Latest news

Podcast #13: jb747’s Stellar Career with Qantas

In this special edition of the AFF on AIR podcast, Matt chats to John Bartels (a.k.a. jb747) about his flying career with Qantas, the A380, the QF30 incident, flight training, retirement, today’s aviation industry and more. John is a former Qantas Airbus A380 captain and remains an active contributor to AFF’s popular Ask The Pilot … Continued

15 Jun 2019 AFF on Air Podcast

Air Chathams Auctions Historic Convair 580

Ever wanted to own a historic aircraft? New Zealand’s Air Chathams has recently retired its oldest Convair 580 aircraft and is selling it in an auction. Bids start from NZD20,000 (~AU$18,917), which is less than the price of most new cars. The Convair 580 aircraft, which was built in 1953, will never fly again as … Continued

15 Jun 2019 Travel Lifestyle

jb747’s Stellar Career with Qantas – AIR013

  In this special edition of the podcast, Matt chats to John Bartels (a.k.a. jb747) about his flying career with Qantas, the A380, the QF30 incident, flight training, retirement, today’s aviation industry and more. John is a former Qantas Airbus A380 captain and remains an active contributor to AFF’s popular Ask The Pilot thread.   … Continued

15 Jun 2019 AFF on Air (blubrry)

Qantas Flyer Incorrectly Denied Lounge Access

A Qantas Gold frequent flyer has been incorrectly denied Air New Zealand lounge access despite being booked on a Qantas codeshare service. To make matters worse, Qantas responded to this member’s complaint by providing completely inaccurate information. It seems that neither Air New Zealand nor Qantas are fully aware of their own policies regarding reciprocal … Continued

13 Jun 2019 Air New Zealand

Redeem Points for Qantas Premium Economy to Asia

When flying to Asia, Qantas offers a Premium Economy cabin on flights to Singapore, Hong Kong and Tokyo. Qantas has a very good Premium Economy product, so redeeming your Qantas Frequent Flyer points for a seat can be very good value. But redeeming Cathay Pacific Asia Miles for Qantas Premium Economy awards is even better … Continued

12 Jun 2019 Points Inspiration Qantas

Uzbekistan is the Perfect Holiday Destination

There are some incredible sights on our planet. But the most famous feats of architecture – places like Machu Picchu, Angkor Wat and the Pyramids of Giza – all have one thing in common: they’re overrun by tourists. If you’ve ever visited a popular tourist attraction, you’ve probably had to queue up for ages to buy … Continued

12 Jun 2019 Destinations

International Virgin Australia Flight Departs with 23 Passengers

It’s always nice to get an empty seat next to you on the plane. But passengers on a recent Virgin Australia international flight could choose from entire rows of empty seats, with just 19 passengers booked in Economy. Up the front of the plane, there were 4 Business passengers bringing the total number of paying … Continued

11 Jun 2019 Flight Reviews

Travel Advice Ignored by Friends & Family

Many AFF members take pride in finding the best travel deals and optimising their frequent flyer points. But many say that they struggle to help friends and family members who don’t share the same passion for our hobby. There are countless stories of members who’ve tried to help, only to find their advice has fallen … Continued

10 Jun 2019 Planning & Booking

Catch Qantas’ 747s on Domestic Flights

With all of the seven remaining Boeing 747s in the Qantas fleet due to be retired by next year, time is running out to fly with Qantas on the “queen of the skies”. There are only six destinations that are still served by Qantas 747s. And the airline will end Boeing 747-400 service to Honolulu … Continued

9 Jun 2019 Qantas

Best Western Status Match

If you have elite status with any hotel loyalty program, you could be eligible for a free status match with Best Western Rewards. Best Western may not be the most exciting hotel chain, but it has coverage in many regional locations across Australia where the larger hotel brands do not. There are well over 100 … Continued

8 Jun 2019 Hotel Loyalty Programs

Cheap Qantas Flights to South America

Looking for cheap flights to South America? Qantas currently has some very good fares available to Santiago, Lima, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo from $995 return. There are also some exceptional deals available to South America in Premium Economy from $1,895 return. Qantas Economy sale to South America Qantas flights from Sydney, Brisbane and … Continued

7 Jun 2019 Qantas

Amex Cuts Priority Pass Restaurant Credits for Australians

Amex cardholders in Australia and New Zealand will no longer be able to use their Priority Pass benefits at airport restaurants from 1 August 2019. In addition to airport lounge access, Priority Pass members normally receive a $36 food & beverage credit at participating airport bars, restaurants and cafes. Priority Pass began to partner with airport … Continued

7 Jun 2019 American Express