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.

No value in Virgin Flexi fares?

One member is frustrated at what they perceive as a considerable devaluation of Virgin’s more expensive Flexi fares. They complain that while the benefits have decreased, the prices of Flexi fares have soared. Flexi fares often cost triple the price of a standard Saver ticket. Can someone enlighten me on the benefit of booking a … Continued

28 Apr 2015 Virgin Australia
Singapore Merlion statue

Qantas reinstates Perth-Singapore flights, but they’re not daily

After a year-long hiatus and months of speculation, Qantas recently announced they are resuming flights between Perth and Singapore, with services to resume in June. The route was operated for many years until it was cut from the route map in an apparent cost-cutting exercise last year. The move angered many Perth-based flyers, who were … Continued

27 Apr 2015 Qantas

Maximising the full first class experience

Flying in first class on an international flight is something many of us would love to do if we had the chance. Luckily, thanks to many of the tricks discussed on AFF, first class flying is not out of reach. But for someone who has never experienced the luxury of the pointy end of the … Continued

21 Apr 2015 Qantas

Finally, free food on all Virgin flights

Virgin Australia began offering free food on all domestic flights last week. The news has been largely welcomed by our members, who have long complained of Virgin’s lack of consistency when it comes to in-flight service. Until now, those on flights between the east coast and Perth already received a complimentary hot meal. However the … Continued

20 Apr 2015 Virgin Australia

Airfares to the USA hit rock bottom

The recent drop in the price of airfares between Australia and the United States is like music to the ears of many a traveller. In recent months we have seen some very good sales on this route, with Qantas selling off-peak tickets for under $1,200 and Virgin Australia undercutting that even more. But a current … Continued

13 Apr 2015 Air New Zealand

Is Epiqure Premium Membership Worthwhile?

Many of our wine-loving members are also members of Qantas’ food and wine community, Qantas Wine (formerly epiQure). The program claims to offer good deals on premium wines, and many of our members are also attracted by the proposition of bonus frequent flyer points. Anyone can order wine from epiQure, but becoming a full member … Continued

7 Apr 2015 Qantas

Codeshare flight seat selection conundrum

One member is running into problems attempting to select a seat on their upcoming codeshare flights. I have purchased flights with LAN as marketing carrier but operating carrier is QF. I only have a LAN PNR – tried to get the QF one and QF tell me I do not exist in their system from … Continued

4 Apr 2015 Oneworld

Qantas Priority Baggage Blues

This week our members complain about the notoriously unpredictable approach of Qantas to priority baggage. One member has status, flies business class and has priority marked luggage but finds that their bags are still often the last to arrive off the conveyor. Many members find this frustrating given that priority luggage is trumpeted as a … Continued

2 Apr 2015 Qantas

Booking internal South American flights with Qantas points

In South America, depending on where and when you want to fly, internal flights are often expensive. And this problem is exacerbated by the fact that on some airlines, tourists are not even allowed to buy the cheapest tickets, which are reserved for sale to local residents only. So it’s little surprise that one of … Continued

28 Mar 2015 Qantas

Retirement Strategy for Frequent Flyers

One member asks our older and wiser forum participants how it is possible to maintain a frequent flyer reward balance when retired. This member is considering an early retirement but is mindful that this is likely to result in a sharp decline of the ability to acquire frequent flyer points. Our members discuss a number … Continued

Virgin Happy Hours not so cheery lately

Following the end of the price war between Qantas and Virgin, combined with the recent removal of Virgin’s cheapest Saver Lite fares, our members have noticed that Virgin Australia’s so-called Happy Hour specials have not been looking too happy lately. The Thursday afternoon specials once offered some great deals on flights to a selection of … Continued

21 Mar 2015 Virgin Australia

Is Qantas Silver Status worthwhile?

A member is planning a large overseas trip at the end of the year and is wondering whether or not it would be worthwhile to attain silver status with Qantas before the trip. I am 220 status credits away from Silver with a month to go in this year. I noticed that once Silver is … Continued

17 Mar 2015 Qantas