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Which International Airlines Still Fly to Australia in May 2020?

With Australia’s borders effectively closed, and most Australians banned from leaving the country for the time being, it’s fair to say that demand for international air travel is weak right now. Many airlines have responded by reducing or eliminating international flights to or from Australia. But the movement of cargo is more important than ever. … Continued

1 May 2020 Coronavirus and Travel

Virgin Australia Creditors Owed $6.8 Billion

Virgin Australia currently owes $6.8 billion – more than previously thought – to around 12,000 creditors, the administrators have revealed. More than 9,000 of those creditors are Virgin employees, which are owed a combined total of $451 million. It also turns out that the trust backing the value of Velocity Frequent Flyer points is owed … Continued

1 May 2020 Virgin Australia

Struggling Hotels Offer “Work from Hotel” Packages

Struggling hotels are now offering “work from hotel” day room packages to people struggling to work productively from home. If you can’t get to your normal office, but you’re sick of working from home, this could be perfect for you! For as little as $59 per day, you’ll have your own private hotel room for … Continued

30 Apr 2020 Hotel Loyalty Programs

What to Expect on Domestic Flights during COVID-19

While the COVID-19 lockdowns continue, most of us are staying home and are not travelling. But some people still need to travel for work or compassionate reasons, which is why the federal government is subsidising domestic flights for the next two months. Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar and some regional airlines, including Regional Express and Airnorth, … Continued

29 Apr 2020 Coronavirus and Travel

Should You Request a Qantas Credit Voucher Now?

If you’re currently booked on a Qantas flight for travel until 31 July 2020, and no longer wish to travel, you have until next Thursday to cancel for a flight credit voucher without paying any fees. Qantas has been actively encouraging passengers to request a credit voucher at the earliest opportunity. After all, this is … Continued

27 Apr 2020 Qantas

Flight Centre Caps Refund Cancellation Fees

Flight Centre has now capped its controversial cancellation fees at $600 per booking and extended the validity of its credit vouchers. But this may not be enough to stem the enormous customer backlash over the travel agency’s COVID-19 policy. Flight Centre has come under fire for charging $300 per passenger in its own cancellation fees … Continued

27 Apr 2020 Coronavirus and Travel

COVID-19 Travel Update: 24 April 2020

This article contains an updated summary of the most important coronavirus news that is relevant to Australian frequent flyers as of Friday, 24 April 2020. It specifically covers the implications of COVID-19 in terms of travel and loyalty programs. For the latest health advice, we recommend checking Australian government updates and the latest World Health … Continued

24 Apr 2020 Coronavirus and Travel

Amex Platinum Cardholders Get Double Points until July

Amex Platinum and Amex Centurion cardholders have been offered double Amex Membership Rewards points on all purchases from 22 April until 20 July 2020. The offer applies automatically for all Platinum and Centurion cardholders and there is no need to register. The following notice is being displayed to eligible cardholders on the Amex website: Double Rewards: … Continued

23 Apr 2020 American Express

Track Points & Flight Credits with Award Wallet

Many savvy frequent flyers already use Award Wallet to ensure their frequent flyer points don’t expire. The free service automatically tracks loyalty accounts and notifies you of changes to your balances, as well as if any of your points are due to imminently expire. And if you have many different loyalty program accounts – the … Continued

23 Apr 2020 Travel Tools & Technology

Find Oneworld Award Availability on Japan Airlines Website

Japan Airlines (JAL) has a handy feature for finding Oneworld award availability on its website. The JAL website displays award availability for all 13 Oneworld member airlines, including Qantas and Cathay Pacific, and you can view availability across all Oneworld airlines in a single search. JAL’s Oneworld Award search tool is a handy addition to the … Continued

22 Apr 2020 Oneworld

Virgin Australia to Extend Lounge Memberships by Six Months

Virgin Australia has committed to extending paid airport lounge memberships by six months due to the COVID-19 travel shutdown. A Virgin Australia spokesperson confirmed to Australian Frequent Flyer that Virgin Australia Lounge members will be notified shortly. Extensions will be processed in the “near future” and members will be contacted directly once this happens. There is no need … Continued

22 Apr 2020 Virgin Australia

Why Virgin’s Administration is Not Ansett All Over Again

When Ansett Australia collapsed in 2001, Ansett Global Rewards points became instantly worthless. This may have happened 19 years ago, but many former Ansett members have long memories. It’s part of the reason that there has been a rush to cash out Velocity Frequent Flyer points over the past few weeks as Virgin Australia’s financial … Continued

21 Apr 2020 Virgin Australia