Latest news

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

Virgin to Bring Back In-Flight Wifi from Late 2022

Virgin Australia will restore in-flight wifi from the end of this year, with high-speed internet to be rolled out across most of the airline’s fleet over the next 18 months. Virgin Australia previously offered wi-fi on board most of its planes before the pandemic. This service was free on domestic flights and for the first … Continued

13 Sep 2022 Virgin Australia

Virgin Australia “Switch-A-Roo” Gold & Platinum Status Match

From 13-26 September 2022, Virgin Australia is running an expanded Velocity status match offer that it’s calling “Switch-A-Roo”. Aimed blatantly at Qantas customers but also available to anyone who holds the equivalent of Gold or higher status with any airline that doesn’t partner with Virgin Australia, this new promotion offers fast-tracks to both Velocity Gold … Continued

13 Sep 2022 Virgin Australia

Canberra Airport’s Facebook Page is Refreshingly Sassy

For an airport serving a city of less than half a million, Canberra Airport punches above its weight. In my personal (and perhaps slightly biased) opinion, it’s the nicest airport in Australia with its modern, spacious facilities, excellent Qantas & Virgin lounges, and its (usually) short lines for security. The airport also boasts direct flights … Continued

11 Sep 2022 Airports & Lounges

Face Masks No Longer Required on Flights to Australia

The Australian government has today lifted the requirement to wear face masks on domestic flights, as well as on international flights bound for Australia. It ends the mask mandate for air passengers that was first introduced by the Australian government in January 2021. Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Australia and Rex have all removed their requirement to … Continued

9 Sep 2022 Coronavirus and Travel

Fly Premium Economy to Europe from $1,828 Return

Vietnam Airlines and Singapore Airlines both have some excellent round-trip Premium Economy fares available now for travel from Sydney and Melbourne to Europe, starting from as low as $1,828 return. Singapore Airlines also has some stellar Premium Economy sale fares available now from Melbourne and Sydney to New York. Both are full-service airlines. The main … Continued

9 Sep 2022 Planning & Booking