Latest news

Platinum Perks Whittled Away

It’s not that long ago that Qantas Platinum status came with the “ultimate” in perks. No expense was to be spared for the airline’s valuable Platinum members. But with Platinum One (and Chairman’s Lounge) members now trumping Platinum members, combined with a seemingly never-ending cycle of devaluations and cost-cutting, some members feel that their Platinum … Continued

5 Sep 2015 Qantas

Qantas Loyalty a One-Way Street?

After many years of loyalty to the flying kangaroo, one dissatisfied member feels that Qantas has failed to return the favour. This member has held Platinum status for over a decade, but had to put overseas travel on hold for a year due to the birth of a child. Qantas does not allow members to … Continued

3 Sep 2015 Qantas

The Ultimate Swiss Sightseeing Guide

Our member UpInTheAir:) recently spent a wonderful, warm summer week in Switzerland. Prior to departure, advice and suggestions were requested from our well-travelled members, who have once again risen to the occasion. A wealth of advice on everything to do with travelling in Switzerland has been offered. The result is a trip report packed full … Continued

2 Sep 2015 Destinations

Qantas/China Eastern partnership given green light

A new partnership between Qantas and China Eastern Airlines has been approved by the ACCC. The joint venture means that Qantas’ relationship with China Eastern will be akin to the much-touted partnership with Emirates. Qantas and China Eastern flyers will receive reciprocal benefits when flying on either airline including lounge access, other status privileges such … Continued

31 Aug 2015 Qantas

Virgin Reward Seat Availability Slashed

Despite a reputation of superior reward seat availability, it seems Virgin Australia has drastically slashed frequent flyer redemption flights made available to the USA. Significantly fewer reward seats, particularly in premium cabins are now being released, leaving Velocity Frequent Flyer members frustrated. It has not traditionally been difficult to find reward seats on Virgin Australia … Continued

29 Aug 2015 Virgin Australia

Upgrading 101: Fly Business Class on Points

This week our members explain the ins & outs of using frequent flyer points to enjoy the luxury of Business Class. There are two different methods; the first being to buy an economy class seat and request a points upgrade to business class afterwards. The second method is to book a business reward seat outright … Continued

27 Aug 2015 Airlines, Miles and Points

A humorous take on travelling to Bali

This week one member writes about their travels to the popular Indonesian tourist destination Bali, meeting up with family while earning some Virgin status credits along the way. But this isn’t any ordinary trip report. Along with detailed reviews of the flights, accommodation and things to see and do in Bali, the report is also … Continued

26 Aug 2015 Destinations

Premium Economy: Worth the extra cost?

The concept of Premium Economy is reasonably simple. The cabin provides a middle-ground, offering discerning customers greater comfort than traditional economy class at a price below that of Business class. But, what benefits do Premium Economy passengers receive exactly, and do they justify the extra cost over regular economy? I may need to do a … Continued

25 Aug 2015 Airlines, Miles and Points

Qantas announces bumper profit, 787 orders

Brand new Boeing 787 aircraft will be added to the flying kangaroo’s international fleet from 2017. This is just one piece of good news to come from the Qantas full-year financial results, announced last week. Following consecutive losses and a lengthy restructuring program, Qantas also announced a large profit. It seems that our national airline … Continued

24 Aug 2015 Qantas

Qantas Compensation Lottery

This week our members discuss the compensation received from Qantas after their flight was ruined by defective on-board equipment. Issues warranting compensation on recent flights range from faulty in-flight entertainment systems to broken seats; and the compensation received varied from a few thousand points to many hundreds of dollars. Although most passengers would prefer that … Continued

20 Aug 2015 Qantas

Living it up in New Caledonia

One advantage of the former US Airways frequent flyer program was the uncanny opportunity to take advantage of its frequent flyer redemption zones. While some members were able to travel to take advantage of a loophole that allowed for travel to Japan for around $500 – in first class – another such travel opportunity was … Continued

19 Aug 2015 Destinations

Conquering a fear of flying

For many, flying is a joy and a privilege. But for nervous flyers, the experience could be completely different. Just the thought of stepping foot in a plane can make some travellers very nervous. One AFF member seeks advice on how to overcome their fear of flying ahead of a trip to the United States. … Continued

18 Aug 2015 The Journey