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Podcast #47: Flybuys Loyalty Program

Flybuys Chief Operating Officer Phil Hawkins knows a thing or two about loyalty programs. He was with Flybuys right back when the Australian loyalty program launched in 1994! In Episode 47 of the AFF on AIR podcast, Phil Hawkins joins Matt Graham to discuss all aspects of the Flybuys program including its partnership with Velocity … Continued

17 Oct 2020 AFF on Air Podcast

Flybuys Loyalty Program – AIR047

  Flybuys Chief Operating Officer Phil Hawkins knows a thing or two about loyalty. He was with Flybuys right back when the Australian loyalty program launched in 1994! In this episode of AFF on AIR, Phil joins Matt to discuss all aspects of the Flybuys program including its partnership with Velocity Frequent Flyer and why … Continued

17 Oct 2020 AFF on Air (blubrry)

Frequent Flyers Ridicule $150 Qantas T-Shirts

With limited flying happening at the moment, you can’t really blame Qantas for trying to diversify its business. So far this year, Qantas has had great success selling everything from care packages to used Boeing 747 bar carts. But some frequent flyers believe Qantas’ latest expansion into branded T-shirts, sweaters and tote bags costing between … Continued

16 Oct 2020 Qantas

Qantas Resumes Limited Trans-Tasman Flights

Qantas will today operate its first international passenger flights since June, with a return service from Sydney to Auckland. It comes as NSW, NT and ACT today reopen their borders to travellers from New Zealand, who no longer need to quarantine in a hotel when arriving in Australia through Sydney. But Qantas has delayed plans … Continued

16 Oct 2020 Qantas

The Axe is Falling on Virgin Australia

In a few weeks, Virgin Australia will come out of voluntary administration. But its future remains far from certain, following extraordinary revelations CEO Paul Scurrah will leave the organisation as soon as Bain Capital takes full control of the company in early November. Replacing Scurrah is former Jetstar CEO Jayne Hrdlicka, who is reportedly feared … Continued

15 Oct 2020 Virgin Australia

Velocity Cuts Partner Airline Benefits

Virgin Australia’s Velocity Frequent Flyer program has permanently removed some of the benefits offered to frequent flyers when travelling with international partner airlines. Upgrades and lounge access are among the tier benefits axed when flying with some partner airlines. Although Velocity Frequent Flyer only announced these cutbacks yesterday, its website states that they came into … Continued

15 Oct 2020 Virgin Australia

Qantas Scenic Flight Over Australia Proves a Hit

Qantas raised more than a few eyebrows when tickets on a 7-hour flight to nowhere sold out in just 10 minutes. But when that flight took place over the weekend, it proved a huge hit with passengers including AFF members. The scenic Dreamliner flight, appropriately numbered QF787, departed Sydney at 10.43am on Saturday morning. It then … Continued

12 Oct 2020 Qantas

Easy 900 Qantas Points with Quandoo

If you’re looking for some easy Qantas points, there’s a new way to earn up to 900 Qantas points for free – and it takes just a couple of minutes. Qantas Restaurants partners with Quandoo, a restaurant booking platform. Since the partnership launched in 2019, Qantas Frequent Flyer members can earn 100 points per diner … Continued

12 Oct 2020 Qantas

Business Travel Is Dead. Will It Return?

The COVID-19 pandemic has killed business travel. With borders closed, flights & events cancelled, and businesspeople told to work from home, people just aren’t flying for work like they used to any more. Airlines, hotels and other businesses that cater to corporate travellers will undoubtedly suffer if business travel does not recover. As a result, … Continued

9 Oct 2020 Coronavirus and Travel

Coles Rewards MasterCard to Cap Flybuys Points

The Coles Rewards MasterCard credit card has been an unlikely favourite with overseas travellers in recent years. With a relatively low $99 annual fee, this no-frills credit card has no international transaction fees. It also awards 2 Flybuys points per $1 spent. Flybuys points can be converted to Velocity Frequent Flyer points, making the card … Continued

9 Oct 2020 Flybuys

FlyPelican’s “$72 within 72 Hours” Flight Deal

Regional flying has a reputation for being expensive. But there are exceptions! FlyPelican, a regional airline based in Newcastle, offers an excellent yet poorly-advertised deal on last-minute flights. On selected FlyPelican routes, a limited number of remaining seats are made available for just $72 within 72 hours of departure. This includes flights to Mudgee, Taree, … Continued

8 Oct 2020 Rex & Regional Airlines

Qantas Wrongly Refuses Lounge Access Again

Qantas says it has issued a reminder to staff after a Oneworld Emerald frequent flyer was incorrectly refused Qantas Club access for a second time in a row. Last week we brought you the story of AFF member Muppet501st, who has Oneworld Emerald status as a Qatar Airways Platinum member. On a recent visit to … Continued

5 Oct 2020 Qantas