Avianca Devalues Popular LifeMiles Program

The frequent flyer program of Star Alliance member and Colombian flag carrier Avianca has long been popular with Australian frequent flyers. Avianca’s Life Miles program sells miles, often accompanied by generous bonuses (such as the current 140% bonus miles being offered). These miles can then be redeemed for premium cabin travel on other Star Alliance … Continued

Optimal Strategy for 14 Annual Europe Trips

One member faces the unenvious prospect of taking up to 14 trips between Brisbane and Dublin over the next year. As this member will be paying for the flights themselves, they are looking for strategies to optimise their travel experience and hopefully score a few upgrades along the way. I’m looking at doing either 13 or … Continued

End of an Era for Alitalia

The future of Italian flag carrier Alitalia is in doubt after the debt-ridden airline filed for bankruptcy. The announcement came as the airline, which is losing more than a million dollars per day, failed to reach an agreement with its employees that would have seen jobs and salaries cut to more sustainable levels. Alitalia flights … Continued

BP Seeks End to Velocity Tie-up

BP is seeking to pull the plug on its partnership with Velocity Frequent Flyer, ahead of its acquisition of 527 Woolworths Petrol outlets next year. This would mean that Velocity points can no longer be earned or redeemed at BP petrol stations. It is likely that, going forward, BP will seek to form a partnership with … Continued

First Class for a Fraction of the Price

First Class provides the ultimate in luxury in the air. It’s also usually prohibitively expensive… but thanks to frequent flyer points, it doesn’t have to be! One member recently flew First class on Etihad’s Airbus A380 from Sydney to Abu Dhabi, and they absolutely loved the experience. This member said they felt like they were … Continued