Latest news

Auckland vs Wellington for a long weekend in New Zealand

Having never been to New Zealand, one member can’t decide between Auckland and the capital Wellington. Our member will be travelling to one of the cities across the ditch for a long weekend next month, but airfare prices to Auckland and Wellington are almost identical. Mrs bertflyer and I have never been to NZ and … Continued

26 May 2015 Destinations

Children eligible for UK Departure Tax refund

The UK is infamous for its high departure tax imposed on departing airline passengers. Under the Air Passenger Duty, passengers are currently slugged up to $280 on top of their airfare! But there is some good news for flyers. From the first of May, children are now exempt from this tax if flying in economy. … Continued

25 May 2015 Travel Lifestyle

Most Memorable Travel Experiences

This week our members discuss their favourite travel experiences and memories. Our well-travelled members certainly have an extraordinary array of different travel stories under their belts. For one member, the Running of the Bulls in Spain was a memorable experience. The annual event often makes the news even in Australia for the many injuries and … Continued

23 May 2015 Destinations

High Fares: Qantas not Competitive

Our national airline is often a hot topic of debate on AFF. One member this week is frustrated by Qantas’ lack of competitiveness. Despite being a loyal Qantas flyer, a price difference of over $2,000 on a return flight to New York in business class is simply too much. Even though the member wants to … Continued

21 May 2015 Qantas

Seattle and some West Coast wandering

Our member TheRealTMA recently embarked on a journey over to the north-west coast of the United States. Our member opted to fly the long way around via Dubai, however with first class tickets the extra flying was definitely worth it! Arriving sufficiently refreshed, the sightseeing commences. Our member’s destination list includes Portland and Vancouver Island, … Continued

20 May 2015 Destinations

What’s your least favourite airport?

Love them or hate them, flying will always involve passing through airports. Sometimes this can be a seamless and even enjoyable experience, while visiting some airports can be truly trying. This week our members discuss which airports, in their opinions, are the worst in the world. One member is particularly unimpressed by their home airport … Continued

19 May 2015 Travel Lifestyle

Qantas Club access restricted for Admirals Club members

Admirals Club passes have, until now, offered a cheap alternative to purchasing Qantas Club membership. Under an agreement between Qantas and partner American Airlines, American Airlines Admirals Club members have been able to access Qantas lounges (and vice versa) any time they flew on one of each other’s flights. This has been particularly advantageous for … Continued

18 May 2015 Airports & Lounges

China Travel Advice

Ahead of a trip to China, taking in Beijing and Shenzen, one member seeks some advice. Although our member will be travelling for business, a number of “must-see” sight suggestions are given. Naturally the Great Wall just outside of Beijing makes the list, but there are also a number of interesting sights in Beijing itself. … Continued

16 May 2015 Destinations

Circling the Pacific in style

Circle Pacific fares are not widely known, but they can offer some significant savings on multi-stop fares across the Pacific. More than a return ticket, but not quite a round-the-world ticket, Circle Pacific fares allow for two Pacific crossings with a typical routing taking passengers from Australia to Asia, and then onto North America before … Continued

13 May 2015 Flight Reviews

Sticky fingers: Okay to nick items from hotel rooms?

This week our members discuss a common topic of debate – hotel room theft. Obviously you wouldn’t steal a TV or bed from a hotel room, but what about the little things like soap, shampoo and towels? While our members’ opinions somewhat divided on where the line should be drawn, most agree that disposal toiletries … Continued

12 May 2015 Hotel Loyalty Programs

BP pumping out Velocity points by the tank

Virgin Australia Velocity has a shiny new partner. Velocity members can now earn 2 points per litre of petrol by filling up at BP petrol stations, as well as 2 points per dollar spent in-store. The new partnership is a welcome addition for our members who are more than happy to start taking advantage of … Continued

11 May 2015 Virgin Australia

Stressful Travel Situations

Although travel is usually full of positive experiences, stressful situations are sometimes unavoidable. Delays, lost passports and cancelled credit cards are just some of the issues bound to boost the blood pressure of even the most seasoned travellers. This week our members share experiences that have stressed them out while travelling – and they have … Continued

7 May 2015 Travel Lifestyle