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Podcast #73: Qantas Lifetime Platinum Status

Chris Gibbs has been a long-term Qantas Platinum One and lifetime Platinum member ever since both tiers were created. Now sitting on 106,500 lifetime Qantas status credits, this Australian Frequent Flyer member has certainly done his fair share of frequent flying! In Episode 73 of the AFF on Air podcast, Matt chats to Chris to … Continued

13 Nov 2021 AFF on Air Podcast

Qantas Lifetime Platinum Status – AIR073

In this episode, Matt chats to frequent flyer and lifetime Qantas Platinum member Chris Gibbs about how he managed to earn well over 100,000 lifetime status credits on Qantas, what he learned along the way and his thoughts on the future of business travel after the pandemic. Also in this episode, international travel insurance options … Continued

13 Nov 2021 AFF on Air (blubrry)

The Loophole to Get to WA from Overseas

From 20 November 2021, Western Australia will double its cap on the number of people allowed to arrive from overseas each week from 265 to 530 people. But the state’s international arrival cap and mandatory hotel quarantine will likely remain until at least late January 2022, with WA Premier Mark McGowan revealing last week that restrictions … Continued

11 Nov 2021 Coronavirus and Travel

Bonus Velocity Points & Status Credits with International Partners

Virgin Australia is giving up to 6,000 bonus Velocity points and 60 extra status credits to frequent flyers who book an international flight out of Australia with one of its partner airlines. To take advantage of this offer, you would need to activate it on the Velocity Frequent Flyer website or within the Velocity App … Continued

11 Nov 2021 Virgin Australia

30% off Qantas Domestic Classic Flight Rewards

Qantas Frequent Flyer is giving 30% off domestic Classic Flight Rewards in Economy & Business Class until 14 November 2021. The discount off the points required applies to both Qantas and Jetstar domestic flights, for travel from 1 December 2021. This promotion is available for travel dates up to 27 October 2022 for travel on … Continued

8 Nov 2021 Qantas

Air Canada Releases Sydney-Vancouver Award Availability

Velocity Frequent Flyer members can now use their points to book Air Canada flights between Sydney and Vancouver, as well as across the rest of the Air Canada network. When Virgin Australia’s frequent flyer program reinstated partner airline redemptions last week, it said (and still does say) that “the ability for Velocity members to book Reward … Continued

8 Nov 2021 Air Canada Points Inspiration

Air New Zealand 787 Economy Review (Auckland-Sydney)

After a hiatus of almost three months, Air New Zealand has resumed offering limited passenger services across the Tasman using Boeing 787-9s. I flew with the Kiwi national carrier from Auckland to Sydney last week and am pleased to say the service hasn’t changed much since the pre-COVID days. Air New Zealand offers different types … Continued

8 Nov 2021 Flight Reviews

My Experience Flying to Australia in November 2021

NSW, Victoria and the ACT have removed quarantine for vaccinated Australians returning from overseas. So, what are the requirements to return to Australia now without quarantine and what’s it like flying to Australia in November 2021? After being stuck in New Zealand for months, I flew from Auckland to Sydney in early November 2021. This was … Continued

8 Nov 2021 Coronavirus and Travel

Virgin Unveils Refreshed Melbourne Lounge

Virgin Australia has reopened its domestic lounge at Melbourne Airport following a lengthy refurbishment. The new Virgin Australia Lounge in Melbourne features the same basic layout of the previous lounge. But the space has been given a makeover with new furniture, signage, lighting and bathroom facilities. The style is similar to that of the brand … Continued

3 Nov 2021 Virgin Australia

Australia’s International Border Reopens

586 days. That’s how long Australians have been banned from leaving their own country without special approval from the government. But from today, Australia’s unprecedented international travel ban has finally been lifted for citizens and permanent residents who are fully vaccinated. For many Australians, the past 20 months have been extraordinarily difficult for so many … Continued

1 Nov 2021 Coronavirus and Travel

Velocity’s 20-30% November Transfer Bonus (2021)

Velocity Frequent Flyer has launched its twice-yearly points transfer offer today, with 20-30% bonus Velocity points offered on transfers from most Australian credit card reward programs until the end of November. Virgin Australia’s frequent flyer program offers bonus points on credit card point conversions every May and November. During the previous promo in May 2021, … Continued

1 Nov 2021 Virgin Australia

ITA Airways Joins SkyTeam Alliance

Italy’s new flag carrier ITA Airways has joined the SkyTeam alliance, replacing the void left by the exit of its predecessor Alitalia. ITA Airways took over operations from Alitalia on 15 October 2021. At the time, it wasn’t yet clear whether ITA Airways would take Alitalia’s place in the SkyTeam alliance. But it was widely … Continued

31 Oct 2021 SkyTeam