Qantas Points “The Envy of the World”? Absolutely Not!

Qantas CEO Alan Joyce recently told a room full of business leaders and journalists in Perth that the airline’s frequent flyer scheme and points “are the envy of the world”. In this month’s Qantas Magazine, Joyce also wrote that Qantas is “making it easier for members to book that dream trip with Qantas Points”. Sadly, the … Continued

Podcast #90: So You Want to Use Qantas Points to Europe…

As airlines start to release award seats for travel to Europe during next year’s peak summer period, many points collectors are eager to redeem their points and lock in a good redemption. After all, the traditional advice has always been to get in early when booking flights on popular routes during peak periods because the … Continued

Qatar Airways Awards Vanish from Qantas Website

Update (24 September): Limited Qatar Airways award availability has returned to the Qantas website, but only for certain travel dates and cabin classes. It appears that Qantas Frequent Flyer members now only have access to the full suite of Qatar Airways award availability for Economy bookings up to 249 days in advance, and Business/First Class … Continued

Unusual Air New Zealand Award Availability

When it comes to releasing Business Class award seats to partner airlines, Air New Zealand would have to be one of the world’s stingiest airlines. But there is now a surprisingly good amount of Business Class award space on certain routes including Melbourne-Auckland, for travel dates within the next three months. Although New Zealand’s national … Continued

Podcast #89: Bye-Bye LifeMiles, Hello Aeroplan?

Before the pandemic, Avianca’s LifeMiles frequent flyer program was a popular choice for bargain hunters looking to save hundreds or even thousands of dollars on Star Alliance Business & First Class flights. LifeMiles were – and still are – regularly available with generous bonus miles attached, and these could be redeemed for flights all over … Continued