Latest news

Iceland, Morocco, Oman, Botswana… In One Trip!

Our member henleybeach recently enjoyed quite the whirlwind trip to some incredible destinations all over the world. Over just a few weeks, this member visited nine countries including Iceland, Morocco, Oman, South Africa and Botswana. In the process this member also flew on seven different airlines. These included well-known airlines like Etihad and Singapore Airlines, … Continued

1 Mar 2017 Destinations

Qantas Secures Frequent Flyer Accounts

Qantas is trialling additional security measures to protect its members’ frequent flyer accounts against fraud. Once the changes are implemented, activities such as logging into your frequent flyer account or redeeming points will become a two-step process. Using what’s known as “two-factor authentication”, Qantas will soon require its frequent flyers to either enter a code sent … Continued

27 Feb 2017 Qantas

Emirates to Charge for On-Board Showers?

As competition in the international aviation market intensifies, cash-strapped airlines are eagerly searching for new ways to make money. With international airfares at record lows, even full-service airlines are beginning to look towards ancillary revenue. Ancillary revenue refers to the income received by airlines for additional products and services which are not included in the cost of … Continued

25 Feb 2017 Emirates

Advice for a First-Time Flyer

A new member has decided to take the plunge and travel overseas for the first time at the age of 50! While this first-time flyer is excited, th’re very nervous about the long flight to London. They’re unsure what to expect and are concerned about flying long distances over water. Our members have generously offered … Continued

23 Feb 2017 Planning & Booking

Regional Flying on Fly Corporate

Australia’s regional airlines have been getting a lot of attention on our forums lately. Inspired by recent trip reports covering Fly Pelican and Regional Express, AFF member Bundy Bear recently reviewed their experience with another regional airline, Fly Corporate. Based in Brisbane, Fly Corporate flies to seven regional destinations across Queensland and northern NSW. The … Continued

22 Feb 2017 Flight Reviews

Qantas Rolls Out In-Flight Wifi

Qantas has begun trialling free in-flight wifi on one of its domestic Boeing 737 aircraft, with the service to be rolled out to the entire domestic fleet from later this year. In addition to offering internet access, Qantas will offer customers free access to television and movies through Foxtel and Netflix. Flyers will also have … Continued

20 Feb 2017 Qantas

Best Ways to Redeem Flybuys Points

With Flybuys now partnering with Virgin Australia and Etihad Airways, there are more ways than ever to redeem points! Your weekly shop at Coles can be converted to a wide range of rewards including free flights, upgrades, gift vouchers, merchandise and money off your shop. But which rewards offer the greatest value? One of the … Continued

18 Feb 2017 Flybuys

Ice Class over Antarctic Icebergs

There may be no commercial flights to Antarctica, but AFF member JohnM recently came pretty close! Each summer, Qantas operates a small number of sightseeing charter flights over Antarctica. Departing from Australia early in the morning, the 12-hour flight returns to Australia in the evening after 4 hours of flying over the Antarctic continent. Tomorrow … Continued

15 Feb 2017 Flight Reviews

Redeeming Velocity Points for a Family Holiday

This week one member seeks the community’s recommendations for a family holiday destination that can be reached using Velocity points. AFF member unfunkable is looking for a destination where they take their family of four to relax. While Hawaii had been the destination of choice, there are too few award seats available through Velocity Frequent … Continued

13 Feb 2017 Virgin Australia

Qantas Still Calls Australia Home… In Song Only

Qantas may still call Australia home, but calls to the Qantas Frequent Flyer Service Centre will soon be answered by staff in the Philippines. More than 100 Australian jobs will be lost when Qantas shuts its Melbourne-based call centre later this year. The Frequent Flyer Service Centre handles calls relating to the use of Qantas points, … Continued

9 Feb 2017 Qantas

The Value of Overseas Frequent Flyer Programs

Many Australians are familiar with the frequent flyer programs of Qantas and Virgin Australia. But there are other airline loyalty programs out there that offer considerably better value. Qantas Frequent Flyer and Virgin’s Velocity program are by far the most widely used by Australians. This makes sense, as it’s much easier to earn points within Australia with these programs. … Continued

6 Feb 2017 Other Airlines

Qantas Revamps Business Rewards Program

Qantas has axed its Aquire loyalty program for small to medium businesses, in favour of the newly-launched Qantas Business Rewards. It’s not just a name change, with several significant changes being made to the program. Qantas Business Rewards, like its predecessor Aquire, enables business owners to earn additional points on employees’ flights, as well as … Continued

4 Feb 2017 Qantas