Latest news

Are Hotel Loyalty Programs worthwhile?

After many years of loyalty to certain hotel chains, through membership of their loyalty programs, one member has taken a step back to look at the bigger picture. They wonder whether their loyalty was worth the extra time and cost, or whether promiscuity is actually a better strategy for choosing a hotel? In the past, … Continued

4 Aug 2015 Hotel Loyalty Programs

Emirates culling First Class from some aircraft

Emirates have recently announced that they will be removing first class from a number of their flagship A380 aircraft. From early next year, the Dubai-based airline will serve markets with weaker demand for first class with two-class A380 jumbo jets, offering only business class and economy. The removal of first class and a small reduction … Continued

3 Aug 2015 Emirates

Emirates losing its Midas Touch

Emirates is widely regarded as one of the world’s best airlines, but one member believes the standard of on-board service has plummeted recently. Inedible meals in business class, a broken seat in first class and disinterested customer service are just the beginning of this member’s long list of unfortunate experiences with Emirates Airlines. On one … Continued

30 Jul 2015 Emirates

Flying Delta in the USA as a Velocity member

Our member FIFOSuit recently headed to the United States for a whirlwind of a trip. Six US and Canadian cities including Las Vegas, New York and Toronto were visited in just twelve days. As a Velocity frequent flyer, our member decided to fly with Virgin Australia to LA. Delta, Virgin’s partner airline, was used for … Continued

29 Jul 2015 Virgin Australia

Make the most of a long layover in Singapore

A lengthy layover lasting 18 hours is not always a welcome interruption to a long journey. But things are a bit different in Singapore, widely regarded as a fantastic stopover point between Australia and Europe. One member will have a full day in Singapore between Singapore Airlines flights and requests some tips about how best … Continued

28 Jul 2015 Destinations

Qantas adds new flights to Queensland

Qantas announced last week that it will add two additional domestic routes to destinations in Queensland. From October, the airline will begin long-awaited direct flights between Melbourne and the Gold Coast. Flights from Sydney to the Sunshine Coast will also be added just in time for Christmas. This comes as further good news for Queenslanders … Continued

27 Jul 2015 Qantas

Extracting Maximum Value from Virgin Velocity Points

This week one member is in an enviable position. They have over 100,000 Velocity frequent flyer points stashed away and request advice about the best value way to use these points. Velocity Frequent Flyer points can be used for a variety of different redemptions including reward flights, upgrades, holidays, gift vouchers, products at the Velocity … Continued

25 Jul 2015 Virgin Australia

Good News for Infrequent Flyers

One infrequently-flying member is considering whether it is worthwhile collecting frequent flyer points. This member takes only a small handful of flights on Qantas each year. The answer from our brains trust is a resounding YES. Although our member may not fly enough to enjoy the perks of Gold or Platinum status, there are still … Continued

23 Jul 2015 Airlines, Miles and Points

Discovering the beauty of Western Australia

This week we are treated to a trip report a little closer to home. Our member feezable got to experience the beauty of Western Australia, using Broome as a base to explore the best that the west has to offer. It seems that there is indeed a lot to see and do in Western Australia. … Continued

22 Jul 2015 Destinations

“Automated Passport Control” expedites USA arrivals

Australian travellers to the United States will be pleased to know that “Automated Passport Control” (APC) kiosks can now be used when entering the country. APC machines have now been installed at many major airports in the United States, including Los Angeles, Dallas/Fort Worth, Miami, San Francisco and both of New York’s international airports. This … Continued

20 Jul 2015 Post Flight

Free Seat Selection on Jetstar

Like most low-cost airlines, Jetstar does not give much away for free. This includes seat selection. Choosing your seat of choice on a Jetstar flight typically costs at least $5 for a regular seat or even more for an “extra legroom” or “up-front” seat. But there is a trick to get the seat you want … Continued

18 Jul 2015 Jetstar

Secrets to Status Match Success

If you hold elite status with any airline, you may be able to get it matched by another airline for free! Numerous status match deals have been circulating on AFF lately. Two of the most popular are from Airberlin of the oneworld alliance and Alitalia, a member of the SkyTeam alliance. A status match is … Continued

16 Jul 2015 Airlines, Miles and Points