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.
Etihad Airways will no longer offer lounge access at most airports for Silver tier members of the Etihad Guest program. The changes, to be implemented from 15 January 2017, come as Etihad aligns the benefits available to members of its partner airlines’ frequent flyer programs. These include Airberlin Topbonus and Alitalia’s MilleMiglia loyalty program. The … Continued
You’re better off abandoning loyalty programs and forgoing status, according to one member. They believe loyalty has become increasingly meaningless as the relationship is skewed so heavily in favour of the business. Instead of reciprocating the loyalty shown by their customers, businesses are taking it for granted. In a recent experience with car rental agency … Continued
Having been offered a status challenge, one member wonders if the benefits of Qantas Gold status are really worth chasing. I’ve been offered a status challenge (200SC/90Day). Curious, my major flying days are over and I probably wouldn’t fly enough QF/One World metal to get another 600SC for next year; is it worth giving QF … Continued
The number of Velocity status credits you’ll earn on Virgin Australia’s cheapest tickets will soon decrease by up to 50%. Status credits count towards qualifying for elite status with the airline. 500 status credits must be earned within 12 months to qualify for Virgin Gold status. Platinum membership requires 1,000 status credits. The changes come as Virgin … Continued
Qantas frequent flyers have enjoyed many benefits when flying Emirates since the Qantas-Emirates alliance was established in 2013. One of the most popular benefits, albeit an unofficial one, has been the free upgrades. Emirates has become renowned for dishing out generous operational upgrades, and Qantas flyers with Platinum or Gold status have been the beneficiaries of many … Continued
Our members are outraged by Virgin’s plans to remove key frequent flyer benefits from next month. Gold & Platinum flyers will no longer receive perks including Fly Ahead, complimentary seat selection or bonus points when flying on Virgin’s cheapest Economy tickets. Even when flying on more expensive tickets, Virgin’s most loyal flyers may soon be forced … Continued
Our member 24601 recently completed an epic trip that took them to New Zealand, the United States and even Panama! The aim of the trip was simple: to achieve Platinum status with both Qantas and Virgin Australia. The key to earning status with our local frequent flyer programs is status credits. Status credits can be … Continued
One member is considering abandoning their loyalty to Virgin Australia in favour of a “best fare of the day” policy. This member currently holds Platinum status with Virgin. But they are constantly finding that they can fly on overseas airlines in Premium Economy – or even Business class – for the same price as Economy … Continued
In order to retain status with any airline, you generally need to do a certain amount of flying each year. Qantas Platinum members, for example, need to earn 1,200 status credits each membership year in order to retain Platinum Qantas status. But it may be possible to renew your status, even if you fall short … Continued
One member is currently trying to determine the best Oneworld frequent flyer program to join. This member travels three times per year between Australia and the UK in Business class. Status is the most important consideration for this member, however the ease and value of earning & burning points is also a factor. So my … Continued
Virgin Velocity Gold status comes with tons of benefits when you fly with Virgin Australia or any of its partner airlines, such as Air New Zealand or Singapore Airlines. These include lounge access, bonus points and the ability to change to an earlier flight for free. Gold Velocity status even comes with complimentary hotel loyalty … Continued
Frustrated Qantas customers are waiting longer than ever to speak to a call centre agent. Hold times of well over an hour are now normal, and numerous members have reported waiting 3 or even 4 hours. Call dropouts and promises of call backs that don’t eventuate also make the long list of Qantas call centre complaints … Continued
