Latest news

Booking internal South American flights with Qantas points

In South America, depending on where and when you want to fly, internal flights are often expensive. And this problem is exacerbated by the fact that on some airlines, tourists are not even allowed to buy the cheapest tickets, which are reserved for sale to local residents only. So it’s little surprise that one of … Continued

28 Mar 2015 Qantas

Retirement Strategy for Frequent Flyers

One member asks our older and wiser forum participants how it is possible to maintain a frequent flyer reward balance when retired. This member is considering an early retirement but is mindful that this is likely to result in a sharp decline of the ability to acquire frequent flyer points. Our members discuss a number … Continued

26 Mar 2015 Airlines, Miles and Points

A Japanese adventure, including a touch of luxury

Thanks to a “very very special USDM redemption”, our member boomy is travelling to Japan for a couple of weeks with a quick side-trip to Hong Kong… and what better way to get to Tokyo than on board the Japan’s national carrier in first class? On our next holiday we are heading to the Land … Continued

25 Mar 2015 Flight Reviews

What to do during a layover in Hong Kong

With a seven hour layover in Hong Kong, a member wonders whether it would be worth leaving the airport, and if so, what to do in order to get the most out of the short time. Would it be too stressful to try and go somewhere if never been there before and be back in … Continued

24 Mar 2015 Destinations

Australians require visa for Indonesia after all

Despite an announcement last year that Australians travelling to Indonesia would no longer need a visa, it seems Indonesia has backflipped on its decision. Australians will still be required to obtain a visa-on-arrival after all. It was originally thought that Australians would be exempt from the requirement from January this year, but the commencement date … Continued

23 Mar 2015 Travel Lifestyle

Virgin Happy Hours not so cheery lately

Following the end of the price war between Qantas and Virgin, combined with the recent removal of Virgin’s cheapest Saver Lite fares, our members have noticed that Virgin Australia’s so-called Happy Hour specials have not been looking too happy lately. The Thursday afternoon specials once offered some great deals on flights to a selection of … Continued

21 Mar 2015 Virgin Australia

Drink Refusal: Confusion in Qantas Club

One sober member this week was denied a fourth drink in the Qantas lounge due to the alleged enforcement of Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) rules. The RSA rule spruiked by the Qantas staffer was that they were not allowed to serve any more than three drinks in a ninety minute period. Qantas have defended … Continued

19 Mar 2015 Airports & Lounges

Experiencing the beauty of Victoria Falls

With a few days to fill at the tail end of their South African adventure, our member Flying mermaid decided to visit the world-famous Victoria Falls. The visit certainly did not disappoint! The falls are awesome!! and so long – we have only seen a tiny stretch so far and we walked a long way. … Continued

18 Mar 2015 Destinations

Is Qantas Silver Status worthwhile?

A member is planning a large overseas trip at the end of the year and is wondering whether or not it would be worthwhile to attain silver status with Qantas before the trip. I am 220 status credits away from Silver with a month to go in this year. I noticed that once Silver is … Continued

17 Mar 2015 Qantas

What the US Airways/American merger means for your miles

Many of our members are bracing themselves for the day the US Airways Dividend Miles and American Airlines AAdvantage programs merge next month. Dividend Miles has been a very popular program amongst our members, largely due to the ability to buy cheap miles to use in premium cabins on oneworld airlines. Next month, however, the … Continued

16 Mar 2015 American Airlines

Cash Lost on Jetstar Booking?

Our member has noticed a dramatic price drop in tickets to Honolulu which they booked at the start of the year. The price for the four tickets flying Jetstar has dropped by $1600 in just a matter of months. Our frustrated member is Qantas Gold and is seeking our views on whether they have any … Continued

12 Mar 2015 Jetstar

New Qantas A330 business suite put to the test

Our member pythonisman was on a mission to earn Qantas Gold status on a trip to Japan and Cambodia. Within Asia, business class flights on oneworld airlines Malaysia Airlines and Japan Airlines brought the member not just to their destinations, but also closer to their status credit goal. But first our member had to get … Continued

11 Mar 2015 Flight Reviews