Latest news

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

Airport Parking Scam

One member was in for a rude shock at the end of a recent trip when picking up their car at the airport. The car had been driven 500km since it was dropped off, and a mechanic believes it had even been driven recklessly while the owner was away. This member believes that an employee … Continued

14 Jul 2016 Airports & Lounges

Choosing a Oneworld Frequent Flyer Program

One member is currently trying to determine the best Oneworld frequent flyer program to join. This member travels three times per year between Australia and the UK in Business class. Status is the most important consideration for this member, however the ease and value of earning & burning points is also a factor. So my … Continued

13 Jul 2016 Oneworld

Little-Known Shortcut to Virgin Australia Status

Virgin Velocity Gold status comes with tons of benefits when you fly with Virgin Australia or any of its partner airlines, such as Air New Zealand or Singapore Airlines. These include lounge access, bonus points and the ability to change to an earlier flight for free. Gold Velocity status even comes with complimentary hotel loyalty … Continued

9 Jul 2016 Virgin Australia

Save on One-Way Flights

If you’ve ever tried to book a one-way international flight, you may have discovered it’s more expensive than buying a return ticket! This week our members reveal their strategies to beat the one-way price hike and save hundreds of dollars. Many airlines penalise passengers for booking one-way, rather than round-trip international tickets. But one-way bookings … Continued

7 Jul 2016 Planning & Booking

A Trip to Istanbul and Historic Turkey

Our well-travelled member RooFlyer recently returned from a holiday to some of the historic parts of Turkey, as well as Oman in the Middle East! The trip began with a couple of Business class flights on Qatar Airways. The good service made for a great start to an exciting trip, and soon enough our member … Continued

6 Jul 2016 Destinations