Latest news

15-25% Bonus Points on Transfers to Velocity (October 2022)

Virgin Australia’s Velocity Frequent Flyer program has brought back its twice-yearly offer of bonus points when transferring from a credit card or hotel loyalty program a month early! For the past several years, Velocity has consistently offered at least 15% bonus points as an incentive to transfer points into Velocity from flexible points programs every … Continued

4 Oct 2022 Virgin Australia

Qantas Partner Awards: What If The Airline Cancels Your Flight?

When redeeming Qantas points to fly overseas, you’ll often end up on a partner airline as it can be difficult to find award availability on Qantas-operated flights to destinations such as Europe – especially in premium cabins. Redeeming points to fly on a partner airline is a perfectly normal aspect of most frequent flyer programs. … Continued

3 Oct 2022 Qantas

Podcast #94: Amazing Airline Award Chart Loopholes

When redeeming for flights, the key to really maximising the value of your frequent flyer points is to understand how airline award charts work. These charts determine the number of points you’ll need for a flight redemption, and you can get outsized value by exploiting any loopholes or sweet spots in the award charts. With most … Continued

1 Oct 2022 AFF on Air Podcast

Amazing Airline Award Chart Loopholes – AIR094

  Learn why airline award charts are the key to maximising your frequent flyer points, as Matt shares some of the most incredible frequent flyer redemptions he’s seen during his years of covering and using points. Plus, COVID-19 travel restrictions are coming down across northern Asia as Japan, Taiwan and Hong Kong reopen their borders … Continued

1 Oct 2022 AFF on Air (blubrry)

RwandAir to Join Oneworld Alliance

Rwanda’s national carrier RwandAir has announced its intention to join the Oneworld alliance with the backing of Qatar Airways. If the airline is accepted into Oneworld, it would be a great win for the alliance which currently lacks coverage through central and southern Africa. Oneworld’s African coverage was improved when Royal Air Maroc joined the … Continued

30 Sep 2022 Oneworld

Why International Flights Are So Expensive Right Now

If you’ve tried booking an international flight recently, you’ve probably noticed that flights to and from Australia are expensive right now. Award flight availability is also particularly limited at the moment. There are clearly a few factors at play which have combined to create a perfect storm of poor availability and high airfares. For example, … Continued

29 Sep 2022 Coronavirus and Travel

No Seats Available on Jetstar to Bali For Next 3 Weeks

Jetstar is not currently selling any seats on its flights between Australia and Denpasar for travel until 17 October 2022 – after the end of the school holidays. These seats were removed from sale more than a week ago and have not returned. While some flights are likely fully booked due to the school holidays, … Continued

29 Sep 2022 Jetstar

What Virgin Atlantic Joining SkyTeam Means for Australians

Virgin Atlantic (not to be confused with Virgin Australia!) has announced that it will join the SkyTeam alliance in early 2023. This is great news for Virgin Atlantic Flying Club members, who will soon be able to earn and redeem Virgin Atlantic points across the SkyTeam alliance. Virgin Atlantic Flying Club members will also be … Continued

28 Sep 2022 SkyTeam

More Airlines Give Status Credits for Environmental Contributions

In late 2021, Qantas and Etihad Airways became the first airlines in the world to offer easier elite status qualification to frequent flyers in exchange for purchasing carbon offsets, donating to environmental causes and making more sustainable choices. With the Qantas Green tier, frequent flyers can earn 50 status credits (or 10,000 bonus points) by completing … Continued

27 Sep 2022 Airlines, Miles and Points

Qantas Ending COVID Flexibility on Reward Bookings

There are only a few days left to take advantage of fee-free changes and cancellations on Qantas Classic Flight Reward bookings. The airline’s Flexible Classic Flight Rewards policy will come to an end next Friday, 30 September 2022. Qantas began waiving change and cancellation fees on Classic Flight Reward bookings in May 2020, as part … Continued

26 Sep 2022 Qantas

When Qatar Airways Releases Seats for Qantas Points Bookings

Update (28 September): It appears that Cathay members may also now be subject to the 119/249 day rule. Members of Qatar Airways Privilege Club and British Airways Executive Club can still redeem Avios for Qatar Airways flights up to 355 days in advance. Until recently, it was possible to redeem Qantas points for most Qatar … Continued

25 Sep 2022 Qatar Airways

How Different Airlines Approach Premium Economy Meals

Premium Economy has been a popular invention for passengers looking for an improved travel experience on a budget. The cabin has also proven lucrative for airlines. The beauty of Premium Economy, from an accountant’s point of view, is that the seats only take up around 30-60% more room on the plane (depending on the configuration). … Continued

24 Sep 2022 In Flight