Latest news

Premium Economy Disappointment

Premium Economy is an increasingly popular middle-ground between Economy and Business class. But according to one disappointed member, the experience is NOT worth the premium price-tag. This member flew Singapore Airlines to Europe and back, paying significantly more than an Economy ticket. But they did not find the Premium Economy service to be a marked … Continued

24 Nov 2016 Singapore Airlines

How to Fly to Hawaii on Points

Hawaii is a hugely popular destination for Australian travellers, but getting there with frequent flyer points can be a huge challenge. Frequent flyer reward seats to Hawaii can be very limited indeed, particularly in Business class. So, what are your options for getting from Australia to Hawaii with frequent flyer points? There are currently three … Continued

23 Nov 2016 Airlines, Miles and Points

Qantas Increases Upgrade Rates

Qantas has quietly announced a range of price increases for upgrades using Qantas points across its domestic and international network. The cost of a points upgrade will increase by as much as 25% on some routes, with those upgrading from cheaper Economy class tickets hit the hardest under the revised rates. For domestic flights, the … Continued

21 Nov 2016 Qantas

The End of Cheap US Status Runs

The United States has traditionally been a popular destination for frequent flyers looking for an inexpensive path to Qantas status. Two classes of service are offered on most American Airlines domestic flights, where the premium cabin is marketed as “First class” rather than the usual “Business class”. Domestic First class tickets on American are typically inexpensive, and … Continued

19 Nov 2016 American Airlines

FREE Status with Qantas and Virgin Australia!

Our members have discovered a way to enjoy the benefits of Silver status on both Qantas and Virgin Australia for free! In just a few easy steps, you can enjoy perks like priority check-in, extra baggage allowance and even a complimentary car hire status match. The trick is to register for a current Air Berlin promotion. Air … Continued

17 Nov 2016 Airlines, Miles and Points

Denied Entry to Another Country: Who’s at Fault?

One member recently had the unfortunate experience of being denied entry to a country because they did not have the correct visa. This member inadvertently flew with Qantas to Papua New Guinea without the necessary visa, and was sent on the next flight back to Australia after being stopped at the border. I had a rather … Continued

16 Nov 2016 Post Flight

Hyatt Overhauls Loyalty Program

Hyatt Hotels will completely overhaul its loyalty program from March 2017. Hyatt Gold Passport, Hyatt’s current rewards program, will become “World of Hyatt” as a host of changes are made to status benefits and the way in which status is earned. Replacing the existing Platinum and Diamond status tiers will be three new levels, the … Continued

14 Nov 2016 World of Hyatt

An Eastern Canada Road Trip

AFF member OZDUCK recently enjoyed a Canadian road trip, taking advantage of the Northern Hemisphere summer as they travelled from Toronto to Halifax using a mixture of hire cars and trains. Being based in Perth, it made sense to fly Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong. Cathay flies directly into Toronto, making one-stop connections possible from … Continued

12 Nov 2016 Destinations

Qantas Points Refused

A Qantas flyer is bitterly disappointed after the airline refused to award any points or status credits for their flight. The Qantas flight to Shanghai was booked directly on the airline’s website. Our member had been relying on the status credits to reach the next status tier. Qantas advertises that all Qantas flights booked on its … Continued

10 Nov 2016 Qantas

Flight Delayed? You Could Earn $860!

Flight delays can be frustrating, but sometimes there’s a silver lining. If you’re flying on a European airline, or any other airline on a flight departing Europe, you could be entitled to compensation. The European Union has generous laws designed to help passengers affected by flight delays and cancellations. The “EU261” regulations entitle passengers to … Continued

9 Nov 2016 Post Flight

Qantas Enhances Loyalty Bonus

Qantas Frequent Flyer members can now opt to earn 50 bonus status credits with each loyalty bonus. The Qantas loyalty bonus is awarded each time a member earns 500 status credits from flights on Qantas or Jetstar, up to four times per membership year. Currently 8,000 points are awarded as part of the loyalty bonus. Members … Continued

7 Nov 2016 Qantas

Virgin Cuts Lounge Access

Virgin Australia passengers have lost access to Air New Zealand airport lounges, unless flying across the ditch. The changes come amidst reports that Virgin will also soon start charging domestic lounge guests for spirits. The lounges available to Gold & Platinum Velocity members, as well as Business passengers, on international flights will now depend on … Continued

3 Nov 2016 Virgin Australia