Latest news

More Domestic Flights as Tasmania Reopens Border

Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia have all announced the resumption of new domestic routes as Tasmania opens its borders again to most of the country for the first time since March. Tasmania reopened its border on Monday to travellers from Queensland, SA, NT, WA and ACT. People arriving from these states and territories no longer … Continued

28 Oct 2020 Airlines, Miles and Points

Virgin Australia Flight Credits Useless to Overseas Residents

More than 300,000 Virgin Australia customers have now received Future Flight credits for cancelled flights. But many Virgin customers have complained they would have preferred a refund. This is especially the case for customers that had purchased expensive international business class tickets, and now have Future Flight credits worth thousands of dollars that can only … Continued

28 Oct 2020 Virgin Australia

The Boeing 737 MAX Will Soon Return to Service

Almost two years since the Boeing 737 MAX was grounded globally, Boeing is now in the final stages of getting the aircraft type recertified. But it could be a while yet before we see the troubled airliners flying in Australian skies – and when they do, the aircraft will probably have a different name. A … Continued

26 Oct 2020 Airlines, Miles and Points

Change & Cancellation Fee Waivers for Qantas, Jetstar & Virgin Australia

Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia have been waiving change fees on new bookings since early 2020. This is designed to give people confidence to book new flights despite borders continuously opening and closing during the COVID-19 pandemic. In some cases, particularly for reward bookings made using frequent flyer points, Australia’s airlines have even been offering … Continued

25 Oct 2020 Coronavirus and Travel

Qantas Flags New Destinations, Further Cost Cuts

Qantas has foreshadowed the possibility of launching flights to South Korea, Taiwan and the Pacific Islands by early next year at yesterday’s Annual General Meeting. It comes as Qantas flags further cost cutting and lashes out at some states for keeping borders closed against health advice. Qantas eyes new markets as borders remain closed At … Continued

24 Oct 2020 Qantas

Many Surprising New Domestic Routes Launching

Although international travel may remain off the cards for a while longer, Australian airlines have been launching a surprising number of new domestic routes lately. Many of these new routes are on smaller regional airlines like FlyPelican, Link Airways or Alliance Airlines. The new routes launched in Australia over recent months have taken advantage of … Continued

23 Oct 2020 Rex & Regional Airlines

Virgin Australia Holidays is Closing Down

IN BRIEF | Following the demise of Tigerair, another of Virgin Australia’s businesses is being permanently shut down as the fallout from COVID-19 sadly continues. Virgin Australia Holidays will be closed from 31 October 2020, bringing an end to Virgin Australia’s Mystery Breaks, AFL Travel and Supercars Travel Packages. Launched in 2003 by then Virgin … Continued

23 Oct 2020 Virgin Australia

How to Use Virgin Australia “Future Flight” Credits

Update: Virgin Australia Future Flight credits were previously valid for bookings made until 31 July 2022, for travel until 30 June 2023. However, their validity has since been extended. Future Flight Credits are now valid for bookings made until 31 December 2023, for travel until 31 December 2023. Virgin Australia has converted the “conditional credits” held … Continued

22 Oct 2020 Virgin Australia

Canberra Added to Priority Pass Network

A café at Canberra Airport has been added to the Priority Pass network, giving members another option when travelling in Australia. Priority Pass members can now receive a $36 food & beverage credit at City Hill Coffee, located near gate 8 at Canberra Airport. This is offered in lieu of lounge access, and could be … Continued

22 Oct 2020 Airports & Lounges

St George to Axe Points for ATO Tax Payments

St George Bank will no longer give points on government-related transactions, including tax payments to the Australian Tax Office (ATO), from 9 December 2020. The change affects the St George Amplify, Amplify Platinum and Amplify Signature credit cards, which until now have continued to reward points for government payments. The St George Amplify Signature card … Continued

19 Oct 2020 Credit Cards

Where Are the 137 Grounded Qantas & Virgin Planes?

EXCLUSIVE | If you’ve visited any Australian airport in the past six months, you’ve probably seen all the grounded Qantas and Virgin jets parked on the runways and taxiways. They’re a striking symbol of the pandemic that has shut down much of the travel and tourism industry… every grounded plane represents dozens of airline staff … Continued

19 Oct 2020 Coronavirus and Travel

Now Would Be a Great Time for a Qantas Status Match

Virgin Australia is in crisis. Australia’s second-largest airline has just lost its CEO. It’s fighting with unions, who are refusing to accept the drastic cuts to worker pay and conditions proposed by Bain Capital. Business class passengers are being served two-minute noodles and staff are taking sick leave to avoid dealing with all the customer … Continued

18 Oct 2020 Qantas