Latest news

Virgin America Merging with Alaska Airlines

Virgin America Airlines will soon be taken over by US-based Alaska Airlines. As part of the acquisition, the Virgin America brand will eventually disappear, being absorbed into the Alaska Airlines brand. As was the case with the American Airlines/US Airways merger, the process will be a lengthy one. Both airlines promise that there will be … Continued

11 Apr 2016 Other Airlines

Airfares to South America Hit Record Lows

If you’ve always wanted to visit South America, there has never been a better time! Flights between Australia and South America have traditionally been expensive. But, to the delight of travellers, this appears to be changing. In late 2015, Air New Zealand launched flights from Auckland to Buenos Aires. This effectively broke the monopoly of … Continued

9 Apr 2016 Planning & Booking

Hertz Hire Car Scam

Several members have accused Hertz at Sydney Airport of unfairly scamming extra charges out of customers. They claim that Hertz charged them for minor pre-existing, and even non-existent damage. According to one member, Hertz staff in Sydney have even been instructed to actively seek out damage, regardless of how minor, and to charge for it. … Continued

7 Apr 2016 Car Hire

Honeymooning in New Zealand

Our member GarrettM recently shared his experience of honeymooning in New Zealand in the form of a trip report. Visiting both the North and South Island, there were many highlights in this country renowned for its natural beauty and friendly locals. Flying across the Tasman via Melbourne, our newly-wed member began the trip in Auckland. … Continued

6 Apr 2016 Destinations

A Family Trip to Europe on Points

Redeeming points for Business class flights can be a challenge at the best of times. Award availability can be limited, especially on long-haul international flights. But what’s harder than redeeming points for one person? Redeeming for a whole family! One member is looking to redeem points for a family of three. This member would like … Continued

5 Apr 2016 Airlines, Miles and Points

Could Virgin be the next Ansett?

There are further signs of financial turmoil at Virgin Australia after Air New Zealand flagged plans to sell its financial stake in the airline. The CEO of Air New Zealand, Christopher Luxon, has also resigned from the Virgin Australia board. The news has led some concerned members, fearing a repeat of the Ansett collapse, to empty … Continued

4 Apr 2016 Virgin Australia

Is Duty Free Alcohol a Rip-Off?

Airport Duty Free outlets were once a great place to pick up a bargain. But it seems that bargains are now few and far between. Taxes and duties should not be payable on Duty Free alcohol. Yet it’s often the same price – or even more expensive – at the airport than Dan Murphy’s or … Continued

2 Apr 2016 Airports & Lounges

Chasing Status: Like Running in a Hamster Wheel?

This week a new member seeks to understand why some travellers go to such extreme lengths to chase elite airline status. Some frequent flyers willingly spend dozens of unnecessary hours in the air – often for a hefty price tag – in order to supplement their status credit balance. Known as a status run, this … Continued

31 Mar 2016 Airlines, Miles and Points

Soaking Up the Delights of Dubai

Our member yld200 has just returned from a week of holidaying in Dubai! Home to the world’s tallest building, this thriving metropolis has something for everyone visitor. Taking advantage of a family connection, our member managed to pick up some great value Emirates staff travel tickets, albeit in economy, for the trip to the UAE. … Continued

30 Mar 2016 Destinations

Indonesia Now Visa-Free for Australians

For many years, Australians visiting Bali and other Indonesian destinations have needed to pay for a visa. This added USD35 (around $47) to the cost of every visit. But after years of discussions and speculation, this visa fee was finally dropped last week. Australians are now able to enter the country without a visa for up … Continued

28 Mar 2016 The Journey

Seat Swap Etiquette

The contentious issue of aircraft seat poaching is a hot topic of discussion this week. What would you do if another passenger plonked themselves into your allocated seat, in order to sit with their travel companion? One member’s recent experience on a Singapore Airlines flight left them annoyed and frustrated. Upon boarding, this member found … Continued

24 Mar 2016 In Flight

An Unconventional Route to Europe

Our member Mattg recently returned from a whistle-stop tour of Europe, taking a rather unique combination of airlines to get there. Our member used a diverse range of premium and low-cost airlines, flying a mixture of Economy and Business class. I love trying new things, espceially when it comes to travel. So as usual I’ve … Continued

23 Mar 2016 Flight Reviews