Latest news

Etihad Removes Silver Member Lounge Access

Etihad Airways will no longer offer lounge access at most airports for Silver tier members of the Etihad Guest program. The changes, to be implemented from 15 January 2017, come as Etihad aligns the benefits available to members of its partner airlines’ frequent flyer programs. These include Airberlin Topbonus and Alitalia’s MilleMiglia loyalty program. The … Continued

10 Oct 2016 Etihad Airways

Save Hundreds with Mystery Hotels

Mystery hotel deals can be a great way to score a bargain on a hotel room, saving you literally hundreds of dollars off the cost of accommodation! There’s just one catch: you won’t know where you’re actually staying until after you’ve paid. There are numerous websites that sell discounted mystery hotel rooms. These include Hotwire, … Continued

8 Oct 2016 Hotel Loyalty Programs

Frequent Flyer Accounts Suspended

Some members have had their frequent flyer accounts suspended after the airline accused them of breaking the program rules. These members have lost access to their frequent flyer points, plus status benefits such as lounge access, until an audit of their accounts is completed. It has been reported that Velocity Frequent Flyer is sending letters to members suspected … Continued

6 Oct 2016 Virgin Australia

Flight Review: PNG Air

This week’s trip report features an airline that few people have ever heard of, and even fewer are likely to ever fly! Based in Port Moresby, PNG Air is the second-largest airline in Papua New Guinea. The airline operates domestic routes within Papua New Guinea using a fleet of Dash 8 and ATR 72 turboprop aircraft. … Continued

5 Oct 2016 Flight Reviews

Score the Best Seat on the Plane

Would you like to stretch out in the front row, or perhaps an elusive exit row seat on your next flight? Well, you can! There’s a trick that’s guaranteed to get you a better seat on the plane. You may have noticed that when you try to choose a seat, the front rows are unavailable. … Continued

3 Oct 2016 Planning & Booking

Emirates Forced Downgrade

Emirates has left one member furious after their travelling companion was downgraded without warning at the gate. Despite holding a full-price Business class ticket, this passenger was forced to endure 14 hours in Economy from Dubai to Brisbane. With Business and First class overbooked, this passenger was offered no alternative flights. They were left with … Continued

29 Sep 2016 Emirates

Fly to the USA in Comfort

It’s no secret that flying Business or First class is more comfortable than flying Economy. But if you can’t afford a Business class ticket – and don’t have enough points to redeem one – what other options are available to fly to the USA in comfort? Does anyone have any ideas on how to fly from … Continued

28 Sep 2016 Planning & Booking

Virgin Announces New Los Angeles, Abu Dhabi Flights

Virgin Australia last week announced two new long-haul routes. Melbourne-Los Angeles is back, and a new Perth-Abu Dhabi flight will also be added. As a result, Virgin will withdraw its 3x weekly Sydney-Abu Dhabi flights. Virgin’s Brisbane-Los Angeles service will also be reduced from daily to 6x weekly, with some of the remaining flights seeing … Continued

26 Sep 2016 Virgin Australia

Is Loyalty a Trap?

You’re better off abandoning loyalty programs and forgoing status, according to one member. They believe loyalty has become increasingly meaningless as the relationship is skewed so heavily in favour of the business. Instead of reciprocating the loyalty shown by their customers, businesses are taking it for granted. In a recent experience with car rental agency … Continued

22 Sep 2016 Car Hire

Trekking the Inca Trail

Our member bigpetebrown recently returned from an exciting trip to South America! Machu Picchu was the highlight of this trip through Argentina, Peru and Bolivia. There are two ways to get to Machu Picchu – by train or by foot. For adventurous tourists with a few days to spare, the walk to Machu Picchu along … Continued

21 Sep 2016 Destinations

Westpac to Devalue Altitude Rewards Program

If you have a Westpac credit card that earns Altitude points, now is the time to transfer them! From Wednesday 28 September, redemptions through Westpac’s Altitude credit card rewards program will become more expensive. The rate at which points are converted from Altitude to airline frequent flyer points will increase by up to 20%. And … Continued

19 Sep 2016 Westpac

Qantas Lounge Access when flying Fiji Airways

Qantas Club members, as well as Gold and Platinum frequent flyers, have access to Qantas lounges when flying Qantas or Jetstar. In addition, Gold and Platinum members can access the lounge when flying on Emirates, or any of Qantas’ oneworld partner airlines. But does this extend to Fiji Airways? Does anyone know if you can … Continued

17 Sep 2016 Airports & Lounges