Latest news

Virgin Velocity Gold Status Fast-Track

Virgin Australia has been offering a unique fast-track to Gold Velocity status through their partnership with Flybuys. Although Virgin Australia does not generally accept status matches, many of our members have received a targeted “Explore Gold” offer. Recipients of this offer are invited to enjoy three months of complimentary Velocity Gold status. If members then … Continued

27 May 2017 Virgin Australia

Qantas Pricing Glitch

Qantas has been accused of misleading customers by advertising and selling flights in a higher class of travel than they really are. There is a well-known issue with the Qantas website where flights will be filed in a premium class of travel, even though some segments of the journey are in a lower cabin class. … Continued

25 May 2017 Qantas

USA and Costa Rica in Style

Our member v1nce007 is criss-crossing North America as they take an adventure-packed holiday that’s also full of premium cabin flying. As well as visits to several US cities, our member joined a nine-day tour of Costa Rica! The trip began with a very nice Qantas flight across the Pacific. Had a really nice flight from SYD to LAX. A few … Continued

24 May 2017 Destinations

Cathay Pacific Business Class to Hong Kong for $945!

Purchase & Redeem Alaska Airlines miles for $945 and fly Business class to Hong Kong! Alaska Airlines is currently offering up to 40% bonus miles when you purchase Mileage Plan miles before 1 July. These miles can then be redeemed with any partner airline on selected routes. Cathay Pacific is one of Alaska’s partner airlines, … Continued

23 May 2017 Cathay Pacific

Avianca Devalues Popular LifeMiles Program

The frequent flyer program of Star Alliance member and Colombian flag carrier Avianca has long been popular with Australian frequent flyers. Avianca’s Life Miles program sells miles, often accompanied by generous bonuses (such as the current 140% bonus miles being offered). These miles can then be redeemed for premium cabin travel on other Star Alliance … Continued

22 May 2017 Avianca

Priority Pass Adds Sydney to Lounge Network

Priority Pass membership comes with access to airport lounges all over the world, with members entitled to use over 1,000 lounges in 130 countries. Unfortunately, only 3 of these lounges are located in Australia. But Priority Pass has recently made arrangements for its members at a forth Australian airport. Within Australia, Priority Pass members currently have … Continued

20 May 2017 Airports & Lounges

Optimal Strategy for 14 Annual Europe Trips

One member faces the unenvious prospect of taking up to 14 trips between Brisbane and Dublin over the next year. As this member will be paying for the flights themselves, they are looking for strategies to optimise their travel experience and hopefully score a few upgrades along the way. I’m looking at doing either 13 or … Continued

17 May 2017 Planning & Booking

End of an Era for Alitalia

The future of Italian flag carrier Alitalia is in doubt after the debt-ridden airline filed for bankruptcy. The announcement came as the airline, which is losing more than a million dollars per day, failed to reach an agreement with its employees that would have seen jobs and salaries cut to more sustainable levels. Alitalia flights … Continued

15 May 2017 Other Airlines

BP Seeks End to Velocity Tie-up

BP is seeking to pull the plug on its partnership with Velocity Frequent Flyer, ahead of its acquisition of 527 Woolworths Petrol outlets next year. This would mean that Velocity points can no longer be earned or redeemed at BP petrol stations. It is likely that, going forward, BP will seek to form a partnership with … Continued

13 May 2017 Virgin Australia

First Class for a Fraction of the Price

First Class provides the ultimate in luxury in the air. It’s also usually prohibitively expensive… but thanks to frequent flyer points, it doesn’t have to be! One member recently flew First class on Etihad’s Airbus A380 from Sydney to Abu Dhabi, and they absolutely loved the experience. This member said they felt like they were … Continued

11 May 2017 Airlines, Miles and Points

Hainan Airlines: A 5-Star Experience?

There are only 9 airlines in the world that have been given a 5-star rating by Skytrax. One of them is China’s Hainan Airlines. Hainan Airlines’ 5-star rating brings it in line with carriers such as Singapore Airlines, ANA and Qatar Airways. But did it live up to such high expectations when our member Wanderlust_tim recently … Continued

10 May 2017 Flight Reviews

Redeem Points for LATAM Business Class to Chile

Excellent value & award availability: Redeem your points to fly Business Class to South America! Redeeming frequent flyer points to South America has traditionally been very difficult. But thanks to some new direct flights between Australia and South America, award availability to South America is actually very good at the moment. LATAM Airlines will begin … Continued

9 May 2017 LATAM Airlines Points Inspiration