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.

Malaysia – the land of opportunity for Qantas?

It’s no surprise that events of recent months have affected Malaysia Airlines badly. The run of bad luck or misfortune has seen passenger loads drop significantly and deep discounting on many routes, including traffic to Australia. With heavy competition from low cost competitor Air Asia, some of our members feel the One World Airline could … Continued

12 Aug 2014 Qantas

Passports vanish in-flight

This week, one of our members asks a question about a situation no one would want to find themselves in Last week I received a panicked call from a friend of a friend (person A) who had just landed at BKK for the start of a 2 week TH holiday. Somewhere between boarding their flight … Continued

9 Aug 2014 In Flight

Booking Secrets Revealed!

One member seeks the advice of our booking-savvy members to determine the cheapest way to book flights and accommodation. Our member has had experience with sites such as Expedia and agents such as Flight Centre and wants to get the low-down on the best deals. Rule 1 of booking success, according to our members, is … Continued

Is Australia still a two airline country?

From the late 1940s until the 1990s, Australia operated under a two airline policy. That policy put in place a law that specified only two airlines could operate the routes between major cities. Over the time it was in place, travel by air was expensive, and often inflexible. For some routes, there would be two … Continued

A cheap flight via Kiev – worth the risk?

One of our members this week asks a question that would have probably not got too much interest a month ago. Sadly with the downing of the Malaysian Airlines over the Ukraine in recent weeks, the question has very much become a topical one. So, I’m looking at doing a round trip from Berlin to … Continued

Etihad Status Match with a catch

Over the last few years, there has been something of a competition going on between the Middle Eastern carriers. With their respective states or countries slowly moving away from a dependence on oil for income, tourism and transport has become the focus for the economy as they move forward. This means new airports, facilities and … Continued

29 Jul 2014 Etihad Airways

Using points to upgrade – Premium Economy or Business?

With all the Qantas Frequent Flyer changes that came into effect in July, flight upgrades are probably one of the few areas left where points still have significant value. Depending on the fare you booked, an upgrade to Premium Economy, Business or First Class can often be requested. But if you have not travelled in … Continued

28 Jul 2014 Qantas

Compensation for work hours lost by delays?

Whether you travel once a year or once a week, chances are delays and cancellations will eventually impact your plans. For a leisure traveller, it could be said your time is not so important. But what about someone in business, can the airlines be held liable for the productivity lost? After a recent bad experience … Continued

26 Jul 2014 Qantas

Grateful Newbie praises AFF community

One long-term lurker but infrequent poster takes an opportunity to thank the amazing array of talent that our AFF community has to offer. The tips and hints provided on the forum has inspired this newbie to start a “points project” in an effort to get their family of four to the US for a holiday … Continued

The Virgin Phone Scam

When it comes to scams, unfortunately airlines are often good fodder for the scammers. As they are in the business of transporting thousands of people a day, it’s easy for the crooks to find a victim who recently took a flight. For the past few weeks, it has been Virgins turn, and a few of … Continued

22 Jul 2014 Virgin Australia

Concern about possible devaluation of points

Avianca’s life miles program has in recent years been a popular one for our members. Despite being based in Columbia, it has offered some unique opportunities to buy points and travel cheaply at the front of the aircraft, thanks to its membership in the Star Alliance. With a generous 100% bonuses for buying miles every … Continued

19 Jul 2014 Avianca