Latest news

Australia Winds Back Omicron Border Restrictions

NSW and Victoria are winding back the quarantine requirements for international arrivals introduced several weeks ago due to heightened concerns about the Omicron coronavirus variant. The Australian government has also repealed its ban on international travel from nine African countries and downgraded its “Do not travel warning” for these destinations. It comes as Virgin Australia … Continued

19 Dec 2021 Coronavirus and Travel

Etihad Claims “World’s First Green Loyalty Progamme”

Twelve days after Qantas Frequent Flyer announced it would launch a new Green tier to reward members for making sustainable choices, Etihad Airways announced that it is launching the “world’s first green loyalty programme”. While good news for the environment and Etihad Guest members alike, the “world first” claim is a little bizarre when neither … Continued

19 Dec 2021 Etihad Airways

Don’t Forget to Enter Qantas & Virgin’s Vaccination Competitions

If you’re an Australian aged 18 or over and you’ve received both doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, make sure you claim your Qantas vaccination reward and enter the Qantas & Velocity Frequent Flyer competitions by the end of this month! Both Qantas and Virgin Australia are giving away prizes to Australians who’ve been vaccinated against … Continued

18 Dec 2021 Coronavirus and Travel

Airbus Jets to Replace Qantas Narrow-Body Fleet

Qantas has confirmed that it will replace its ageing Boeing 737-800 fleet with the Airbus A321XLR, and its Boeing 717s with Airbus A220s. The new jets will begin to arrive in around three years and will form the backbone of the Qantas domestic fleet for the next several decades. Over recent months, Qantas had been … Continued

16 Dec 2021 Qantas

Virgin Lounge Access for FlyPelican Passengers

FlyPelican passengers departing from Sydney or Canberra on selected fare types can now enjoy access to the Virgin Australia Lounge ahead of their flight. From this week, FlyPelican passengers booked on a Pelican Corporate or Pelican Flexible fare receive lounge access, where available, as an inclusion with their ticket. This is available regardless of your … Continued

16 Dec 2021 Rex & Regional Airlines

WA Halves International Arrival Cap from 23 December 2021

As the rest of Australia reopens to interstate and international travellers, the Western Australian government has just halved the weekly cap on the number of people allowed to arrive from overseas to only 265 people per week. Currently, WA is only accepting 530 people arriving from overseas each week, who must enter 14 days of … Continued

15 Dec 2021 Coronavirus and Travel

Virgin Australia Refreshes Onboard Menu

Virgin Australia has improved the range of food and drinks available for sale in its onboard retail menu, with new options including hot food for passengers in Economy Class on domestic and international flights. Virgin has added nine new menu items to its buy on-board retail menu including muffins, Violet Crumble chocolate bars and Cheezels. … Continued

15 Dec 2021 Virgin Australia

Qantas Announces Seasonal Perth-Rome Flights

Qantas will launch direct Perth-Rome flights from June 2022, with 3x weekly flights during the European summer when demand for leisure travel to Italy is at its peak. Running from 22 June until 6 October 2022, the seasonal flights will be operated by the airline’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. The flights will run as a Sydney-Perth-Rome … Continued

15 Dec 2021 Qantas

Virgin Australia Partners with United Airlines

Virgin Australia will end its long-standing partnership with Delta Air Lines next year, switching instead to United Airlines. Subject to government approval, the new agreement between Virgin Australia and United is due to begin from April 2022. Members of Virgin’s Velocity Frequent Flyer program will soon be able to earn and redeem points, and earn … Continued

14 Dec 2021 United Airlines Virgin Australia

Qantas Customer Cancels $350k of Flights After 71 Hours on Hold

Last week, Australian Frequent Flyer exposed the dire state of the service being provided by the Qantas call centre. Many customers are waiting hours on hold, only to speak to staff who can’t assist with even basic requests – or for their calls to be disconnected. Clearly, this story has resonated with Australians. Following last Thursday’s … Continued

13 Dec 2021 Qantas

Podcast #75: How to Upgrade on Qantas & Virgin

Everyone loves an upgrade! So what’s the best way to get one if you’re flying with Qantas or Virgin Australia? In episode 75 of the AFF on Air podcast, Matt explains how to successfully upgrade to Business Class using points or money when flying with Qantas or Virgin. Learn how Qantas Classic Upgrade Rewards work, … Continued

11 Dec 2021 AFF on Air Podcast

How to Upgrade on Qantas & Virgin – AIR075

  In the final AFF on Air podcast episode for 2021, Matt is joined by the owner of Australian Frequent Flyer Clifford Reichlin for a chat about the challenges of running a travel website during a pandemic – when nobody can travel. Also in this episode, how to get an upgrade when flying with Qantas … Continued

11 Dec 2021 AFF on Air (blubrry)