earning & burning points is also a factor. So my … Continued
Virgin Velocity Gold status comes with tons of benefits when you fly with Virgin Australia or any of its partner airlines, such as Air New Zealand or Singapore Airlines. These include lounge access, bonus points and the ability to change to an earlier flight for free. Gold Velocity status even comes with complimentary hotel loyalty … Continued
If you’ve ever tried to book a one-way international flight, you may have discovered it’s more expensive than buying a return ticket! This week our members reveal their strategies to beat the one-way price hike and save hundreds of dollars. Many airlines penalise passengers for booking one-way, rather than round-trip international tickets. But one-way bookings … Continued
Frustrated Qantas customers are waiting longer than ever to speak to a call centre agent. Hold times of well over an hour are now normal, and numerous members have reported waiting 3 or even 4 hours. Call dropouts and promises of call backs that don’t eventuate also make the long list of Qantas call centre complaints … Continued
Many airlines have been introducing Premium Economy in recent years as a “middle ground” between Economy and Business class. Most Premium Economy cabins offer seats with more width and legroom than Economy. Some airlines also offer improved meals and other comforts. For example, Qantas provides amenity kits for Premium Economy passengers. One member is considering … Continued
A Virgin flyer’s recent decision to treat themselves to a Business class upgrade ended in bitter disappointment. This member feels they received second class service, including last meal choice, because they had upgraded from an Economy ticket. This member watched on as full-fare paying passengers received blatantly preferential treatment. It seems the type of fare … Continued
Indonesia Air Asia X will suspend all flights from 1 September 2016. This will result in the cancellation of all flights between Sydney, Melbourne and Bali. Affected passengers have been contacted and given the option of a rebooking onto new flights, including via Kuala Lumpur, or travelling prior to the route suspensions in September. Passengers … Continued
This week one member reveals why they abandoned their loyalty to Qantas. After years of successive frequent flyer program devaluations, this member felt like their loyalty was no longer a two-way street. The loss of Any Seat Awards, reductions in earning rates on oneworld airlines and a loss of anytime lounge access all contributed to … Continued
This week our members discuss their frequent flyer point goals, and what they have done to reach them. Been thinking about this one for a while and I am wondering how long it has taken everyone to get the desired points needed for a specific purpose? What was the goal of your points, how did … Continued
Virgin Australia could fly to China from next year, with Beijing and Hong Kong flagged as possible new destinations. The flights would be operated by Airbus A330 aircraft currently used on most flights between the east coast and Perth. The announcement comes after HNA Group, which part-owns Chinese-based Hainan Airlines and Hong Kong Airlines, bought … Continued
Our members have discovered an ingenious new way to maximise Virgin Australia status credits when flying Delta. US-based Delta Airlines recently introduced “Comfort Plus”, a new class of travel on US domestic flights between Economy and First. Comfort Plus is similar to Premium Economy, with passengers receiving more legroom, complimentary meals and other benefits in … Continued
Virgin Australia’s in-flight service appears to be the latest victim of cost-cutting at the airline. While airfares continue to rise, many feel that the level of service provided by Virgin is actually decreasing. Instead of being served on a tray, meals on Virgin’s trans-continental flights to Perth are now wrapped in a napkin. Dessert is … Continued