Latest news

Booking Battle: Online Travel Agents vs Airline

When booking flights, online travel agents like Bestjet, CheapOair and Trip.com are often cheaper than the airline’s own website. But are the savings worth it? An AFF member was recently searching for three Singapore Airlines Business class tickets. Laffer found the same flights available on Bestjet.com for $1,500 cheaper than Singapore Airlines’ own website. It is … Continued

14 Dec 2018 Planning & Booking

When to Call Airlines for the Fastest Service

If you’ve ever had to call an airline – especially Qantas – you’ve probably had the frustrating experience of an extended wait on hold. But it doesn’t have to be this way! By calling at off-peak times, you’ll be served much faster. So, when exactly is the best time to call Qantas and other airlines? … Continued

13 Dec 2018 Planning & Booking

Double Flybuys Status Credits for Velocity Members

Virgin Australia Velocity members can earn double Flybuys status credits this month when shopping at Coles. By linking your Flybuys card to your Velocity Frequent Flyer account, you’ll normally earn 1 Velocity status credit for every $100 spent at Coles, Liquorland and First Choice Liquor each month. You can earn up to 10 status credits … Continued

13 Dec 2018 Flybuys

How Plusgrade’s Upgrade Bid System Works

Since launching in 2009, Plusgrade has made quite an impact on the airline industry. Plusgrade now facilitates online Business Class upgrade auctions for around 70 airlines including Qantas, Virgin Australia, Air New Zealand and Etihad Airways. And the company continues to grow. If you’ve ever received an invitation to bid for an upgrade on your upcoming … Continued

12 Dec 2018 Airlines, Miles and Points

Qantas’ Newest Destination is… Bendigo

Qantas has announced that it will commence flights to Bendigo – of all places – from 31 March 2019. The flights will be operated by QantasLink using 50-seater Dash 8 Q300 aircraft. The Qantas flights to Bendigo are timed so that Bendigonians can get to Sydney early in the morning, and return in the evening. … Continued

12 Dec 2018 Qantas

Book Royal Air Maroc Flights with Etihad Guest Miles

Last week it was announced that Royal Air Maroc will join the Oneworld alliance in April 2020. This means that, soon, Qantas Frequent Flyer members (and members of other Oneworld airlines’ frequent flyer programs) will be able to redeem their points for Royal Air Maroc awards. The ability to redeem Qantas points for Royal Air Maroc … Continued

11 Dec 2018 Etihad Airways Points Inspiration

Which Airlines Have the Most Full Flights?

Ever wondered which airlines have the most passengers? Well, there’s no need to guess! Each month, the Australian government publishes information revealing exactly how full each airline’s international flights are. In September 2018, for example, we know that Qantas’ flights to Chile, Indonesia, South Africa and the UK were standout performers, with more than 90% … Continued

10 Dec 2018 Airlines, Miles and Points

New Singapore Airlines A380 Business Seat Fail

Singapore Airlines is currently in the process of refurbishing its Airbus A380 aircraft. The Singapore Airlines A380 upgrades see plush new First Class Suites installed at the front of the plane’s upper deck. The new First Class has received largely rave reviews, with travellers loving the suites’ size and the ability to join neighbouring compartments to … Continued

9 Dec 2018 Flight Reviews

Diners Club Exits New Zealand

Diners Club will exit the New Zealand market at the end of this month. After 31 December 2018, Diners Club cards issued in New Zealand will stop working. And, from this date, any Diners Club Rewards points of New Zealand cardholders that have not yet been redeemed will be wiped. If you hold a Diners … Continued

9 Dec 2018 Credit Cards

The Ultimate Doha Stopover Guide

Doha, Qatar. It’s home to Hamad International Airport, the megahub of Oneworld’s Qatar Airways. If you’re flying with Qatar Airways to pretty much anywhere, you’ll be passing through this airport. Hamad International Airport is a world-class airport – clean, modern and connecting through there is relatively easy. But if you find yourself with a Doha … Continued

8 Dec 2018 Stopover Guides

Downgraded on Qantas Tickets at the Gate

In recent weeks, several AFF members have reported being involuntarily downgraded on Qantas tickets. In each case, the flight was operated by a Qantas partner airline. LATAM Airlines downgrade In one recent example, ozflier had paid for a full-price Business Class flight to South America with Qantas. The trip included a flight from Auckland to Santiago … Continued

6 Dec 2018 Qantas

Royal Air Maroc Joins Oneworld Alliance

Royal Air Maroc has been revealed as the newest recruit of the Oneworld airline alliance. As the national carrier of Morocco, Royal Air Maroc’s network will open up many new possibilities for Qantas Frequent Flyer members travelling to Africa. More airline members is great news for the Oneworld alliance. But don’t get too excited just … Continued

6 Dec 2018 Oneworld