Latest news

It’s Getting Progressively Harder to Return to Australia

It’s now been four months since the Australian government closed its border to non-Australian citizens and residents, and banned Aussies from leaving their own country without special permission. Shortly after, the federal government introduced mandatory hotel quarantine upon arrival into Australia. Ever since March, flight cancellations and border restrictions – not just in Australia – … Continued

22 Jul 2020 Coronavirus and Travel

Velocity Reinstates More Reward Flights, Upgrades

Velocity Frequent Flyer has reinstated reward seats on 19 more non-stop Virgin Australia domestic routes. That’s around double the previous number. Plus, in even better news, Velocity points can now be redeemed for travel any time – effective immediately. Velocity points can also be redeemed once again for flight upgrades, hotel bookings and, shortly, car … Continued

21 Jul 2020 Points Inspiration Virgin Australia

Is it Illegal to “Souvenir” Airline Safety Cards?

Some frequent flyers like to collect things like boarding passes, airline amenity kits, business class pyjamas or in-flight magazines. But is it legal to collect the safety instruction cards found in aircraft seat pockets? Last week, Qantas operated three Boeing 747 joy flights before the “queen of the skies” is retired for good. Passengers on … Continued

21 Jul 2020 In Flight

Qantas Frequent Flyer Should Ditch the $99.50 Joining Fee

The past few months have demonstrated the importance to airlines of a frequent flyer program with as many engaged members as possible. At a time of significantly reduced flying, loyalty programs remain one of the only consistent sources of much-needed revenue for airlines such as Qantas. So, why on earth does Qantas Frequent Flyer still … Continued

20 Jul 2020 Qantas

BP Rewards Offers are Slowly Improving

Last year, BP announced that it would end its partnership with Velocity Frequent Flyer and launch its own loyalty program in partnership with Qantas Frequent Flyer. The BP Rewards program eventually launched in March 2020, allowing members to earn either BP Rewards points or Qantas Frequent Flyer points for fuel and in-store purchases at BP. Members … Continued

19 Jul 2020 Retail Loyalty Programs

A Qantas 747 Farewell Fit for a Queen

Earlier this week, Qantas operated two successful Boeing 747-400ER joy flights out of Sydney and Brisbane. Today, the third and final joy flight will depart from Canberra. This will be the last time a Qantas 747 ever carries passengers. Many Australian Frequent Flyer members were on one of these joy flights. They’ve described them as … Continued

17 Jul 2020 Qantas

Everyday Rewards Launching in Tasmania on 6 August 2020

This article was originally published on 16 July and updated on 29 July 2020. The Woolworths Everyday Rewards loyalty program will be rolled out in Tasmania from 6 August 2020. From this date, Tasmanian residents will finally have an opportunity to earn Qantas Frequent Flyer points when shopping at Woolworths – just like the rest … Continued

16 Jul 2020 Woolworths Everyday Rewards

Earn Qantas Status Credits for Hotel Bookings

Qantas Frequent Flyer members can now earn up to 125 status credits for selected hotel bookings until 31 August 2020. This promotion includes 40 luxury hotels in Australia and New Zealand for stays up to 31 March 2021. The number of Qantas status credits earned varies by hotel, but in general you’ll earn around 10-15 … Continued

15 Jul 2020 Qantas

Qantas Gifts Status Credits to Frequent Flyers

Qantas is gifting up to 1,800 status credits to frequent flyers, making it easier for members to renew their status with the airline next year. In addition to the Status Credit Boost, Qantas is providing monthly Status Credit Support to frequent flyers with membership years ending between March and August. Existing Qantas Silver, Gold, Platinum … Continued

14 Jul 2020 Qantas

Award Availability is Better than Ever (But You Probably Shouldn’t Book Now)

If you’ve ever tried to redeem your frequent flyer points for an international flight in pre-COVID times, you’ve probably noticed that award availability can be difficult to find. To have any chance of success, you would often need to book early, be very flexible with travel dates and accept an indirect routing – especially if … Continued

13 Jul 2020 Coronavirus and Travel

Australia is Building a New Airport in Antarctica

Australia is planning to build the first paved airport in Antarctica. Davis Aerodrome will be open year-round and feature a 2,700m runway capable of handling Boeing 787s and Airbus A330s. A site has now been chosen and planning is well underway, with a Request for Tender released. The project is still subject to environmental approvals. … Continued

12 Jul 2020 Airports & Lounges

Podcast #40: The Accidental $28 Million Flight Refund

Imagine discovering that your available credit card balance is suddenly over $28 million! That’s exactly what happened to AFF moderator JessicaTam recently after Qatar Airways accidentally refunded her in Australian Dollars instead Indonesia Rupiah. (Oops!) In Episode 40 of the AFF on AIR podcast, JessicaTam joins Matt to discuss the story of her Qatar Airways … Continued

11 Jul 2020 AFF on Air Podcast