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A 4-Way Domestic Airline Battle

The Australian domestic aviation landscape is dominated by four airlines: Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar and Tigerair. Qantas is widely regarded as the market leader, with Virgin Australia sharing the premium travel market. Meanwhile, low-cost airlines Jetstar and Tigerair compete for travellers on a budget. One AFF member recently travelled on all four domestic airlines – … Continued

9 Dec 2015 Flight Reviews

Best Sydney Airport Hotels

If you have an overnight stopover or early morning departure in Sydney, you may need to spend a night at an airport hotel. There are numerous hotels near both terminals at Sydney Airport, with each offering different prices and levels of service. One particular hotel is located very conveniently to the international terminal. Others are … Continued

8 Dec 2015 Hotel Loyalty Programs

It’s Back: Bonus Points on Qantas Vouchers

One of the best Qantas deals of the year is back! For the past five years, Qantas has offered bonus points at Christmas time on gift voucher purchases. Although this year’s deal is not as generous as last year’s, there are still 5 points for every dollar spent on flight vouchers up for grabs. This … Continued

7 Dec 2015 Qantas

Climbing the Airline Status Ladder

Many travelers are lured by the benefits of Gold and Platinum airline status. Complimentary lounge access, more upgrades, no queues and extra points make the status chase tempting. But is elite status really worthwhile? Or are there other ways to enjoy the same perks – even as an infrequent flyer – without the extra time, … Continued

3 Dec 2015 Airlines, Miles and Points

Reviewed: Hawaiian Airlines First Class to Honolulu

Hawaii has always been a popular destination for Australian tourists. Qantas, Jetstar and Hawaiian Airlines all fly directly to Honolulu from Australia, with the latter flying non-stop from both Sydney and Brisbane. Hawaiian Airlines flies to Australia using Airbus A330 aircraft. There are two classes of travel available; First Class and “Coach” (an American term … Continued

2 Dec 2015 Flight Reviews

Best Airline from Australia to China?

There are numerous airlines that offer direct flights between Australia and China, plus countless others offering one-stop flights through hubs like Singapore and Hong Kong. One member is planning a trip from Melbourne to Beijing. As there are no direct flights from Melbourne, this member is will need to connect somewhere. Should the member fly … Continued

1 Dec 2015 Airlines, Miles and Points

ANZ Eliminates Points on Tax Payments

ANZ credit card holders will no longer earn frequent flyer points when paying tax to the Australian Tax Office (ATO). From 27 February 2016, ATO payments are specifically excluded from point earning. ANZ is just the latest in a series of credit card providers to reduce or remove the ability to earn points when paying … Continued

30 Nov 2015 ANZ

Best Use of British Airways Avios

This week the British Airways Executive Club program is a topic of discussion. In particular, what are the best ways to redeem Avios, BA’s mile “currency”? As a oneworld member airline, British Airways Avios can be used for flights on BA itself or any oneworld partner airline. This includes Qantas, Cathay Pacific and American Airlines. … Continued

28 Nov 2015 British Airways

Around the World in 10 Days

Forget travelling around the world in 80 days! Our member harvyk recently completed a journey around the globe in just ten days, and their experiences have been compiled into a trip report. Although our member’s real destination was Seattle, some creative flight routings meant some time was spent in Los Angeles and London before completing … Continued

25 Nov 2015 Flight Reviews

Status Runs: Bridge a Status Credit Shortfall

What should you do if your Qantas Frequent Flyer membership year is coming to an end, and you’re just short of the required status credits to reach a higher status tier? One solution is to go on a “status run”. This is where a frequent flyer travels in order to earn status credits. The key … Continued

24 Nov 2015 Qantas

Qantas Closes Bangkok Lounge

Qantas has permanently closed another of its Qantas Club airport lounges. Qantas Club members and other eligible customers flying from Bangkok are now being redirected to the Louis Tavern CIP Lounge in Concourse G. A number of members believe the change is a detrimental one as the CIP lounge is not up to the same … Continued

23 Nov 2015 Airports & Lounges

Major American AAdvantage Devaluation Coming

American Airlines has announced a major devaluation of its popular AAdvantage frequent flyer program. Among other things, Australian travellers will be most affected by the increased rates for redeeming miles on flights. But the changes go further. American is changing the way members can qualify for elite status, as well as removing some benefits from … Continued

21 Nov 2015 American Airlines