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The Frequent Flyer Gazette

Monday, 16 December 2019

Australia's Unfair Airline Downgrade Policies Need Reviewing
Last week, we brought you the story of the Qantas passengers that were involuntarily downgraded on a flight from Tokyo to Melbourne after their Business class seats became inoperable. They were not given any alternative but to accept the airline's paltry offer of compensation - which they still have not received because they've since been unable to contact Qantas.

Sadly, this is far from a one-off incident. Many other AFF members have shared similar stories about poor treatment and inadequate compensation after being downgraded by Qantas. It has become abundantly clear that the current Australian airline downgrade policies are broken. They are one-sided and unfair, and many AFF members are now calling on the ACCC to investigate.
CONTINUE

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Chile Axes Reciprocity Fee for Australians
The Chilean government will remove the reciprocity fee charged to Australians upon arrival in Chile from Monday, 16 December 2019. However, Australians will be required to apply for an eVisa before travelling to Chile from 16 May 2020.This means that Australian citizens arriving at Santiago International Airport will no longer be required to pay USD117, which is equivalent to $170 at current exchange rates. It also means Australian visitors will no longer need to more...
Woolworths Rewards: Edge Over Flybuys?
For many years, the Flybuys loyalty program of Coles had an arguably better value proposition for frequent flyers. But, following recent positive changes to the Woolworths Rewards program, the tide may have turned. Back in 2015, Woolworths axed its partnership with Qantas Frequent Flyer in favour of a program where points were only earned on a small range of products - and could only be redeemed for shopping discounts. This turned a lot of frequent flyers towards more...
 

Virgin Australia Boeing 737 Business Class Review
2.0/5
We test Virgin Australia's Business class seats and service on a Pacific Island flight from Auckland to Rarotonga.

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AFF Community Round-Up
Featured AFF Member Trip Reports
First ever Status Run to QF Platinum
Trip report by Ade | Ok, I've never written anything this big on AFF, this is my first time :) I'm not sure if I'd call this a trip report. I've read some TR's on this website and OMG, I'm no way close to that... but I thought it would be great if I penned down how my first ever status run went. I successfully finished my first ever status run in my race to QF Platinum, with only 3 weeks to spare on my membership year. read more...
Flight review VTE-BKK-MEL Business Class with Thai Airways
Trip report by Seat0B | I recently flew from Vientiane (VTE), Lao PDR to Canberra (CBR), via Bangkok (BKK) and Melbourne (MEL), with all international legs business class on Thai Airways (TG), so I thought I'd put up a review. read more...
AFF Member Profile
This week, we interviewed AFF member Wanderlust_tim from Melbourne. Wanderlust_tim joined Australian Frequent Flyer in 2016 and has so far made 366 posts.

Q: Most recent flight?
A: EK405 MEL-SIN on Thursday. I booked a last minute quick getaway for Mrs Wanderlust_tim and I a couple of weeks ago. Originally via Bali on Jetstar and then KLM to try their fifth freedom route. However the JQ flight was delayed 9 and 10 hours respectively on Monday and Tuesday, which made us nervous we'd miss our KLM flight. So when we saw award seats open on the Emirates direct flight, we jumped on them.

Q: What's still on your bucket list?
A: The list is long and always growing, but it would have to be Lake Nyiragongo in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is the world's largest lava lake, you hike up and then spend the night camped on the ridge. I imagine it would be terrifying but beautiful.

Q: What's one thing you would never travel overseas without?
A: Talcum powder. It's an odd one but this was one of the best pieces of travel advice I have ever received. It helps keep you comfortable in tropical climates and isn't always readily available to buy on the ground.

Q: What's one piece of advice you would give to a new AFF member?
A: Keep an open mind. The world is an incredible place and some of your fondest memories are likely to come from a place or scenario you never imagined was possible.

Q: Favourite forum on AFF?
A: The Stopover Guides. Many on AFF have the maxim of "why fly direct when you can connect". I am a big believer in this, but I would rather get out of the airport and spend a day exploring a new city too. The stopover guides are an excellent resource for information both in and out of the airport.

Upcoming Community Events
21 Dec
Melbourne Christmas Dinner & Drinks

21 Dec
Sydney Christmas Drinks & Train Ride

29 Jan
Webinar - Credit Card Churning in 2020

07 Mar
Christchurch Dinner

21 Mar
Hobart Wine, Food & Gin Tour



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The Australian Frequent Flyer, 2019
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