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SAS ATR-72 Economy Class Review

Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) is a Star Alliance member operating short-haul and long-haul flights from its hubs in Copenhagen, Stockholm and Oslo. I recently flew with SAS on a short regional flight from Copenhagen to Hamburg in Economy Class, which Scandinavian Airlines markets as “SAS Go” on its European flights. You can read about this flight … Continued

24 Apr 2022 Flight Reviews

The Spirits Are Back on Qantas

Spirits are finally back on the spirit of Australia, with Qantas bringing back spirits in Business Class on domestic flights from today. Australian Frequent Flyer understands that Qantas will also resume hanging passengers’ jackets in domestic Business Class from today. In addition, on longer domestic flights, Business Class passengers will once again be offered a drink … Continued

21 Apr 2022 Qantas

Qantas Oneworld Award Not Just for Round-the-World Trips

The Oneworld Classic Flight Reward is a very popular Qantas Frequent Flyer redemption, and for good reason. For just 132,400 Qantas points in Economy or 318,000 Qantas points in Business Class (plus taxes), you could fly around the world with up to five stopovers! But the Qantas Oneworld Classic Flight Reward (sometimes referred to as … Continued

21 Apr 2022 Points Inspiration Qantas

Virgin Australia Restores Arrivals Lounge Access

Virgin Australia will finally reinstate lounge access on arrival for Velocity Platinum and Gold members from next Monday, 25 April 2022. Before the pandemic, access to Virgin Australia Lounges after arriving at the destination was an advertised benefit for Velocity Platinum members and Business Class passengers. It was also offered, subject to availability, to Velocity … Continued

20 Apr 2022 Virgin Australia

SWISS A220 Business Class Review

Part of the Lufthansa Group, SWISS operates a large network of long-haul routes as well as short-haul flights to destinations across Europe, from its hubs in Zurich and Geneva. While SWISS offers lie-flat beds in Business Class on its wide-body aircraft used for long-haul flights, short-haul Business Class within Europe is quite a different affair. … Continued

19 Apr 2022 Flight Reviews

Nasty TRS Change Reversed

The Australian government has reversed an unfortunate change it made to the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) last year that would have made the scheme virtually useless to most Australians. With the TRS, anyone departing Australia on an international flight can claim back the GST or Wine Equalisation Tax (WET) on products with a combined value … Continued

18 Apr 2022 Travel Money

Australia Ends Most Remaining Travel Restrictions

The days of travel bans and restrictions in Australia are largely over, with the government officially ending the Biosecurity Emergency Period yesterday. The Australian government initially invoked this emergency period on 15 March 2020, as the coronavirus pandemic was in its infancy. The federal government then continuously extended this period for a total of 25 … Continued

18 Apr 2022 Coronavirus and Travel

Podcast #82: Berlin’s Surprisingly Functional New Airport

It may have opened almost a decade behind schedule after being plagued by outrageous construction problems that made it the butt of jokes for years. But now that Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) has finally opened, Matt recently discovered that it’s so efficient and functional that it’s almost disappointing. (Except for the contaminated tap water!) Also … Continued

16 Apr 2022 AFF on Air Podcast

Berlin’s Surprisingly Functional New Airport – AIR082

  Opening 9 years behind schedule, the new Berlin Brandenburg Airport in Germany became the subject of many jokes due to the ridiculous problems that plagued its construction. But now that it’s open, what’s it actually like to fly out of BER Airport? Matt recently found out and shares his experience on this episode of … Continued

16 Apr 2022 AFF on Air (blubrry)

Major Qantas Domestic Catering Problems

Many Qantas domestic flights over this Easter long weekend have departed without normal catering on board due to severe staffing shortages at the airline’s caterer. Australian Frequent Flyer understands that the catering problems began last Thursday. Things are expected to return to normal by Tuesday, 19 April 2022. The catering issues have been affecting many … Continued

16 Apr 2022 Qantas

Australian Passport Processing Times Blow Out

Australian passport application and renewal processing times have increased dramatically in recent weeks as more Aussies prepare to travel overseas again. In the months before Australia removed its international travel ban in late 2021, many people reported that their passport applications were processed in just a few days. But demand has since picked up considerably, … Continued

14 Apr 2022 Coronavirus and Travel

Virgin Eyes High-Flying Business Travellers

Virgin Australia has renewed its focus on attracting business travellers and high-spending corporate flyers with the launch of a new loyalty program for businesses and a new invitation-only “Beyond” status tier. Virgin Australia launches Business Flyer The new Virgin Australia Business Flyer program launched last week, replacing the previous Accelerate loyalty program for small-to-medium businesses. Existing … Continued

13 Apr 2022 Virgin Australia