Latest news

ACCC Fears for Airline Competition in Australia

The ACCC will maintain close scrutiny on domestic airline competition over the next three years amid concerns that some airlines could exploit the pandemic to engage in anti-competitive behaviour. Yesterday, the ACCC handed down its first of many quarterly reports that it will produce for the federal government until 2023, outlining the impact of COVID-19 … Continued

18 Sep 2020 Airlines, Miles and Points

Qantas Flight to Nowhere Sells Out in Minutes

Who would want to book a seven-hour Qantas flight to nowhere? In the age of coronavirus and border closures, apparently lots of people! Earlier today, Qantas released 134 seats for sale on a seven-hour scenic joy flight that departs and arrives in Sydney. The Boeing 787 flight will take place on 10 October 2020 and … Continued

17 Sep 2020 Qantas

No Refunds as Many Priority Pass Lounges Remain Closed

Priority Pass members have complained that they have not been offered refunds, even though they have been unable to travel and many airport lounges have been closed since March. Priority Pass sells annual memberships which, under normal circumstances, grant access to over 1,300 participating airport lounges & restaurants around the world. This includes 8 lounges … Continued

14 Sep 2020 Airports & Lounges

Qantas Club Gives Further Six-Month Extensions

Qantas Club is extending all paid lounge memberships for a further six months, bringing the total extension to 12 months. The validity of most complimentary Qantas Club lounge invitations is also being extended by a further six months. Qantas originally extended the membership of all Qantas Club members by six months in late March 2020, … Continued

13 Sep 2020 Qantas

Qantas Cuts Platinum One Special Service Team

Qantas’ top-tier Platinum One frequent flyers no longer have access to a dedicated support team, with the airline reportedly cutting its Platinum One Special Service Team last Friday. 23 Canberra-based staff have been offered redeployment in other parts of the business, as Qantas seeks to drastically cut costs. Qantas advertises “round the clock support” from … Continued

12 Sep 2020 Qantas

Random Acts of Kindness While Travelling

  One of the best things about travelling is the people you meet along the way. The world is full of generous, humble souls. This week, our members are discussing surprising and unexpected gifts they have received while travelling. There are stories of incredible generosity and random acts of kindness… as well as a few … Continued

11 Sep 2020 Travel Lifestyle

Qantas Petitions for State Borders to Reopen

Qantas yesterday launched a fresh petition designed to place pressure on Australia’s state governments to reopen borders where it’s safe to do so. The petition, hosted on the Qantas website, calls on governments to “safely open our borders”. Qantas is encouraging its employees and customers to sign it. Here’s what the Qantas state border petition … Continued

11 Sep 2020 Qantas

Book Reward Seats on Any Virgin Australia Route via Partner Airlines

Currently, it is only possible to redeem Velocity Frequent Flyer points for Virgin Australia reward seats on a limited selection of domestic routes. Even though Virgin Australia has now resumed flights on many routes across Australia, for some reason not all of these are available for booking with Velocity points. But you can now use … Continued

10 Sep 2020 Points Inspiration Virgin Australia

30% Off Velocity Business Reward Seats & Upgrades

Until 11 January 2021, you can get a 30% discount when redeeming Velocity Frequent Flyer points for Virgin Australia flights in Business class. You can also now get a 30% discount when using Velocity points to upgrade to Business class on Virgin Australia flights. The 30% discount applies to the points required (but not taxes … Continued

8 Sep 2020 Virgin Australia

20% Bonus Velocity Points Offer as NAB Reinstates Transfers

Velocity Frequent Flyer has launched a new offer of 20% bonus points when transferring points from selected credit card and hotel loyalty programs. It comes just days after the sale of Virgin Australia to Bain Capital was approved, paving the way for Virgin Australia to emerge from voluntary administration by the end of October. With the … Continued

7 Sep 2020 Virgin Australia

New Zealanders Could be Exempt from Australian Hotel Quarantine

People arriving in Australia from parts of New Zealand with no COVID-19 cases may soon be exempt from undergoing 14 days of hotel quarantine. Speaking to his counterpart in New Zealand last Friday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison advised Jacinda Ardern that Australia would seek to apply the same hotspot approach proposed locally to New Zealand. … Continued

7 Sep 2020 Coronavirus and Travel

Podcast #44: Virgin Australia Sold to Bain Capital

On 4 September 2020, Virgin Australia creditors voted to approve the airline’s sale to U.S. private equity firm Bain Capital for $3.5 billion. This was the final major hurdle in bringing Virgin Australia out of voluntary administration and avoiding liquidation. The sale is expected to be completed by the end of October. So, how did Virgin … Continued

5 Sep 2020 AFF on Air Podcast