Loyalty Program

Loyalty Program is a popular topic at the Australian Frequent Flyer. All frequent flyer programs are essentially loyalty programs. But there are other non-airline loyalty programs, such as the loyalty programs associated with hotels.

Singapore Airlines A380

10 Things to Love About Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer

Update: In January 2019, Singapore Airlines slightly increased the cost of Singapore Airlines and SilkAir redemptions, and the rate at which miles can be transferred to/from Velocity has increased to 1.55:1. In April 2019, Singapore Airlines is also increasing the cost of Star Alliance awards. Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer is one of the world’s best frequent … Continued

SPG & Marriott Rewards Merge Slowly Taking Shape

Last weekend, the long and arduous process of merging Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) and Marriott Rewards accounts began. The SPG/Marriott Rewards merge began on 18 August. The process has been taking longer than originally expected, but the new combined loyalty program is slowly starting to take shape. Merging your SPG and Marriott Rewards accounts If … Continued

26 Aug 2018 Marriott Bonvoy
Broken heart

Abandoning Qantas Loyalty

Many Australian frequent flyers are happily loyal Qantas customers. But is there anything to be gained by abandoning Qantas loyalty and switching to another airline? This week a happy Qantas customer would like to know why frequent flyers would make the switch away from the flying kangaroo. This Platinum member enjoys the Qantas First Class … Continued

23 Aug 2018 Qantas
Thrifty, Hertz and Europcar counters

Velocity Car Hire Status Match: Hertz vs Europcar

One of the benefits of Virgin Australia status is the complimentary car hire loyalty program status match. If you have Gold or Platinum Velocity status, you can automatically receive an equivalent status level in either the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards or Europcar Privelege program. But which car rental loyalty program is the better choice for … Continued

14 Aug 2018 Car Hire
How to Redeem Virgin Australia Travel Bank Credits

Virgin Adds Free Bags, Meals to New Zealand Flights

Virgin Australia has announced a host of improvements to its trans-Tasman and short-haul international flights. From 28 October, all Virgin passengers flying between Australia and New Zealand will receive a complimentary 23kg baggage allowance, meal and drink. There are also changes coming to the number of Velocity points and status credits earned for all short-haul … Continued

Podcast #47: Flybuys Loyalty Program

Coles Trials “Flybuys Max” Subscription Service

Coles’ Flybuys loyalty program is trialling a new paid subscription service for Flybuys members. For $10 per month, Flybuys members would have access to additional benefits if they opt-in to “Flybuys Max”. A trial of the new program is currently taking place among Coles employees. It’s also open to family and friends of Coles staff. … Continued

27 Jul 2018 Flybuys
No Etihad miles

Flybuys Terminates Etihad Guest Partnership

Flybuys will officially terminate its Etihad Guest partnership on 31 July 2018 – seven months after Etihad Guest transfers were suspended. From this date, it will also no longer be possible be earn Etihad Guest Tier Miles at Coles, or to collect Flybuys points by booking flights on the Flybuys-Etihad travel portal. Flybuys already suspended … Continued

13 Jul 2018 Flybuys
Marriott Bonvoy Status Match [2020]

Amex Transfers to SPG/Marriott Become 125% More Expensive

The transfer rates from Amex Membership Rewards to the new combined SPG/Marriott Rewards program have been revealed. The changes to Amex transfers to SPG, taking effect from August, are not pretty! Currently, Australian Amex Membership Rewards points can be converted to Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) Starpoints at a rate of 1:0.5. That is, one Amex point … Continued

Calculating value

How Much is a Frequent Flyer Point Worth?

Not all frequent flyer points were created equal. The value you receive depends on how they are spent. We all try to maximise the value we get when redeeming frequent flyer points… so how do you know if you’re getting a good deal? The “Cents Per Point” Method One way to calculate the value of … Continued

27 Jun 2018 Qantas
Qantas A380

New Qantas Bonus Status Credits Offer

Qantas has announced a brand new bonus status credits offer! Until 19 June, Qantas is offering 50% bonus status credits to frequent flyers registered with Qantas Business Rewards. Using this offer, you can fast-track your way to Qantas Silver, Gold, Platinum or Platinum One status! The offer can be used with as many new bookings … Continued

13 Jun 2018 Qantas
How to Earn Points for Paying Tax & Other Bills in 2020

Book Hotels Direct or via Third Party?

When booking accommodation, you have the option to book hotels direct or to use a third-party website like Expedia or Booking.com. If you book directly with the hotel, you can earn points and status with the hotel’s loyalty program. But you won’t receive any hotel benefits if you book with a third party. So, is … Continued

Air Namibia A319

Earning Points with Obscure Airlines

If you’re a loyal Oneworld, Star Alliance or SkyTeam flyer, you probably try to fly with airlines from your alliance at every opportunity. But, as great as airline alliances and partnerships are, they don’t cover every corner of the globe. When travelling overseas, you’ll occasionally need to fly with obscure airlines that aren’t part of … Continued

19 May 2018 Other Airlines