Airline Status

Airline status ensures an enjoyable experience when flying with the airline putting you ahead of the crowd when trying to get an upgrade, complimentary lounge access and other benefits.

American Airlines Admirals Club

USA Lounge Access Rules Explained

In Australia, a Business class ticket or airline status will get you into the lounge before your flight. But in the United States, neither airline status nor even a First class ticket will gain you airport lounge entry! Airport lounge access works a little differently in the United States. Here’s what you need to know… … Continued

Qantas and Air New Zealand codeshare partnership

Qantas Signs Air New Zealand Codeshare Deal

Qantas and Air New Zealand may be bitter rivals across the Tasman, but they’ve taken everyone by surprise announcing a new codeshare agreement! The partnership commences on 28 October 2018 – the same day that Air New Zealand’s alliance with Virgin Australia ends. Under the Air New Zealand codeshare agreement, Qantas will place its “QF” … Continued

Economy X seats Virgin Australia

Virgin Australia Economy X Worth Paying For?

Virgin Australia introduced Economy X seating on all its flights last year. These extra legroom seats come with dedicated overhead locker space, priority security and priority boarding. On flights to Los Angeles, Economy X passengers also receive noise-cancelling headphones and first meal choice. Economy X seats can be booked for a surcharge ranging from $35 … Continued

30 May 2018 Virgin Australia
China Eastern 777

Benefits for Qantas Frequent Flyers on China Eastern

Since 2015, Qantas has been in an extensive alliance with Shanghai-based China Eastern Airlines. The partnership is the equivalent of the Qantas-Emirates joint venture. Despite this, it doesn’t seem to receive much attention. So what exactly can Qantas frequent flyers on China Eastern expect? China Eastern is part of the SkyTeam alliance. But the partnership … Continued

21 Apr 2018 Qantas
Qantas A330 Business suites

Qantas Upgrades in Exchange for Flexibility

There’s not much worse than being bumped from a flight at the airport! Luckily for Qantas passengers, the airline is proactively working to avoid this. It’s now offering free upgrades to passengers willing to give up their seats on oversold Qantas flights. An AFF member recently received a phone call from Qantas the day before … Continued

19 Apr 2018 Qantas
Virgin Australia 737 business wine

Extra Virgin Upgrade Space for Platinum Members

It’s relatively well-known that the Qantas call centre can release extra reward seats for Platinum frequent flyers. It seems Virgin’s call centre staff may also have similar powers to release extra Virgin Australia upgrade space. Platinum Velocity members are entitled to up to four complimentary upgrades from Economy Freedom fares to Business class per year. … Continued

Qantas Boeing 737-800 at Auckland Airport

Air New Zealand Ditches Virgin Australia Alliance

Air New Zealand has terminated its trans-Tasman alliance with Virgin Australia. The surprise announcement marks the end of an 8-year partnership between the Kiwi carrier and Virgin Australia. Air New Zealand’s alliance with Virgin Australia will end on 28 October 2018. From this date, Virgin Australia customers will no longer be able to book Air … Continued

Qantas lounge in Singapore

Dedicated First Class Service at Qantas Singapore Lounge

Qantas has an excellent lounge at Singapore’s Changi Airport. The combined Business & First class lounge features a seasonal dining menu, bar service, helpful staff and well-appointed showers. Unfortunately, the Qantas Singapore Lounge can get very crowded in the evening. This has been a problem for many months. But lounge overcrowding has just become much … Continued

Singapore Airlines Premium Economy seats

Fewer Velocity Status Credits on Some Singapore Airlines Fares

Virgin Australia’s Velocity Frequent Flyer members will now earn 50% fewer status credits on Singapore Airlines Economy Standard fares. The adjustments to Velocity points and status credits earn rates follow the changes made to Singapore Airlines fare classes in January. The major change sees Singapore Airlines Economy Standard fares now earning Velocity status credits at … Continued

18 Mar 2018 Virgin Australia
Qantas First Lounge, Sydney

Should Qantas Introduce Lifetime Platinum Status?

Qantas is one of several Oneworld airlines to offer lifetime status. Recognising continuing customer loyalty over many years, Qantas offers lifetime Silver and Gold status to frequent flyers that earn 7,000 or 14,000 lifetime status credits, respectively. But Qantas has never offered a Lifetime Platinum tier. This week our members discuss the possibility of a … Continued

15 Feb 2018 Qantas