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 Club sign

Qantas Club Reopens in Rockhampton

Qantas will finally open its new lounge at Rockhampton Airport tomorrow (16 November 2022). Located upstairs and offering tarmac views, the new Rockhampton Qantas Club has seating for up to 65 people and is around double the size of the previous lounge at the same airport. Seating options include high tables designed for working and … Continued

15 Nov 2022 Qantas
Finnair Airbus A350-900

How Finnair Is Reinventing Its Business Model

Just a few years ago, Finland’s geographical location was a huge strategic advantage for Finnair, a member of the Oneworld alliance. Its business model revolved around its ability to offer short travel times and efficient connections between Europe and Asia, via its hub airport in Helsinki. Unfortunately for Finnair, COVID-19 decimated demand for travel to … Continued

10 Nov 2022 Other Airlines
Bamboo Airways Boeing 787

Air Canada Aeroplan Adds Two Unique Airline Partners

Air Canada’s Aeroplan program has an unusually large number of useful airline partnerships. Not only can Aeroplan members earn and redeem points across the Star Alliance network, but also with around 20 other partner airlines that are not part of Star Alliance. These include many airlines that aren’t affiliated with any of the alliances, such … Continued

9 Nov 2022 Air Canada
Downtown skyline of Seoul, South Korea with Seoul Tower.

T’Way Air Launching Sydney-Seoul Flights

South Korean low-cost carrier T’way Air will be one of two new airlines to begin operating direct Sydney-Seoul flights next month. From 24 December 2022, T’way Air will launch 4x weekly seasonal flights between Sydney and Seoul’s Incheon Airport using Airbus A330-300 aircraft. T’way Air has been operating under that name since 2010 with a … Continued

8 Nov 2022 Other Airlines
Shonkys award for Qantas, with Marg Rafferty, Editorial Director

Does Australia Need EU-Style Air Passenger Protections?

Last week, consumer advocacy group Choice awarded Qantas its annual Shonky Award for “unusable flight credits, delayed flights, disappearing baggage, and endless call wait times”. It described the flying kangaroo as “The Spirit of Disappointment” for letting down many of its customers. “People are still paying premium prices to fly Qantas, but it’s clear from … Continued

7 Nov 2022 Qantas
Los Angeles, USA - 20. February 2016: United Airlines Airbus A320 at Los Angeles airport (LAX) in the USA

Australia-USA Flights at 50% of Pre-COVID Capacity

At the start of 2020, Qantas was selling around 34,000 weekly seats between Australia and five destinations in the continental United States. It’s now operating just over 13,000 weekly seats in this market, with services to Los Angeles and Dallas only. Virgin Australia, meanwhile, has stopped flying to the United States altogether. Virgin used to … Continued

Virgin Blue Boeing 737-800 in original red livery

Has Virgin Australia Had Its Goldilocks Moment?

In the seven years leading up to the pandemic, Virgin Australia never once made an annual profit. Already in a weak financial position, it didn’t take long after COVID-19 hit for Australia’s second-largest airline to enter voluntary administration. Virgin Australia had been a good airline that was popular with passengers, but for too long was … Continued

Use Qantas Points to Fly on Bangkok Airways

Qantas Frequent Flyer members can now redeem their points for Classic Flight Reward seats on Bangkok Airways, a boutique airline based in Thailand. The expansion of Qantas’ partnership with Bangkok Airways was first announced in 2019 but delayed due to COVID-19. It’s now finally a reality. Classic Flight Reward seats in Economy Class are available … Continued

Inflight economy cabin passengers are getting food served in Qantas A330

8 Excellent (Non-First Class) Airline Meals

When flying international First Class, the meal service is designed to be a luxurious, multi-course dining experience. But you don’t necessarily have to be flying First to get great food on board! Because airline meals are generally produced on a mass scale and are often reheated from frozen, they can at times be quite awful. … Continued

30 Oct 2022 In Flight