Latest news

Train or Plane around Europe?

When travelling between Australian cities, it almost always makes sense to fly. Vast distances separate most cities and high-speed rail is not an option. In Europe, the equation is completely different. Fast trains connect almost all European cities. They provide an efficient, comfortable and affordable alternative to air travel. Ahead of a trip to Europe, one … Continued

27 Jun 2017 Ground Transport

Australia Phasing Out Departure Cards

Overseas travellers will no longer need to fill out those pesky green cards when departing from Australia. From 1 July, Australia’s “outgoing passenger cards” will finally be phased out. Travellers are pleasantly surprised with the news. These forms have been an annoyance – albeit a minor one – to many of our members. Good, now … Continued

26 Jun 2017 The Journey

Qantas Sydney Connection Times: Too Short

Connecting from a domestic to an international flight in Sydney can be a time-consuming process. The international and domestic terminals are located several kilometres apart. Passing through the immigration and security checkpoints can also be a lengthy process. Despite this, Qantas continues to sell connections with as little as 60 minutes between the scheduled arrival … Continued

24 Jun 2017 Qantas

Emirates Lounge Off-Limits

One of the well-publicised benefits of Qantas’ partnership with Emirates is reciprocal access to both airlines’ airport lounges. Qantas frequent flyers are allowed to use the Emirates lounge when flying Qantas or Emirates, and vice versa. But Qantas flyers have reported being turned away from Emirates lounges. A Platinum Qantas flyer recently tried to access … Continued

22 Jun 2017 Qantas

Qatar Flights Disrupted

Visitors to Qatar and passengers flying with oneworld member Qatar Airways are likely to face disruption after several neighbouring countries cut diplomatic ties with the small Arabian Peninsula nation. Direct flights between Qatar and the affected countries are no longer allowed. Qatar Airways aircraft are also being forced to take longer, circuitous routings as they … Continued

21 Jun 2017 Qatar Airways

Asia to Europe in Business class for just $951!

Fly Business class from Seoul to Prague for just $951 by buying and redeeming miles… After some inspiration on ways to redeem your frequent flyer points? In our new Points Inspiration segment, we highlight an excellent frequent flyer redemption opportunity so you can convert those hard-earned points into a memorable travel experience. The Opportunity How much … Continued

20 Jun 2017 Etihad Airways Points Inspiration

Qantas to Beijing: A Second-Rate Product?

Qantas launched direct flights from Sydney to Beijing earlier this year in an attempt to increase the airline’s presence in the ever-growing Chinese market. Greater choice and competition is good for travellers… but unfortunately for Qantas flyers to Beijing, Qantas has allocated some of its most outdated international aircraft to the route. One member recently … Continued

19 Jun 2017 Flight Reviews

Jetlag Busting Tricks

There are countless great things about international travel, but jetlag isn’t one of them! Long-haul flying and crossing multiple time zones leaves many travellers exhausted, yet unable to sleep at night. One member recently flew from Sri Lanka to Australia. Despite flying Business class, they felt wrecked once they got home and took almost a … Continued

15 Jun 2017 The Journey

Europe, Courtesy of Woolworths and Amex

After a two-year hiatus from overseas travel, AFF member Paddy55 recently returned to Europe in the luxury of First class! Using points they secured tickets on Qantas and Emirates to Paris, from where the tour through France, England, Germany and Scandinavia began! Our member has dedicated the trip to Woolworths and American Express as it … Continued

14 Jun 2017 Flight Reviews

Emirates Cancels Sydney-Auckland A380 Flights

Emirates will stop flying from Sydney to Auckland next month. Emirates currently flies a daily A380 on the route, while its partner Qantas operates 5x daily Boeing 737 flights. In Emirates’ absence, Qantas will up-gauge two of its daily flights to a wide body Airbus A330. EK418 and EK419 will continue to operate from Dubai … Continued

12 Jun 2017 Emirates

Frequent Flyer Points Losing Value?

Earning frequent flyer points is now easier than ever. You can earn points almost anywhere, and generous credit card sign-up bonus points are an everyday reality. Some airlines even sell frequent flyer points directly to customers – often at generous discounts! But, while the overall number of frequent flyer points in circulation is ever increasing, … Continued

8 Jun 2017 Airlines, Miles and Points

A Positive Jetstar Experience

As Australia’s largest low-cost carrier, Jetstar is often criticised for various reasons. But after once vowing to never fly Jetstar again, our member Cruiser Elite decided this week to give the airline a second chance. They didn’t regret their decision. Our member flew Jetstar from Melbourne to Byron Bay as the fare was less than half … Continued

7 Jun 2017 Flight Reviews