Latest news

Australian International Flights Down 98% in April 2020

There was a 98% reduction in international passengers travelling to and from Australia in April 2020, compared to the previous year, despite a surge in people leaving Australia on repatriation flights. Almost half of those passengers flew with Qatar Airways. There was also a 97.2% reduction in domestic airline passengers travelling within Australia in April 2020. … Continued

22 Jun 2020 Coronavirus and Travel

Qantas Forced to Offer Refunds for Cancelled Flights

The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) has forced Qantas to contact customers issued with flight credits to inform them of their entitlement to a refund. This includes customers that opted to cancel their booking for a voucher before Qantas cancelled their flight. The ACCC alleges that Qantas failed to adequately inform customers of their … Continued

21 Jun 2020 Qantas

A Socially-Distant Regional Express Review

With a fleet of 57 Saab 340 aircraft, Regional Express (more commonly known as “Rex”) is Australia’s largest independent regional airline. Using its 34-seat planes, it flies to many regional airports that the major airlines simply don’t serve, such as Broken Hill, Burnie, Coober Pedy and Birdsville. Although Rex is currently operating only a limited … Continued

20 Jun 2020 Flight Reviews

Triple Points on Qantas Domestic Flights (June 2020)

Qantas will offer triple frequent flyer points on all new domestic flights booked until 24 June 2020, for travel between 27 June and 31 October 2020. The “triple point sale” is expected to launch at 9am today, and runs in conjunction with a Jetstar sale that sees domestic flights start from just $19 one-way. Triple … Continued

19 Jun 2020 Qantas

Qantas Extends Flight Credit Validity to December 2022

Qantas flight credit vouchers have just become more flexible, with Qantas extending their validity by one year and allowing vouchers to be redeemed for multiple trips. Qantas flight credits issued due to COVID-19 cancellations were previously valid until 31 December 2021. But flight credits may now be redeemed until 31 December 2022, for travel up … Continued

19 Jun 2020 Qantas

Double Status Credits on Qantas Flights to Ballina

To celebrate the launch of flights to Ballina, Qantas is now offering double status credits on its new route from Sydney to Ballina (BNK), which is a short drive from Byron Bay. Until 11.59pm on 24 June 2020, you can earn double Qantas Frequent Flyer status credits for booking any Qantas flight on the Sydney-Ballina … Continued

19 Jun 2020 Qantas

Qantas Cancels Most International Flights until October

Qantas has now cancelled most of its scheduled international flights, except some flights to New Zealand, until 24 October 2020. It comes as Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Simon Birmingham indicates normal international travel may not resume until 2021. Meanwhile, the Queensland government plans to start billing returning international travellers for their mandatory 14-day … Continued

18 Jun 2020 Qantas

Face Masks for All: Qantas’ New “Fly Well” Program

Qantas and Jetstar recently implemented their new “Fly Well” program on all flights. Since 12 June, all passengers are being offered face masks and hand sanitiser. But social distancing is no longer being applied to seat selection. The Qantas Fly Well program includes a range of new and existing health measures both pre-flight and on … Continued

18 Jun 2020 Qantas

Podcast #38: Qantas Points Club

Now that Queensland and South Australia have revealed when they will reopen their borders, it’s time to start thinking about travelling around Australia again. Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia have also started adding additional flights, but there are also some great deals on one-way car hires, which can cost as little as $1 per day! … Continued

13 Jun 2020 AFF on Air Podcast

Qantas Points Club – AIR038

  With Queensland and South Australia having now announced dates when their borders will reopen, James Green from Award Flight Assist joins Matt in this episode to discuss travel around Australia. James also explains how to maximise opportunities for Qantas Points Club members to earn status credits from Qantas Classic Flight Rewards. And in a … Continued

13 Jun 2020 AFF on Air (blubrry)

Air New Zealand Ends Social Distancing as NZ Eradicates COVID-19

Air New Zealand has dropped social distancing from its domestic flights after New Zealand eradicated COVID-19. The airline has also restored flights to all of the airports it serves in New Zealand, as Jetstar announces it too will resume New Zealand domestic services. But international flights remain off the table for now. Like most airlines, … Continued

11 Jun 2020 Air New Zealand

Virgin Adds Additional Domestic Flights

Virgin Australia will double the number of domestic flights being operated from early July as domestic travel restrictions slowly start to be relaxed. From next month there will be more intrastate flights within Queensland and Western Australia. This will provide more options for travel within the two states during the July school holidays. There will also … Continued

11 Jun 2020 Virgin Australia