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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

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