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 First Lounge, Sydney Airport

Sydney’s Qantas First Lounge Will Reopen on 1 November 2021

Qantas will reopen its flagship international First Lounge at Sydney Airport on 1 November 2021 – the same day that regular flights from Sydney to London and Los Angeles resume. While the Qantas First Lounge in Sydney will reopen next month, Qantas won’t reopen its neighbouring Business Lounge until more people are travelling – likely … Continued

19 Oct 2021 Qantas
The Airbus A380 is making a comeback

The Airbus A380 is Making a Comeback

As the end to major COVID-19 travel restrictions draws tantalisingly close, demand for air travel is starting to return. Many countries, including Australia, are starting to ease border restrictions for vaccinated travellers. As a result, airlines are starting to return their largest planes to the skies! In aircraft terms, the super-jumbo Airbus A380 was one … Continued

Alitalia is shutting down

Velocity Formally Ends Alitalia Partnership

Virgin Australia’s Velocity Frequent Flyer program has finally confirmed that it is ending its long-standing partnership with Alitalia, a day after the former Italian flag carrier operated its last flight. Alitalia has been replaced by a new airline called ITA, which stands for Italia Trasporto Aereo. ITA will be fully owned by the Italian government … Continued

15 Oct 2021 Virgin Australia
SQ Singapore A350

Singapore Airlines to Operate Repatriation Flights to Darwin

Singapore Airlines will operate two commercial repatriation flights to Darwin next month for returning Australian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate family members. The Singapore Airlines flights will fly from Singapore to Darwin on 2 and 8 November 2021. All passengers will be required to quarantine at Howard Springs for 14 days after arrival. While New … Continued

Air Canada Dreamliner Premium Economy cabin

Too Many Airline Award Charts Ignore Premium Economy

Many airlines have introduced Premium Economy Class over the past decade. Even the major US carriers and Emirates, which initially resisted the trend, are now retrofitting Premium Economy seats onto their long-haul planes. But so many frequent flyer programs haven’t caught up yet. Of the frequent flyer programs that still have award charts, most display … Continued

Bonza Boeing 737 MAX

Bonza: Australia’s Next Low-Cost Airline

A new start-up airline is planning to launch low-cost flights to leisure and regional destinations across Australia from next year. Bonza, as the airline has been named, doesn’t plan to compete directly with Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin and Rex on routes with lots of business travellers. Flying a small fleet of new, single-class Boeing 737-8 aircraft … Continued

Virgin Australia 737 takeoff

Virgin Launches 6 New Routes, Brings Forward Fiji

Virgin Australia has been on a new route blitz, announcing six new domestic routes over recent days and bringing forward its planned restart of flights to Fiji. New Virgin flights to Coffs Harbour Last week, Virgin announced it would resume up to double-daily flights from Sydney to Coffs Harbour from 11 November 2021, as NSW … Continued

13 Oct 2021 Virgin Australia
Qantas 787

Qantas International Schedule Doesn’t Add Up

Qantas is busily preparing to restart international flights from next month. The airline will begin with flights from Sydney to London and Los Angeles, currently on sale from 14 November 2021, and gradually ramp up services over the following months. It sounds great, in theory. But Qantas doesn’t actually have enough planes to operate all … Continued

11 Oct 2021 Qantas
Qantas Sydney domestic Business Lounge

It’s Back: 50 Qantas Status Credits + 6,000 Points from $64

Qantas Frequent Flyer members could earn 50 status credits and more than 6,000 Qantas points starting from as little as $63.63, thanks to a lucrative Qantas Health Insurance promotion. Originally running between 9-13 July 2021, this promotion is now back and available to new Qantas Health Insurance customers who sign up between 8-12 October 2021. With … Continued

9 Oct 2021 Qantas
View from the cockpit of QF14

Qantas Flies Non-Stop from Buenos Aires to Darwin

Qantas operated its longest ever “commercial” flight yesterday, flying 107 passengers non-stop from Buenos Aires in Argentina to Darwin. Flight QF14 took off from Ministro Pistarini International Airport in Buenos Aires at 12.44pm on Tuesday, local time, before heading south for the 15,037km trip to Darwin. (The actual flight path was 354km longer than the … Continued

7 Oct 2021 Qantas
Qantas Emirates and Jetstar planes at MEL

Qantas & Emirates Seek Approval to Extend Partnership

Qantas and Emirates have announced that they intend to seek regulatory approval to extend their partnership until at least 2028, with a possible further extension until 2033. It’s a vote of confidence in the extensive alliance between Qantas and Emirates which will likely continue to benefit both airlines, even after Qantas resumes non-stop flights from … Continued

5 Oct 2021 Emirates