Latest news

How to Avoid Fuel Surcharges on Award Bookings

Airline taxes and fuel surcharges can add hundreds of dollars to the cost of an award ticket booked using frequent flyer points. But these taxes and charges can vary drastically. On some frequent flyer redemption bookings, the taxes are as low as $5. At other times, they can run into the thousands of dollars! The co-payment … Continued

21 Jan 2017 Airlines, Miles and Points

Simplifying the Frequent Flyer Puzzle

Frequent flyer points open the door to a world of opportunities, including free flights and flight upgrades. But for some, the complexity of earning and burning points is too much hassle to make it all worthwhile. One member was recently told by a colleague that they must be rich because they often travel in premium … Continued

19 Jan 2017 Airlines, Miles and Points

Flying a Family to Japan on Points

Redeeming frequent flyer points for Business class seats can be difficult at the best of times – let alone four seats on the same flight. But that’s exactly what one member is hoping to do for their upcoming family holiday to Japan. We’re planning a family trip to Japan for October 2018 and will have enough … Continued

18 Jan 2017 Qantas

Tigerair Cancels All Bali Flights

Tigerair has been forced to cancel all of its flights between Australia and Indonesia, effective from Wednesday 11 January. The snap decision by the Indonesian government to ban Tigerair from flying to the country has resulted in chaos as thousands of Tigerair passengers were left stranded. Tigerair operates three international routes to Bali from Melbourne, … Continued

16 Jan 2017 Virgin Australia

Virgin Flyers Lose Los Angeles Lounge Access

Virgin flyers with Gold Velocity status will no longer receive lounge access in Los Angeles when flying on Virgin Australia. Gold Velocity members previously enjoyed access to the Star Alliance lounge in Los Angeles. Instead, Virgin flyers departing from Los Angeles to Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne will now receive a $40 voucher to spend in … Continued

14 Jan 2017 Virgin Australia

Compensation for mid-air injury

It’s not uncommon to receive compensation for a flight delay or inoperative entertainment system, but what about a mid-air injury? One member was recently hurt on a Qantas flight after stepping on broken glass. The incident occurred shortly after take-off, with the glass somehow having been left in the aisle. The passenger was not wearing shoes at … Continued

12 Jan 2017 Post Flight

Virgin Considers Domestic Premium Economy Comeback

Virgin Australia is reportedly considering bringing Premium Economy back on domestic flights. Under the plan, the first three rows of Economy class on Virgin’s Boeing 737 aircraft would be converted to Premium Economy seats with extra legroom. Virgin is also considering adding other Premium Economy benefits, such as dedicated overhead locker space and use of … Continued

11 Jan 2017 Virgin Australia

A Festive Season Cruise around South-East Asia

This festive season, our member Pushka decided to travel to South-East Asia for a luxurious cruise aboard the Diamond Princess! Originally scheduled for 10 days, the cruise was fortuitously extended to 12 days. Departing from Singapore, it travelled around Indonesia before heading north to Malaysia and Thailand. After a great trip to Dubai just after … Continued

9 Jan 2017 Cruises

Qantas Points Expiry: Unfair

Qantas has come under fire over its inability to notify members that their points are about to expire. One member recently lost thousands of Qantas Frequent Flyer points, but says they were never warned by the airline. Qantas claims that it notifies members by email around a month before their points are due to expire. … Continued

7 Jan 2017 Qantas

Discounted Admirals Club Lounge Access

If you regularly fly with American Airlines, Admirals Club lounges provide a welcome sanctuary away from the hustle & bustle of crowded airports. Entry to the Admirals Club doesn’t come cheap though, with American Airlines charging $500 per year for membership. But if you’re a U.S. resident, did you know that you can gain unlimited … Continued

5 Jan 2017 American Airlines

No Value in Business Class?

Business class may offer a more comfortable seat and a better meal, but it seems not everyone sees the value in flying up front. Some members believe that the differences do not justify the higher price of Business class, especially when multiple trips in cattle class can be had for the price of a single … Continued

5 Jan 2017 The Journey

Soaking Up the Sights of India and China

Our member RooFlyer recently spent twelve jam-packed days travelling around India and China, sampling a range of airlines and hotels along the way. The trip wouldn’t have been possible without advice and tips from a wide range of AFF members, on everything from tour guides to securing award seats on Singapore Airlines. This first post is about the … Continued

4 Jan 2017 Destinations