Latest news

Showing the latest news.

When is it worth upgrading?

One member this week queries whether the extra cash or points are worth the luxury of flying in business class on a Sydney to Perth Flight. For some members, this is a no-brainer and the immediate response is “of course”. The business class experience is undoubtedly better. However, putting a cash or points “value” on … Continued

6 Feb 2014 Airlines, Miles and Points

What are airports for – passengers or profit?

This month saw one of our members concerned at the lack of facilities on offer at Perth Airport for customers No free Wi-Fi, No access to lounges before TSA (security) check. Did find a power point for power. Least get 3G. Since privatisation of most of Australia’s airports, the battle for profit versus passenger facilities … Continued

5 Feb 2014 Airports & Lounges

Entry to Australia on an expired Passport

Saffron may be expensive at $20 a gram – but Australian Passports are not far off in the value stakes, so it makes sense to extract as much value as you can out of one before renewal. Most frequent travellers would be well aware of the 6 month validity before expiry requirement many countries have, … Continued

4 Feb 2014 Post Flight

AFF members Cool Runnings @ Sochi

As any city can tell you, hosting the Olympic Games can put you on the map. Prior to the announcement that this years games would be held in Sochi, not much was known about the place and it was hardly a tourist highlight, probably best known for hosting Stalin’s Dacha. With the games about to … Continued

3 Feb 2014 Destinations

Travelling on virtual networks, Asia/USA as a Velocity Platinum

Partnerships versus alliances, what does it mean for you as the frequent flying customer? One of the biggest changes in recent years has been the move away from the three main global alliances – One World, Star and Skyteam, to partnerships between two airlines offering benefits to each others customers. Codeshares have been around a … Continued

3 Feb 2014 Virgin Australia

Taking advantage of Airline Pricing Glitches

The stories of members receiving cut-price airfares due to technological glitches have become somewhat of an urban flying myth. However this week our members reveal some of their best bargains and some handy tricks to ensure you take advantage of any glitch! One member reports that they managed to get flights for two from Europe … Continued

30 Jan 2014 Airlines, Miles and Points

AFF is not just about flying!

The Australian Frequent Flyer Community is not just about flying, it’s also about sharing ideas and experiences. One of the best experiences our members often report is as a result of meeting other like minded souls. In fact, one of our popular, helpful, and very social member – samh004 – has volunteered to take on … Continued

29 Jan 2014 Airports & Lounges

Ask the Pilot – answers to “not so silly” questions

Whether you fly frequently or once in a blue moon, sometimes there are things happening that you would like to know more about, or simply know why? Why do I hear a dog barking on my Jetstar A320 flights as we taxi out? I had a night flight last night and noticed the captain during … Continued

29 Jan 2014 Travel Tools & Technology

Paid discount versus loyalty program benefit confusion

Whilst hotel frequent guest programs have not been around as long as airline programs, they are increasingly getting more attention for the extra benefits and rewards one can earn as part of a paid stay. A development seen locally only in the last ten to fifteen years is the advent of a paid program that … Continued

28 Jan 2014 Hotel Loyalty Programs

Never too late to become a Frequent Flyer

Age is no barrier to becoming frequent flyer savvy is the overwhelming opinion of our members this week. One newbie queries whether it is worthwhile embarking upon the frequent flyer journey at retirement age, given that the normal business-type advantages will not apply. Our members are resolute in their (somewhat bias!) response of “Yes”! This … Continued

28 Jan 2014 Airlines, Miles and Points