Latest news

Australian Flying Club Members to be grounded?

With the sad news this week that another airline, Virgin Atlantic, will be ceasing service to Australia with their own aircraft, our members are left with some questions.  Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club has been a little known frequent flyer program to most Australians, but our members have seen significant value in earning and enjoying the … Continued

12 Feb 2014 Other Airlines

5 Hours in the City of Angels – What to do?

It is a common scenario, you are on a long flight from Australia and need to connect to another airline, so you have allowed some time in case of delays.  So what do you do with your time?  One of our members asks this very question about a destination that is quite popular for Australian … Continued

11 Feb 2014 Destinations

Inflight Call Button Etiquette

The attendant call button which every seat has access to can bring out the best and the worst in people.  Some think of it as the in air equivalent of a butlers bell, while others feel it’s best used only in an emergency.  One member prefers to get a bit of exercise, and thought perhaps … Continued

10 Feb 2014 Travel Lifestyle

From Tamworth to Texas, via Thailand

Ever read a travel article and thought it sounded familiar?  This week’s trip report is from one member who has penned many such reports in the past.  And has the experience of reading an article based on one of their previously published trip reports where even the photos were copied!  So you know you’re in … Continued

8 Feb 2014 Destinations

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