Latest news

Two Months in North America

Our member Noel Mugavin recently spent two months in the United States and Canada! And it certainly seems to have been quite an adventure. Seattle, Vancouver, Chicago, Boston and New York are just a few of the many destinations visited. Flying Qantas into the United States, our member began by heading across the northern border to Vancouver, … Continued

27 Apr 2016 Destinations

Are Eurail Passes Worthwhile?

Trains are one of the fastest and most convenient ways to get around Europe. Frequent high-speed trains connect all of the major European cities. If you’re planning a trip to Europe, it can be tempting to purchase a Eurail Pass. These passes cover unlimited train travel within certain European countries for a fixed amount of time. … Continued

26 Apr 2016 Travel Lifestyle

Accor Devalues Le Club Loyalty Program

Accor Hotels is making significant changes to its “Le Club” loyalty program. From next year, it will become much more difficult to earn and maintain status with the program. Le Club is the loyalty program of Accor-branded hotels including Novotel, Sofitel, Mercure, Ibis and Pullman. The major change is the way in which status is … Continued

25 Apr 2016 Accor Live Limitless

No Cathay Pacific Lounge Access in San Francisco?

Qantas launched flights to San Francisco last year. As Qantas does not operate a lounge in San Francisco, eligible flyers are directed to use the Air France lounge. However, in our members’ experience, the lounge is too small and offers a sub-par experience. The AF lounge is now completely full so anyone coming in late is … Continued

23 Apr 2016 Airports & Lounges

Parental Status Pause: Qantas vs Virgin

New parents can now elect to pause their Qantas Frequent Flyer membership for up to 18 months. The family-friendly change has been welcomed by our members, but how does it compare to Virgin’s “Membership Pause” policy? Qantas’ new “Status Hold” is available to new parents, including foster parents, for up to 18 months. During the hold period, eligible members … Continued

21 Apr 2016 Airlines, Miles and Points

Six Days of Luxury for $1,200!

Six days of ultimate luxury, involving First class flights and five-star hotels may sound like merely a dream. But this is exactly what one AFF member was recently lucky enough to experience. After flying from Australia to the UAE in First class on Etihad Airways, our member Moindardt spent three nights at a popular 5-star hotel in … Continued

20 Apr 2016 Flight Reviews

New Restrictions on Qantas Award Availability?

It appears that Qantas is now severely restricting Classic Flight Reward seat access to Bronze frequent flyers, particularly in premium cabins. Members of oneworld and other partner airline programs wishing to redeem points for Qantas flights may also be affected. Our members have noticed a significant difference in the award availability seen on the Qantas website by … Continued

19 Apr 2016 Qantas

Macquarie Cuts Qantas Points

Macquarie is the latest Australian bank to slash the value of its credit card rewards offering. From next month, both of Macquarie’s Qantas Frequent Flyer-linked cards will see new caps on the number of Qantas points that can be earned at the full rate each month. Both the Macquarie Platinum and high-end Macquarie Black cards … Continued

18 Apr 2016 Credit Cards

Buying United Miles for Cheap First Class

United Airlines miles open up a world of opportunity when it comes to cheap Business and First class travel. United sells miles that can be redeemed for flights on any Star Alliance airline. With bonuses of up to 100% available from time to time, this makes it possible to fly to Asia in First Class … Continued

16 Apr 2016 United Airlines

Qantas Downgrade Debacle

Following an involuntary downgrade from Business to Economy, one member is frustrated with Qantas’ refusal to offer any sort of refund or compensation. This member had originally booked a Business class ticket from Canberra to Singapore via Melbourne. But the domestic connection was later downgraded to Economy. Qantas offered no refund, and only begrudgingly agreed … Continued

14 Apr 2016 Qantas

A Taste of the “Suite” Life on Singapore Airlines

AFF member pythonisman recently enjoyed an opportunity to experience the “Suite” life on a trip to Singapore and Cambodia. Taking advantage of a special upgrade promotion, our member experienced one of the best ways to fly. I was headed to Singapore for a day for work, with a side trip tacked on at the tail … Continued

13 Apr 2016 Flight Reviews

Travel Agents: Pros & Cons

This week our members discuss the pros and cons of booking with a travel agent. While some find travel agents invaluable, others see little benefit and prefer to book their own travel online. There are numerous reasons to book with an agent. As well as offering specialised advice, travel agents often have access to cheaper airfares … Continued

12 Apr 2016 Planning & Booking