Latest news

The Virgin Status Run That Wasn’t

If you’re just a little bit short of the requirements to reach a higher airline status tier, it can be tempting to undertake a status run. This is exactly what clipped_wings and her husband decided to do recently. This member’s husband had already earned enough Velocity status credits to maintain Virgin Australia Platinum status, but still needed … Continued

14 Feb 2019 Flight Reviews

Virgin Australia’s New International Lounges

On 28 October 2018, Virgin Australia’s messy divorce with Air New Zealand was finalised. It’s now no longer possible to earn or redeem Velocity points on Air New Zealand flights. Gold and Platinum Velocity members, as well as Virgin Australia Lounge members, have also lost access to Air New Zealand’s lounges when flying to or within New Zealand. … Continued

14 Feb 2019 Airports & Lounges

United Reduces Flights to Sydney

IN BRIEF | United Airlines will cut back its flights from Sydney to Los Angeles and Houston during the northern summer period. From 31 March until 26 October 2019, frequency on United’s Sydney-Los Angeles route will be reduced to 3x weekly. Meanwhile, service on the Sydney-Houston route will drop to 4x weekly. Both flights currently … Continued

13 Feb 2019 United Airlines

Finnair Round-the-World Business Sale

You may be aware of the Oneworld Explorer round-the-world fares that allow you to circle the globe on Oneworld airlines. But did you know that several Oneworld airlines, including Finnair, sell mini round-the-world tickets for just a fraction of the price? The Finnair round-the-world fare Finnair sells a round-the-world product that allows you to travel … Continued

13 Feb 2019 Oneworld

Airlines Fight Back Against Hidden-City Ticketing

Clever airline passengers have used hidden-city ticketing for years to save money on their flights. But now airlines are starting to fight back against the practice. German airline Lufthansa is currently attempting to sue a “no-show” passenger that didn’t board the last flight on their ticket. It’s demanding back-payment for the significant difference in price … Continued

11 Feb 2019 Post Flight

Oneworld Alliance Celebrates 20th Anniversary

On 1 February 1999, five airlines created the Oneworld alliance. At the time, the new alliance promised to “make it as easy as possible for passengers to connect between one another’s flights, effectively creating a worldwide route network that will make global travel more convenient for consumers”. Twenty years on, four of Oneworld’s founding members … Continued

10 Feb 2019 Oneworld

Air Asia Starts Brisbane-Bangkok Flights

Brisbane flyers will soon have more ways to get to Thailand, with Thai Air Asia X launching direct flights from Brisbane to Bangkok. The low-cost carrier will operate four flights per week starting from 25 June 2019. Thai Airways is the only other airline operating direct flights on the Brisbane-Bangkok route. Thai used to offer … Continued

9 Feb 2019 Other Airlines

Podcast #4: Double Velocity Status Credits

In Episode 4 of the AFF on AIR podcast, Matt discusses how to take advantage the current Virgin Australia Double Status Credits promotion, flight booking terminology, finding award availability, and more. This episode also features an interview with JessicaTam, one of the moderators on the Australian Frequent Flyer forum. Listen now to AFF on AIR … Continued

8 Feb 2019 AFF on Air Podcast

Double Velocity Status Credits – AIR004

  Matt discusses the current Virgin Australia Double Status Credits promotion, flight booking terminology, award availability, and more. This episode also features an interview with Jessica Tam, one of the moderators on the Australian Frequent Flyer forum.   Episode contents: 0:52 – Fortnightly news round-up 4:32 – Virgin Australia double status credits offer 16:47 – … Continued

8 Feb 2019 AFF on Air (blubrry)

Qantas, Emirates Chauffeur Drive Cutbacks

Emirates and Qantas are both cutting back their complimentary Chauffeur Drive services from next month. These services are currently offered to Business and First Class passengers flying with Emirates on most routes, as well as Qantas Business Class passengers flying to or from London. No more Emirates Chauffeur Drive on award tickets From 1 March 2019, … Continued

8 Feb 2019 Emirates

Aircraft Cabins: Too Hot for Comfort?

Ever felt uncomfortably hot (or cold) when flying? You’re not alone. It seems that aircraft cabin temperatures are a sticking point for many flyers, and are something that very few airlines get consistently right. Many AFF members find that aircraft cabin temperatures, generally, are too hot. While it varies across airlines and aircraft types, it … Continued

7 Feb 2019 In Flight

The Ultimate Los Angeles Stopover Guide

Los Angeles, California. It’s home to the glitz and glam of Hollywood, a short drive from Disneyland and the location of the largest international airport on the west coast of the United States. With 69% of flights from Australia to the US mainland arriving at Los Angeles International Airport, there’s a good chance you’ll be … Continued

7 Feb 2019 Stopover Guides