Latest news

The Death of Free Upgrades

You’ve probably heard the myths that dressing up, arriving at the airport early or flattering the check-in staff will help you get an upgrade. This advice is repeated time and time again in trashy “news” articles. But the reality is, airlines are extremely unlikely to give away free upgrades just because there are seats available … Continued

25 Oct 2018 Airlines, Miles and Points

Last Call for Hong Kong Fuel Surcharge Loophole

There’s just one week left to take advantage of Hong Kong’s fuel surcharge ban! From 1 November 2018, fuel surcharges on award flights departing from Hong Kong will no longer be regulated. This will likely lead to a sharp increase in the taxes and carrier charges you’ll pay when redeeming points out of Hong Kong. … Continued

24 Oct 2018 Planning & Booking

Australian Domestic Routes with Lie-Flat Business Class

The humble Boeing 737 is the backbone of the Qantas and Virgin Australia domestic fleets. These narrow-body aircraft operate the vast majority of domestic flights within Australia. In fact, Virgin Australia has 82 Boeing 737s in its fleet of 93 aircraft. Qantas owns 72 of these aircraft. Boeing 737 Business Class on both Qantas and … Continued

24 Oct 2018 Planning & Booking Points Inspiration

Asiana Club: The Most Underrated Star Alliance Program

Singapore Airlines, Aegean Airlines and United all have excellent Star Alliance frequent flyer programs. As a result, these airlines rightfully receive plenty of attention. But, bizarrely, one of the very best value Star Alliance frequent flyer programs is virtually unknown in Australia! In our view, Asiana Club is the most undervalued Star Alliance frequent flyer … Continued

22 Oct 2018 Star Alliance

How to Avoid Velocity’s Carrier Charge for Etihad Flights

Since 2016, Virgin Australia has imposed a hefty “Etihad Airways Reward Seat Carrier Charge” when redeeming Velocity points for Etihad flights. This Etihad carrier charge adds up to USD300 ($420) to every single Etihad flight sector booked using Velocity points. Until recently, Virgin Australia was charging this Etihad carrier charge on all Etihad reward flight … Continued

22 Oct 2018 Virgin Australia

Melbourne-Perth in Qantas Premium Economy

Qantas has started selling Premium Economy tickets on its daily Boeing 787-9 tag flight between Melbourne and Perth. Qantas passengers also have the opportunity to redeem Qantas points for a Premium Economy award or upgrade on this route. Qantas flight QF9, which continues to London, has become a popular choice for flyers travelling from Melbourne … Continued

21 Oct 2018 Qantas

The Ultimate Lima Stopover Guide

As the Peruvian capital and largest city in this wonderful South American country, Lima is the gateway to Peru. It’s also a hub for Oneworld’s LATAM Airlines, and Avianca Peru of Star Alliance. Almost all visitors to Peru will arrive and depart through Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM) in Lima. This includes visitors to Machu … Continued

21 Oct 2018 Stopover Guides

Delays with Jetstar Points & Status Credits

When flying Jetstar, Qantas Frequent Flyer members can earn Qantas points and status credits by purchasing a Starter or Max Bundle. But, in recent months, these points and status credits have been taking an unacceptably long time to post. And, in many cases, the Jetstar points and status credits are not crediting at all without … Continued

18 Oct 2018 Jetstar

Save on Flights in South America with Aegean Miles

Flights within South America are typically very expensive. But by redeeming miles or points, you can save a small fortune! If you have Qantas points, for example, you can redeem these for flights within South America on LATAM Airlines. But if you don’t have enough Qantas points – or there’s no award availability with LATAM … Continued

17 Oct 2018 Other Airlines Points Inspiration

Double Velocity Points on Virgin Australia Flights

Virgin Australia is now offering double Velocity points on new flight bookings for travel next year. Book by 22 October 2018 to receive double points on Virgin Australia flights taken between 1 January and 9 October 2019. To receive double Velocity points, you’ll need to first register on the Velocity Frequent Flyer website. Then, just … Continued

16 Oct 2018 Virgin Australia

Velocity Devalues KrisFlyer Transfers

The ability to transfer Virgin Australia Velocity points to Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer miles is a hugely popular benefit of the Velocity Frequent Flyer program. Sadly, the number of Velocity points you’ll need to transfer to KrisFlyer will increase significantly from next year. You can currently convert Velocity points to KrisFlyer miles – or vice versa – at … Continued

15 Oct 2018 Virgin Australia

Pay More to Redeem a Qantas Gift Voucher

Qantas has come under fire for charging some customers more when redeeming Qantas gift vouchers for flights. AFF members have uncovered countless examples where customers redeeming gift vouchers were shown higher prices for the same flights than Qantas’ website. This has likely resulted in many unsuspecting customers paying too much. The problem has existed for … Continued

15 Oct 2018 Qantas