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.
Stuff happens! Especially when it comes to expensive overseas travel arrangements. Some call it Murphy’s Law, the principle that if something can go wrong it will. On that basis, most people will purchase travel insurance to make sure they are covered. As our government says on its smart traveller website, if you cannot afford Travel … Continued
Most of our members hold Australian passports, one of the more widely accepted visa free passports in the world. But not all countries are happy to grant an instant visa on arrival. Some prefer you to give advance notice, or apply for one outside the country. Vietnam, like many of its neighbours, is one such … Continued
When Qantas made changes to its frequent flyer program recently, it was obvious for many that status could be harder to achieve in the future. First the “marginal” Any Seat awards were disposed of, a source of cheap status credits to many members and the topic of much discussion on the forum. Then the reduction … Continued
One of the features in the battle between Qantas and Virgin of recent years has been the increase in capacity both airlines have made in a bid to make money. Not long ago, trans- continental traffic was mostly single aisle jets. With Virgin upping the ante to wide-bodies with lie flat beds in business, Qantas … Continued
While many of our members like to accumulate points rather than spend them, some have been burned by hard lessons from the past. As the events of 2001 showed with the demise of Ansett, sometimes it can be a case of easy come easy go. Spending those points rather than saving them can be a … Continued
An unexpected danger to some passengers on board is the dissemination or consumption of nuts. A four year old girl on a Ryan-Air flight suffered an alleged anaphylactic shock after a fellow passenger opened a packet of nuts in another row. This story raised a number of issues with our members and led them to … Continued
One of the biggest changes to the customer experience when flying domestically has been in the area of in flight entertainment (IFE). With seat back screen systems expensive to install and keep updated with technology, airlines have been looking at ways to save money. WiFi streaming is a technology that for many airlines solves the … Continued
For many, the joys of travel include the opportunity to meet to new people. Thanks to assigned seating, you will not always have the choice as to whom you may sit with. That long haul flight could see time fly should you be lucky to be seated beside someone who is witty and entertaining. Taking … Continued
This week many members suffer from some serious perk-envy when some of our members reveal the perks that are attached to their careers. An Amex gold card where accrued points are allowed to be used at the employee’s discretion is a frequent flyers fantasy. A company car with all registration, insurance and petrol paid is … Continued
In the last week, the focus has been on Qantas and its financial performance. To many, it’s seen as a legacy carrier struggling to compete in the world of other airlines, both full service and low cost. But Qantas is not the only airline in a world of pain when it comes to financial results. … Continued
One member this week is horrified at what they perceive is a potential fraud on behalf of Virgin when booking via the Virgin website. This member booked a flexi-fare and upon selecting the relevant fares and attempting to pay, the price was $17 more than the advertised price and no explanation was given for the … Continued
For the past few years Qantas customers have become used to the bad news. With each 6 monthly financial results announcement, the chances of new equipment, routes and services diminish. This month it appears it will be no different. With the results due soon, news is already leaking out that further job cuts are going … Continued