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Finnair Round-the-World Sale – AIR005

Matt discusses the Qantas double status credits promotion, online tools for finding award availability and the current Finnair round-the-world sale in Business class. This episode features interviews with travel agent Alan Lam (a.k.a. madrooster) and Chris Lopinto, the founder of Expert Flyer. Episode contents: 0:51 – Fortnightly news round-up 5:14 – Interview with travel agent … Continued

23 Feb 2019 AFF on Air (blubrry)

Qantas vs Cathay Pacific in Premium Economy

More and more airlines are now offering Premium Economy on their long-haul flights. But not all Premium Economy products were created equal. With some airlines, passengers receive little more than a wider seat with more legroom – a marginal improvement over Economy. But with other airlines, the better seat is accompanied by a “soft product” … Continued

21 Feb 2019 Flight Reviews

The Dark Side of Double Status Credits

In case you haven’t already heard, Qantas released its latest Double Status Credits promotion this week. Until tomorrow, you can earn double Qantas status credits on all new Qantas flight bookings, for travel until the end of August 2019. Double status credit promotions are popular with both airlines and their customers, and for good reason. These … Continued

21 Feb 2019 Qantas

Contacting Qantas by SMS: Does it Work?

Need to contact Qantas? Given the lengthy hold times experienced when trying to phone the Qantas call centre, it can be worth looking at alternative methods – especially if your request is not complicated. As an alternative to calling, Qantas customers can already get in touch with the social media team via Facebook and Twitter. … Continued

20 Feb 2019 Qantas

Why Buying Avios is Good Value for Short Flights

UPDATE: Avios partner award prices have increased slightly since this article was written. Here are the new award charts for short-haul redemptions on Qantas and other Oneworld airlines: Distance Avios (Economy) Avios (Business) 0-650 miles 6,000 12,500 651-1,151 miles 9,000 16,500 1,152-2,000 miles 11,000 22,000 The article below from February 2019 refers to the old … Continued

20 Feb 2019 British Airways

Virgin’s Lounge Network is Still a Work in Progress

With the planned opening date for Virgin Australia’s new Wellington lounge pushed back until April, Virgin passengers departing Wellington remain without lounge access for now. Meanwhile, Virgin Australia passengers departing Brisbane on international flights are being relegated to third-party lounges as construction of the new Brisbane “My Lounge” continues. Virgin’s Brisbane lounge is now due to … Continued

19 Feb 2019 Virgin Australia

Great Deal on Amex Point Transfers to Velocity

Velocity Frequent Flyer is currently offering 15-25% bonus points for transferring Amex Membership Rewards points to Velocity until 15 March 2019. In addition, some Amex cardholders can even earn instant Velocity Gold or Platinum status by transferring Amex points to Velocity! There are now less than two months until the upcoming changes to Amex Membership … Continued

18 Feb 2019 American Express

Maximise Double Qantas Status Credits – February 2019

Qantas has just released its much-anticipated Double Status Credits offer for February 2019! Until Monday 25 February, you can earn double Qantas status credits for new Qantas flight bookings when travelling between 25 February and 31 August 2019. To participate in this promotion, be sure to first register on the Qantas website. By taking advantage … Continued

18 Feb 2019 Qantas

Virgin Australia Back on Track to Profitability

Virgin Australia has recorded its best half-year financial results in 11 years. Announcing a statutory profit after tax of $73.8 million from July to December 2018, it’s the airline’s best first-half result since the 2008 financial year and a significant improvement from last year. The standout performer for the Virgin Australia Group was Virgin’s domestic … Continued

15 Feb 2019 Virgin Australia

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