If you could start over again - who would you choose?

[Leapstar]

Hi everyone!


First-time poster here, long-time lurker, and finally semi-retired enough to actually start enjoying the finer things in life—like not cramming into seat 54F next to the toilets


I’m just getting started on what I hope will be a new era of more frequent travel, sometimes solo, sometimes with my husband, sometimes with my 15 yo son and sometimes with both. I’m at a bit of a crossroads when it comes to choosing my points partner Qantas Frequent Flyer vs Velocity.

I currently have a credit card linked to Velocity/hefty flybys balance but haven’t accumulated anything significant yet. I’ve been reading up on recent changes to Velocity, and I’m wondering if I should jump ship before I invest any more effort.

I don’t have any real balance in either program, so it’s a clean slate and a perfect chance to start strategically.
My goal is to no longer always fly the cheapest fare, but rather use points, status, and hacks to upgrade my experience—ideally into premium economy or business when I can swing it.

I’m looking for:
The best value earn and burn strategies
Which program offers better bang-for-buck when it comes to upgrades and reward seat availability
Hacks that people in-the-know use to fast-track status
Lounge access without selling a kidney
Credit card synergies that actually deliver


So for all you legends who have long travelled the skies in relative luxury, if you were starting fresh in 2025, where would you throw your loyalty? What are the hidden traps? The underrated perks? The clever plays?

Looking forward to your wisdom—and hopefully a comfier seat next time I board.


Cheers,
Leigh

 

[Dr Ralph]

Welcome to AFF.

I'm sure you'll get some very detailed replies to your questions.

For me, there isn't any one option that is better than the other. 'The grass is always greener' is appropriate here. And even if one programme looks better today vis a vis alternate offerings, things can and will change. Having a foot in multiple systems is my best advice.

As for this request:

"I’m looking for:
The best value earn and burn strategies
Which program offers better bang-for-buck when it comes to upgrades and reward seat availability
Hacks that people in-the-know use to fast-track status
Lounge access without selling a kidney
Credit card synergies that actually deliver"

You've got about 100 hours of reading the already establish threads on AFF to get the required information. There wont be a simple answer to anything that you've asked about.

If this was a simple game to play everyone would be doing it!

 

[Human]

Hello and welcome!

You've certainly come to the right place when it comes to this stuff. There must be hundreds, if not thousands of years worth of accumulated wisdom and experience on this site.

My 2c worth:

You say you have a "hefty" FlyBuys balance. That balance can be transferred to Velocity which is not a bad place to start, given the sort-of-OK-ish availability on airlines such as Qatar, United, ANA etc and (especially) the option of transferring to KrisFlyer which is a seriously good FF programme.

I would strongly encourage you to use a credit card which accumulates points that can be transferred to a number of FF programmes, so you have the freedom to transfer points to the FF programme that has availability on the flights/routes you want. I use AmEx Membership Rewards.

If you are planning to travel more and you want lounge access etc, I'd have a serious look at the AmEx Platinum card. It has a high annual fee but, especially if you travel a lot, that fee can be more than offset by the travel perks that come with the card.

Have a read of the article below to find out more about why you should seek to accumulate points in a flexible points currency rather than Qantas or Velocity only:

Want to Fly to Europe? Collect a Flexible Points Currency!

Credit card rewards programs offer flexible points currencies that you can transfer to whichever airline has the best deal when you book.

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

 

[NM]

While this event requires investment in both $$$ and time, it is probably the best possible kick-start into the world of frequent flyer loyalty programs available.

Thread 'AFF MasterClass in Sydney on Saturday, 6 September 2025'

May 2, 2025

AFF is thrilled to announce that our inaugural in-person MasterClass will take place in Sydney on Saturday, 6 September 2025!

This ticketed event will take place at Crowne Plaza Sydney Airport from 11am until 5pm. Throughout the day, you’ll hear directly from three frequent flyer program and travel experts, with practical sessions designed to give you real-world strategies you can apply immediately. You'll also have an opportunity to quiz our experts in a Q&A session.

The guest speakers are:

• Matt Graham (a.k.a @Mattg) - Australian Frequent Flyer Editor
• Alan Lam (a.k.a...

• AFF Editor
• Replies: 29
• Forum: Meetings & Social Events

• 

The knowledge that will be shared and discussed would be extremely valuable for someone ion your position.

 

[kpc]

I can say this as they own this site....if you read everything in Point Hacks, you will become very knowledgable quickly!

Point Hacks

Find the best frequent flyer deals and credit cards rewards easily. Point Hacks helps you travel cheaper!

www.pointhacks.com.au