Latest news

When Should Loyalty Programs Stop Extending Status? – AIR085

  In this episode, loyalty program expert David Feldman is back for another chat about airline & hotel loyalty programs! This extended interview covers topics including COVID-19 status extensions, the “golden handcuff” effect, recent changes to hotel loyalty programs, why Qantas could be risking killing its profitable “golden goose”, and lots more.   Episode contents: … Continued

28 May 2022 AFF on Air (blubrry)

Velocity Gold vs Platinum Status: What’s the Difference?

Velocity Platinum members enjoy many additional benefits on Virgin Australia flights, but the extra perks are marginal on partner airlines.

27 May 2022 Virgin Australia

Unlimited German Train Travel for a Month for $14!

Update: Please note that this deal is no longer available. However, you can now get unlimited local & regional public transport in Germany for €49/month with a Deutschland Ticket! If you’re travelling to Europe over the upcoming northern hemisphere summer months, there’s a great deal on train travel in Germany that you might like to … Continued

26 May 2022 Ground Transport

Guide to Virgin Australia’s Partnership with United Airlines

Velocity Frequent Flyer members can now earn and redeem points on United Airlines, as well as earning status credits and receiving reciprocal status benefits. Overall, this is great news for frequent flyers of both Virgin Australia and United. The partnership is reasonably comprehensive and there are benefits available in both directions. However, United MileagePlus members … Continued

25 May 2022 Virgin Australia

Rex Withdraws from 7 Regional Routes

Rex will end all services on the Sydney-Canberra route this weekend, just over a year after entering the route. The announcement comes days after the regional airline revealed it will cease serving the Melbourne-Albury route at the end of May. Rex is also withdrawing from five other regional routes including Sydney-Bathurst and Adelaide-Kingscote at the end … Continued

25 May 2022 Rex & Regional Airlines

Seats Lost in Qantas Call Centre Stuff-Up

When calling an airline to make a simple enquiry about a confirmed booking, you certainly wouldn’t expect them to cancel your entire ticket without your consent or knowledge. But that’s exactly what happened to a Qantas Frequent Flyer member recently after they called Qantas to enquire about changing their Business Class flights. AFF member davidhes had … Continued

23 May 2022 Qantas

Virgin Business Class Doesn’t Cater to Dietary Needs

On many levels, Virgin Australia now offers a better domestic Business Class service than Qantas. Ever since Virgin revamped its Business Class catering in March 2021, the on-board meals have generally been well received and the on-board service is typically excellent. (AFF’s long-running thread on Virgin Australia Business catering is a testament to this.) However, … Continued

22 May 2022 Virgin Australia

Eurowings A320 Economy Class Review

If you’re travelling around Europe, you may come across an airline called Eurowings. Part of the Lufthansa Group, Eurowings is a low-cost carrier based in Germany. Eurowings operates a large network of short-haul flights to destinations all over Europe using Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft. While its parent company Lufthansa operates many short-haul and long-haul … Continued

21 May 2022 Flight Reviews

Instant IHG Platinum Status + Diamond Challenge

IHG One Rewards has launched a generous new status match and challenge offer which is available even to base-level members of other hotel loyalty programs including Accor ALL, Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, World of Hyatt, Wyndham Rewards, Best Western Rewards, Choice Privileges and Radisson Rewards. Until 31 July 2022 (or until the offer is withdrawn), … Continued

20 May 2022 IHG One Rewards

Bonza Won’t Offer Website Bookings

Update (October 2022): Bonza has launched a travel agent portal to allow travel agents to book Bonza flights. It remains the case that the only way to book direct will be through Bonza’s app. In October 2021, Bonza announced plans to launch a new Australian low-cost airline connecting regional Australia with Boeing 737 MAX jets. … Continued

18 May 2022 Rex & Regional Airlines

Bizarre Trick to Get Qantas First Class Awards

Update: Since this article was published, Qantas appears to have pulled all First Class award inventory. For many people with Qantas Frequent Flyer points, redeeming for a First Class international flight is the “holy grail” of rewards. But it can be exceptionally difficult to find Qantas First Class award availability, even if you have status … Continued

16 May 2022 Points Inspiration Qantas

The Crazy Adventure of an AFF Member’s Lost Phone

In the Qantas safety video played at the start of every flight, passengers are told that if they lose their phone they should contact a crew member immediately. “Please avoid moving your seat or trying to retrieve it as phones as tablets may be damaged or destroyed if caught in the seat mechanism,” the safety video … Continued

15 May 2022 Post Flight