Latest news

Overseas travel for children: Assist or Hinder their education?

It was recently reported that the NSW Department of Education will crack down on family holidays during the school term. They claim that missing days of school to go on holiday is detrimental to a student’s academic performance. Perhaps unsurprisingly, most of our members disagree with this claim. Firstly, most agree that the educational value … Continued

9 Mar 2015 Travel Lifestyle

Flying to Europe & back for under $1000!

The introduction of “low-cost carriers” has seen a dramatic drop in the price of airfares, making it possible to fly long distances for just a few hundred dollars, or short distances for less than the cost of the cab to the airport! But when it comes to cheap flights to Europe, there have traditionally been … Continued

7 Mar 2015 Planning & Booking

Virgin Removes Bag-Free Fares. Enhancement or not?

On 17 March 2015 Virgin will remove the Saver-Lite fares from all domestic routes except Trans-Tasman routes. Virgin have announced that all fares will now include complimentary check-in luggage. Our members are sceptical about this so called enhancement. Firstly many members are disappointed that they will no longer have the bag-free option which allowed them … Continued

5 Mar 2015 Virgin Australia

Singapore Airlines First Class to the Swiss Ski Slopes

This week we follow our member Danger UXB’s journey to Switzerland for a skiing holiday. In this trip report, the journey counts as much as the holiday as, thanks to a bit of advice from AFF, our member is flying in Singapore Airlines first class. For our member, the trip to Geneva has become something … Continued

4 Mar 2015 Flight Reviews

Best hotel for a romantic weekend in Singapore?

Advice about accommodation options in Singapore is requested from our well-travelled hotel connoisseurs. A couple plans to spend five nights in Singapore to celebrate a special occasion. Which hotel should they choose? …thinking of going to Singapore for our wedding anniversary next month. I’ve only been once and that was an overnight stay while in … Continued

3 Mar 2015 Hotel Reviews

Qantas back in the black

For the first time in a number of years, Qantas last week announced a profit in their half-year results. The highlight of the results is an underlying profit before tax of $367 million. Qantas’ controversial cost-cutting seems to be the main source of the improved financial position. The airline reports that a staggering $374 million … Continued

2 Mar 2015 Qantas

Essential Travel Medication

Travel medicine is a topic of discussion this week. If you travel often enough, you’re inevitably bound to become sick overseas at some point. Depending on where you are when illness strikes, getting medical assistance quickly and easily is not always possible. For this reason, many of our members believe that being prepared is essential. … Continued

28 Feb 2015 Travel Lifestyle

Qantas Loyalty not extended to Lounges

One member this week was unable to secure a Qantas codeshare flight on a return trip to Paris due to the route taken. The flight from Dubai to Paris had to be on an Emirates flight. As a Qantas Club member, our member was assured by the travel agent that access to the Emirates lounge … Continued

26 Feb 2015 Airports & Lounges

Five continents in 28 days

This week we are treated to our member exceladdict’s first trip report. And what an adventure it is shaping up to be! Well, to be honest, the full title should be 21 Flights, 16 Airports, 9 Plane Types and 6 Carriers taking 2 pax over 5 Continents in 28 Days. And it’s all thanks to … Continued

25 Feb 2015 Flight Reviews

Virgin getting stingy with complimentary platinum upgrades?

This week one of our members is finding it difficult to use their Virgin complimentary platinum upgrades. I tried to use a platinum comp upgrade, but there seems no award seats available. I’ve checked on expert flyer, and it seems there are only 6 passengers in J out of possible 36 seats. I was searching … Continued

24 Feb 2015 Virgin Australia

New Qantas “Bid Now” upgrades: How will they work?

Qantas announced recently that they are introducing a new way to upgrade called “Bid Now”. Under the new system, which will function alongside the traditional “classic” points upgrades, selected flyers will be offered the opportunity to bid for an upgrade using a combination of points and cash. It will operate like an auction, with bidders … Continued

23 Feb 2015 Qantas

Getting Help from the Airline Customer Advocate

If you’ve ever been involved in a dispute with an airline, you probably know how frustrating it can be. Airlines are often unwilling to do the right thing by the customer and as a passenger, it’s often easy just to give up. But did you know that there is an advocate that may be able … Continued

21 Feb 2015 Jetstar