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.
Qantas has announced that fuel-related surcharges will now gradually be absorbed into base fares for Frequent Flyer redemption tickets. This announcement has been trumpeted as Qantas delivering a real and tangible benefit to loyal frequent flyers. However, many of our members remain sceptical about this announcement. One member has opined that until Qantas are in … Continued
Following the lead of many airlines over recent months, British Airways is restructuring its frequent flyer program. As such changes usually are, this is largely bad news for British Airways Executive Club members as significantly fewer Avios miles and Tier points will be earned on the cheapest economy fares. But it appears that British Airways … Continued
One of our members is planning a move to the UK and has a dilemma: pack the Qantas Frequent Flyer card or leave it behind and look at new options in the UK? I’m an Australian moving to the UK, and a member of the Qantas FF scheme for a while now, although I do … Continued
In a move that is likely to put further pressure on rival Qantas, Virgin Australia has completely removed fuel surcharges from all of its flights. The fuel surcharge component will now be included in the base fare. The move is largely symbolic as Virgin previously only charged a surcharge on two of its routes; Sydney … Continued
This week one member’s selected seating was arbitrarily changed at the gate leaving them frustrated and resentful at Virgin ground staff. Our member was flying Darwin to Brisbane on a Virgin flight and requested, and was then duly allocated seat 5C upon check-in. When our member proceeded to the gate, the gate scanner flashed red … Continued
It has been reported that Hong Kong-based airline Cathay Pacific is set to announce sweeping changes to its frequent flyer offering. Unfortunately, it’s mostly bad news for customers as the changes are likely to devalue the program significantly. In future it may be much harder or even impossible to gain elite status, especially flying on … Continued
The issue of expiring Qantas points is not one anyone with an active Qantas Frequent Flyer account should need to worry about. Qantas has a clear policy that points will not expire as long as the account has been active in some way in the past 18 months. But for less frequent travellers, this is … Continued
Our member Gungadin6’s recent Air New Zealand nuisance has been received with mixed reactions by our forum members. Gungadin6 was on an Auckland to Sydney flight when it was diverted to Melbourne without explanation. Upon arrival in Melbourne our member was still not given an explanation and waited for forty five minutes to get to … Continued
One member this week is planning a family trip to Europe and wants to experience the luxury of First class, but won’t be able to bring the whole family into the pointy end. Instead of our member risking getting into trouble with his wife, the plan is to split the travel so that both Mum … Continued
Direct flights between Australia and Japan are set to get a boost after Qantas announced new services to Japan late last year. In addition to this, there is speculation that All Nippon Airways will re-enter the Sydney-Tokyo market after a 16 year hiatus. Following various airline cutbacks and the aftermath of the 2011 earthquake in … Continued
Our members reminisce about the year that was and ramp up their 2015 travel goals. Some members commit the ultimate frequent flyer faux pas and admit that high on their list of priorities for 2015 is to fly less! Air travel Safety also features high on our member’s wish-lists with some members revealing their noble … Continued
Many people dream of one day flying to Europe in Business class, but think it is impossible to afford unless they win the lotto. However with some frequent flyer points, and a bit of sage advice, the dream doesn’t have to remain forever as just a dream! One member this week wants to use points … Continued