Latest news

Japan is Fully Reopening to Tourists!

The wait for Japan to reopen its border to independent tourists is almost over with the country set to remove its strict COVID-19 entry restrictions on 11 October 2022, Japanese media is reporting. From 11 October, the daily international arrival cap and visa requirements for overseas tourists will be lifted. The requirement for tourists entering … Continued

23 Sep 2022 Coronavirus and Travel

Flybuys Considering Switch to Qantas Points?

Flybuys members currently have the option to transfer their points to Virgin Australia’s Velocity program at a 2:1 rate. Since the popular Flybuys-Velocity tie-up launched in 2016, it’s also possible to earn 1 Virgin Australia status credit for every $100 spent at Coles, Liquorland or First Choice Liquor, up to 10 status credits per month. But … Continued

22 Sep 2022 Flybuys

Book One Airline, Fly Another: The World of Wet Leasing

Last year, Qantas signed a contract to “wet lease” up to 14 Embraer E190 jets from Alliance Airlines for a limited time. This has allowed Qantas to expand its regional network with the flexibility of a new aircraft type which can fly further than a Boeing 717 and has fewer seats than a Boeing 737 … Continued

21 Sep 2022 Airlines, Miles and Points

Velocity Teases More Partner Airline Benefits

Virgin Australia’s Velocity Frequent Flyer program recently introduced a new partnership with Qatar Airways, while also adding lounge access as a benefit for Velocity Gold and Platinum members travelling on Air Canada. Both of these have been positive developments for Velocity, and there could be more good news on the way. Qatar Airways and Air … Continued

20 Sep 2022 Virgin Australia

Cathay 15% Transfer Bonus + Renew Expiring Miles

Cathay Pacific is offering 10-15% bonus Asia Miles when you transfer points from a credit card rewards program to Cathay, the Hong Kong-based airline’s new loyalty program, by 12 November 2022. Plus, by transferring at least the equivalent of 30,000 miles into Cathay, any expiring Asia Miles that you earned prior to 2020 will have … Continued

19 Sep 2022 Cathay Pacific

Does Travel Insurance Cover Lost Points?

Travel insurance is essential to ensure you aren’t left out of picket if your trip is disrupted by events outside of your control. If you’re unable to continue your journey as planned, for example, travel insurance may cover the cost of rebooking or cancelling your flights, or purchasing a replacement ticket. But what if you’ve … Continued

18 Sep 2022 Travel Lifestyle

Upgraded SkyTeam Lounge Opens in Sydney

A newly-refurbished SkyTeam lounge has opened in the international terminal of Sydney Airport. Located in the same location as the old SkyTeam lounge, near gate 25, the space has been completely refurbished during the pandemic. It now offers floor-to-ceiling windows, reupholstered seating, buffet food, a live-cooking station and bar service. Another great feature of the … Continued

17 Sep 2022 Airports & Lounges

Podcast #93: The Amex-Marriott Bonvoy Transfer Trick

American Express Membership Rewards points are already one of the most useful and valuable points currencies in Australia. That’s because you have the option to transfer your points to nine different airline frequent flyer programs (plus Qantas Frequent Flyer, if you have an Amex Platinum or Centurion card). Amex points can also be converted to … Continued

17 Sep 2022 AFF on Air Podcast

The Amex-Marriott Bonvoy Transfer Trick – AIR093

  If you want to use your points to book an international Business or First Class flight, often the hardest part is just finding award availability. But if you have American Express Membership Rewards points, there’s a great hack that can give you access to award seats across more than 30 different frequent flyer programs. … Continued

17 Sep 2022 AFF on Air (blubrry)

Qatar Airways, Emirates Upgrade Perth Flights to A380s

Both Qatar Airways and Emirates will soon upgrade their daily Boeing 777 flights to Perth to Airbus A380s. This is good news on multiple levels. As well as more capacity in the market and an upgraded experience for travellers, Qatar Airways has just released a bunch of First Class award seats on the Doha-Perth route … Continued

15 Sep 2022 Emirates Qatar Airways

USA Proposes Mandatory Refunds for Aircraft Type Downgrades

The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) has proposed updated legislation that would require airlines to offer refunds for “significant changes” including aircraft type changes that result in a downgrade in the available amenities and onboard experience. The US government already requires airlines to offer customers a refund if there is a significant change and … Continued

14 Sep 2022 Airlines, Miles and Points

New Zealand Drops Mandatory COVID-19 Tests on Arrival

The New Zealand government no longer requires international arrivals to prove their vaccination status or complete COVID-19 tests after arriving in the country. It comes as the nation also significantly relaxes its remaining domestic COVID-19 restrictions. Until yesterday, international passengers arriving in New Zealand were given two rapid antigen tests on arrival and required to … Continued

13 Sep 2022 Coronavirus and Travel