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Traveller Tax refunds – should I declare on return?

One of the benefits of heading overseas is the ability to claim back GST (and some other taxes) on departure, thanks to the Tourist Refund Scheme. This nice little perk applies for both residents and visitors. While it may not seem much, GST can add up to a bit of money, especially on expensive goods. … Continued

3 May 2014 Travel Lifestyle

Best Way to Exit Frequent Flyer programs

One Qantas Frequent Flyer member this week wants to close their account and exit the program. For this member the program was not delivering any value. In their view the rewards do not justify the annual fee for the QFF credit card, they find it hard to book flights and they resent being stung with … Continued

1 May 2014 Qantas

AFF members influence location of Sydney’s second airport?

The best airports for a frequent flyer are often those that are located close to your final destination. There is nothing worse than getting off a long flight, knowing there are still hours before you hit your workplace or hotel room, thanks to being located in the middle of nowhere. Conversely, those living near inner … Continued

30 Apr 2014 Airports & Lounges

Airport Lounges – It’s all about choice

Many of our members have airport lounge access as part of their frequent flyer status or lounge membership program. For others, it only comes when they fly business or first class. When the occasion rises, questions are often asked about the lounge facilities on offer and if there is a choice, what’s the best? Hi … Continued

29 Apr 2014 Airports & Lounges

Love and hugs in Taiwan

Taking advantage of geography errors or quirks in frequent flyer schemes has long been the hallmark of the frugal frequent flyer. As we featured recently in another trip report review, Guam is one such quirk. With Australia and Guam both classed as South Pacific in US Air Dividend Miles program, return travel between the two … Continued

28 Apr 2014 Flight Reviews

Duplicate Booking – an honest, but expensive, mistake

This week, one of our members found out that loyalty does not always help when it comes to rectifying an honest, albeit expensive, mistake and was keen to share On Monday night, due to a communication breakdown (I had not realised my Aunty was also booking my mothers flights) we each booked a return flight … Continued

26 Apr 2014 Planning & Booking

Wish upon a Plane

Our members collate the ultimate Qantas Frequent Flyer program wish-list this week. Our members reveal their hopes, dreams and ideals for the future of the program all succinctly tied up in a big red (roo) bow. This comes after Qantas announced significant changes to their program last month. A free upgrade once a year is … Continued

24 Apr 2014 Qantas

“Best Price Guaranteed” – by eliminating cheaper fares!

Have you ever looked at booking travel and wondered why all the local prices seemed the same? You may have tried the airlines online, gone down to your local agent or even tried one of the bigger agents, only to discover there is no difference? Well for many of our members this is no surprise. … Continued

23 Apr 2014 Planning & Booking

Cheap flights to South America

December is not the best month for cheap travel no matter where you are going. Regardless of whether a country celebrates Christmas and the New Year, travel always seems to be at a premium. One of our members however is looking at travelling not only during the busiest time of the year, but also to … Continued

22 Apr 2014 Planning & Booking

Fiji Air to Last Vegas mishaps

Las Vegas is known for its gambling, and one thing that keeps the roulette wheels spinning is the convention business. This week we look at a member’s journey that involves a convention and Las Vegas, and a somewhat different way of getting there. Organising travel using points often takes a bit of planning some time … Continued

21 Apr 2014 Flight Reviews

Which First Class?

Some may see it as one of those first world problems; others no doubt wish it was a question they could ask seriously on a regular basis If money was no object. Europe was your destination. Which first class cabin would you travel in and why? Looking to do that once in a lifetime trip … Continued

19 Apr 2014 Airlines, Miles and Points

Banks Versus Airlines

Mars Versus Venus, Jason Versus Freddy and Monsters Versus Aliens are all age-old battles fought hard with no clear winner. This week one member draws a new comparison and thinks Banks and Airlines are comparable in terms of service and dispute resolution. The question is: which service wins the fight to the bottom? The key … Continued

17 Apr 2014 Airlines, Miles and Points