Latest news

30% off Qantas Economy Awards to Selected Destinations

Qantas is giving a 30% discount off the points required to book Classic Flight Rewards in Economy Class to four destinations across Australia: Gold Coast, Townsville, Kangaroo Island and Mount Gambier. The discount is available for reward flights booked until Wednesday, 4 August 2021, and for travel dates any time until July 2022. The discount … Continued

30 Jul 2021 Qantas

Qantas Experiences Up for Bids in Points Auction

Got more Qantas Frequent Flyer points than you know what to do with? From Monday, Qantas will put five “money can’t buy” experiences and products up for auction. But unlike at regular auctions, bids at the Qantas Points Auctions can only be made using Qantas points. A Qantas Points Auction will be held each day … Continued

30 Jul 2021 Qantas

How to Get a Qantas TravelPass with Double Status Credits

If your Qantas flight is cancelled, you probably already know that you’re entitled to a refund or a flight credit. But did you know that you can instead convert the value of your booking into a “Qantas TravelPass” which comes with double status credits when you redeem it? As an alternative to a refund or … Continued

29 Jul 2021 Qantas

Special Qantas Flights to UK Uncompetitive

Over the coming month, Qantas will operate six “special commercial flights” from Darwin to London. In each instance, the Boeing 787s need to position to London anyway to operate repatriation flights back to Darwin on behalf of DFAT. So, Qantas has decided to sell tickets on the outbound sectors as well. “As the national carrier, … Continued

28 Jul 2021 Qantas

Last Chance for Half-Price Domestic Tickets

Earlier this year, the Australian government made 800,000 half-price domestic plane tickets available as part of its Tourism Aviation Network Support (TANS) program. Many of the half-price seats sold out within days of going on sale in April 2021. But there are still plenty of discounted seats available on some routes. The half-price flights were … Continued

28 Jul 2021 Coronavirus and Travel

How to Get a Travel Exemption to Leave Australia

Since 25 March 2020, Australian citizens and permanent residents have been banned from leaving the country without a travel restriction exemption from the Department of Home Affairs. Australia’s outbound travel ban was first introduced in response to the unfolding COVID-19 pandemic, before Australia had a hotel quarantine system. It was designed to stop Australians going … Continued

27 Jul 2021 Coronavirus and Travel

Triple Qantas Points on Flights, Hotels & Car Hire

Qantas Frequent Flyer is giving triple points on all flight, hotel, holiday and Avis car rental bookings made from 22-31 July 2021 (previously until 27 July). This “Christmas in July” deal covers travel dates from 28 July 2021 until 30 June 2022 (or 30 July 2022, in the case of car hire bookings). With this … Continued

24 Jul 2021 Qantas

Podcast #65: Loyalty Programs: Behind the Scenes

The ‘AFF on AIR’ podcast often looks at frequent flyer and loyalty programs from a consumer’s perspective. But what goes on behind the scenes? What is the logic behind the decisions made by the people running loyalty programs? To find out what goes on behind the scenes, Matt Graham is joined on Episode 65 of … Continued

24 Jul 2021 AFF on Air Podcast

Loyalty Programs: Behind the Scenes – AIR065

    Ever wondered what the people designing loyalty programs are thinking? For example, why do points expire so quickly? Are all airlines just trying to devalue your points? And what role do loyalty programs play in helping airlines out of the pandemic? Find out this and lots more in this episode, as loyalty program … Continued

24 Jul 2021 AFF on Air (blubrry)

New Zealand Travel Bubble Paused for 8 Weeks

The New Zealand government has suspended travel from all Australian states & territories to New Zealand for the next 8 weeks, in response to growing outbreaks of the Delta strain of COVID-19 in various parts of Australia including Sydney. From 11.59pm on 23 July 2021, Australians will no longer be able to travel to New … Continued

23 Jul 2021 Coronavirus and Travel

Can You Get a Refund for Cancelled Domestic Flights?

As the past week has shown, domestic travel restrictions within Australia can change very quickly. This makes it difficult to book flights with confidence. But to maintain cash flow, airlines need the public to keep booking! So, most airlines have introduced additional flexibility for domestic flight bookings. But can passengers expect a refund if they’re unable … Continued

23 Jul 2021 Coronavirus and Travel

Virgin Australia Slashes Business Class Fares

Virgin Australia has significantly reduced its Business Class fares on many domestic routes, with seats now regularly available from as little as $199 one-way – or even as low as $182 with a promo code! But there’s a catch: Customers can no longer book the cheapest Business Saver fares on most routes within four weeks … Continued

22 Jul 2021 Virgin Australia