Planning & Booking

A great trip starts with smart planning and careful booking. From finding the best deals to navigating frequent flyer programs, this section covers everything you need to make your travel dreams a reality. Check below for articles and advice on planning and booking your next trip, and chat to our community for more info.

Goodwill Lost: Customers Have Long Memories

Goodwill Lost: Customers Have Long Memories

Most businesses have faced significant issues due to COVID-19, particularly in the travel industry. With borders closed, many airlines have had to cancel flights and many tour operators have had to temporarily shut down. Millions of cruises, car rentals and hotel bookings have also been cancelled as would-be travellers have been stuck at home. But … Continued

Travel agent

Travel Agents in NSW Must Disclose Commissions, Incentives

From next week, travel agents operating in the state of New South Wales will need to disclose any commission, referral fees or incentives they receive from their suppliers. The new rule is part of increased disclosure obligations that will apply to NSW businesses, including intermediaries such as agents. The new state-based laws also require businesses to … Continued

out of business bankrupt

Online Travel Agency Fly365 Enters Liquidation

Online travel agency Fly365 entered voluntary administration last Friday, after 4 years in business. Many hundreds of Fly365.com customers that booked tickets during recent weeks have now had their tickets cancelled. Others are without recourse after airlines cancelled flights which were originally booked through Fly365 due to the coronavirus outbreak. These customers have been left … Continued

Philippine Airlines A321neo business class

Philippine Airlines Business Class to Manila from $1,545 return

Philippine Airlines is currently offering some very enticing Premium Economy and Business class sale fares to Manila, with onward connections to other destinations in Asia, Europe and North America also available. Business class flights from Perth, Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane to Manila are available from just $960 return in Premium Economy, or $1,545 return in … Continued

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Europe 2020 Early Bird Sales Have Landed

It’s that time of year again! The 2020 Europe early bird sales have landed, and airlines have already started offering discounted early-bird airfares for travel to Europe next year. Economy class flights from Australia to Europe on full-service airlines are currently available from just $1,027 return, and there are also some Premium Economy and Business … Continued

Court heavy fine

Economy Downgrade Inadequate, Court Rules

Passengers that book a Business Class ticket should not have to accept a downgrade to Economy Class, a German court has ruled. In a recent case, the judge found that Economy Class was an inadequate and unequal replacement for a paid Business Class ticket. This may sound like common sense, but involuntary downgrades are more … Continued

Innsbruck Austria Europe summer

Book Your Summer Award Travel to Europe Now

Are you planning to travel to Europe between June and August 2020? You’re not alone! Australians love to visit Europe during the peak northern summer period, with many Aussies flying there during the July school holidays. The trip from Australia to Europe is a long one, so most of us prefer to fly in Business … Continued

Australian money in TRAVEL jar with passport

How Hidden-City Fare Pricing Works

Ever noticed that it was more expensive to fly from A to B, compared to flying from A to C via B? This phenomenon is known as “hidden-city” pricing, and airlines hate it when passengers exploit it. Although hidden-city ticketing is more prevalent overseas, it does exist in Australia. In one example, a Qantas Business … Continued

Why Business Class can be Cheaper than Economy

Premium airline cabins normally command a significant price premium over Economy. But, occasionally, Business class tickets are in fact cheaper than Economy! AFF members have discovered multiple examples of Virgin Australia Business fares that were cheaper than Economy class on the same flight. So, why does this happen… and why would anyone still book an Economy … Continued