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Frequent Flyer Points Gamble

Having saved up a healthy balance of Qantas points, one member wishes to use them to fly in Business class to Rome. But they’re now faced with an all-too-common dilemma: Redeem the points for a Business ticket, or try to upgrade with frequent flyer points from an Economy ticket? Buying an Economy ticket and requesting … Continued

4 Aug 2016 Qantas

An Epic “Status Run” to Panama City

Our member 24601 recently completed an epic trip that took them to New Zealand, the United States and even Panama! The aim of the trip was simple: to achieve Platinum status with both Qantas and Virgin Australia. The key to earning status with our local frequent flyer programs is status credits. Status credits can be … Continued

3 Aug 2016 Flight Reviews

Is Airline Loyalty Dead?

One member is considering abandoning their loyalty to Virgin Australia in favour of a “best fare of the day” policy. This member currently holds Platinum status with Virgin. But they are constantly finding that they can fly on overseas airlines in Premium Economy – or even Business class – for the same price as Economy … Continued

1 Aug 2016 Virgin Australia
Air Astana comfort row

Enjoy a Whole Row to Yourself on a Qantas Flight

Surviving long-haul flights in “cattle class” can be a challenge at the best of times. But there’s now a way to ease the pain and guarantee a whole row to yourself on an international Qantas flight! Short of an upgrade, there’s not much better than two empty neighbouring seats when you’re stuck in Economy a long international … Continued

30 Jul 2016 Qantas

Qantas & Emirates in an Unhappy Marriage?

The extensive alliance between Qantas and Emirates has failed to deliver on its promises of improved service and choice for flyers, according to one member. Successive reductions in benefits for Qantas customers flying Emirates are just part of a long list of complaints. Our members particularly lament the loss of many Qantas international flights. Flights to Europe … Continued

28 Jul 2016 Emirates

Flying Around Indochina

Our member coyote25 recently sampled a range of Asian airlines as part of a tour of South-East Asia. Lao Airlines, Thai Smiles and even Qatar Airways were among the airlines flown as our member travelled around the delightful countries of Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. Flying overseas is always a unique experience, particularly when flying … Continued

27 Jul 2016 Flight Reviews

Complimentary Qantas Status Renewal

In order to retain status with any airline, you generally need to do a certain amount of flying each year. Qantas Platinum members, for example, need to earn 1,200 status credits each membership year in order to retain Platinum Qantas status. But it may be possible to renew your status, even if you fall short … Continued

25 Jul 2016 Qantas

Redeem Virgin Velocity Points for BP Petrol

In recent weeks, Virgin Australia expanded its frequent flyer program partnership with BP. Virgin Velocity points can now be redeemed for petrol at any BP service station in Australia. This complements the existing ability to earn Velocity points on all BP purchases. Our members generally welcome new ways to earn and redeem frequent flyer points. … Continued

23 Jul 2016 Virgin Australia

Deserting your Partner for an Upgrade

Would you accept an upgrade to Business class if it meant you had to desert your partner in Economy? This dilemma has divided our members. While some would gladly accept the upgrade, others believe that travelling together is more important. One member would prefer to sit with their partner in Economy than alone in the … Continued

21 Jul 2016 Travel Lifestyle

The Best Value Round-the-World Tickets

Did you know that it’s possible to travel around the world for just a little over $2,000? One member discovered this recently while planning a round-the-world trip of their own. This member was researching fares in Economy class, with a preference for oneworld airlines. Does anyone know of a good value round the world fare that uses … Continued

20 Jul 2016 Planning & Booking

Virgin Reward Availability Woes

If you’re having trouble using your Virgin Velocity points to book a reward flight, you’re not alone. It appears that the Virgin Australia website is currently displaying very limited reward seat availability, particularly for flights on Etihad and Singapore Airlines. In many cases, reward flight searches on the Virgin website are bringing up only the more … Continued

18 Jul 2016 Virgin Australia

A Trip of “Firsts” to the USA

It may have been a short trip to the United States, but our member Amaroo certainly travelled there in style! Our member flew Qantas First class to Los Angeles, en-route to Las Vegas and New York. But that wasn’t the only “first” on a trip that also saw our member trying out new airport lounges … Continued

16 Jul 2016 Flight Reviews