Latest news

Qantas Frequent Flyer is Keeping the Airline Afloat

There has long been a joke that frequent flyer programs make more money for airlines than flying planes. In the current climate, it couldn’t be more true! Last week Qantas revealed a $2.7 billion statutory loss for the 2019-20 financial year. After a profitable first half to the financial year, the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in … Continued

24 Aug 2020 Qantas

Qantas & Virgin’s Best Products Have Sadly Disappeared

Amid the current downturn in international air travel, many planes have been retired, returned to lessors or placed into deep storage – perhaps never to fly again. Larger and older aircraft are particularly affected, and Qantas & Virgin Australia have been no exception. Sadly, one of many unintended consequences is the indefinite loss of Australia’s … Continued

23 Aug 2020 Airlines, Miles and Points

Podcast #43: Kangaroo Island

It has been a tough year for most Australian businesses, especially those involved in the tourism industry. But for the people of Kangaroo Island in South Australia, the coronavirus pandemic came right on the back of a nightmare summer of bushfires. After visiting Kangaroo Island this fortnight, Matt takes a close look at how these … Continued

22 Aug 2020 AFF on Air Podcast

Kangaroo Island – AIR043

  2020 has been a tough year for many Australian tourism businesses. But few parts of Australia have been affected as badly as Kangaroo Island in South Australia. The island was still recovering from a disastrous summer bushfire season, which destroyed almost half the island, when the coronavirus crisis hit. With borders now closed, the … Continued

22 Aug 2020 AFF on Air (blubrry)

Qantas International Flights Unlikely to Restart Before July 2021

Qantas today revealed that it does not expect international flights to resume until at least July 2021. The grim outlook came as Qantas announced a $2.7 billion statutory loss before tax for the 2019-20 financial year. In today’s announcement, the national carrier said that its international network was “unlikely to restart before July 2021; possibly … Continued

20 Aug 2020 Qantas

Qantas 2019-20 Financial Results a Mixed Bag

Qantas has made a small underlying profit but a large statutory loss in the 2019-20 financial year. The results demonstrate a very strong first half but a disastrous second half, as the COVID-19 outbreak worsened and progressively harsher travel restrictions were introduced. Qantas estimates that it took a $4 billion revenue hit in the previous … Continued

20 Aug 2020 Qantas

Amex Scraps $400 Travel Credit for Platinum Reserve Card

American Express is removing the $400 annual travel credit that comes with its Amex Platinum Reserve credit card in Australia. The change will apply to new Amex Platinum Reserve cardholders that are approved on or after 26 August 2020. From this date, new Platinum Reserve card members will no longer receive the current $400 travel … Continued

19 Aug 2020 American Express

Great Food & Service at Reopened Qantas Lounges

Last month, Qantas began reopening many of its domestic airport lounges as states eased their COVID-19 restrictions for indoor venues. With fewer people travelling, a need to control costs and government-mandated health restrictions, it was always going to be a challenge for Qantas to reopen its lounges while still offering an excellent experience to guests. … Continued

19 Aug 2020 Airport Lounge Reviews

Qantas Frequent Flyer Quietly Ends Air Niugini Partnership

Qantas Frequent Flyer members can no longer earn or redeem points on Air Niugini flights. The change quietly came into effect on 6 August 2020. A notice on the Qantas website states: Effective on and from 6 August 2020, Qantas Frequent Flyer members can no longer earn Qantas Points or use points for Classic Flight … Continued

18 Aug 2020 Qantas

What’s Your Best Free Travel Upgrade?

When you’re flying, there aren’t many better feelings than getting a surprise beep at the gate and being handed a new boarding pass for a better seat up the front! The same goes for booking a cheap hotel room but being upgraded to a luxurious suite… or perhaps booking a budget rental car and receiving … Continued

17 Aug 2020 The Journey

Alliance Airlines Review on a Little Fokker

In addition to mining, charter and some scheduled flights, Alliance Airlines operates a range of routes on behalf of Virgin Australia using Fokker 70 and Fokker 100 aircraft. This review will give you an idea of what to expect when booking a Virgin Australia flight operated by Alliance Airlines. Flight Details Flight number VA2911 Route … Continued

16 Aug 2020 Flight Reviews

Qantas Selling Care Packs for $25

Do you know somebody who is missing travel or doing it tough under the current Victorian lockdown? You can now brighten up their day by sending them a Qantas care pack! Qantas has begun selling care packages which include business class pyjamas, amenity kits, tim tams, tea and bags of the smoked almonds served in … Continued

14 Aug 2020 Qantas