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.

Hilton hotel

Hilton Honors Program Changes from April 2018

Major changes have been announced to Hilton Honors, effective from April 2018. Hilton Honors is the loyalty program of Hilton Hotels, which covers brands including Conrad, Double Tree and Waldorf Astoria. The Hilton Honors program changes are largely positive, with some new benefits for frequent stayers. But there is bad news for base level and … Continued

17 Jan 2018 Hilton Honors

First Reviews: Hilton’s West Hotel Sydney

A brand new Hilton hotel has opened in the centre of Sydney. West Hotel Sydney, Curio Collection by Hilton is located a short walk from Darling Harbour, Barangaroo and Wynyard train station. There are 182 rooms and facilities include a small gym and restaurant. As a Hilton-branded hotel, Hilton Honors members can earn and redeem … Continued

10 Jan 2018 Hotel Reviews
Podcast #47: Flybuys Loyalty Program

Flybuys Suspends Etihad Guest Partnership

A key benefit of the Coles Flybuys loyalty program has been its partnership with Etihad Airways. Until recently, it was possible to transfer Flybuys points to the Etihad Guest frequent flyer program. But last month Flybuys suspended Etihad Guest transfers indefinitely and without notice. Until further notice, it is also no longer possible to earn … Continued

6 Jan 2018 Flybuys
Oneworld Malaysia Airlines

China Southern to Join Oneworld Alliance?

It has been reported that the Oneworld alliance may soon have a new member airline in China Southern. Based in Guangzhou, China Southern is one of the world’s largest airlines and flies to six Australian cities. Should China Southern join Oneworld, this would have significant implications for Australian frequent flyers. China Southern is currently a … Continued

5 Jan 2018 Oneworld
Cruise ship

Cruise Loyalty Programs: Too Good to be True?

The gradual decline in airline loyalty benefits are a common complaint among frequent flyers. But it seems one industry still offers serious sweeteners to anyone smart enough to sign up for the loyalty program. Repeat users are offered free upgrades, free meals, booking discounts, VIP parties… the list goes on! What’s more, all of this … Continued

30 Nov 2017 Cruises

Breaking up with Qantas

After 11 years as a loyal Platinum frequent flyer, earning enough status credits to earn Lifetime Gold almost twice over, our member Pleb Status has decided to call it a day. For this member, it’s no longer worthwhile maintaining loyalty to the flying kangaroo. Pleb Status admits that they will miss the First class lounge … Continued

2 Nov 2017 Qantas

Maximising the Value from Hotel Bookings

If you regularly stay at hotels – particularly if you’re loyal to a certain brand – it makes sense to join the hotel’s loyalty program. Not only can you earn points for each stay, but frequent guests can enjoy elite status benefits such as complimentary room upgrades, late checkout, free breakfast and more. But there … Continued

Calculating value

The Value of Overseas Frequent Flyer Programs

Many Australians are familiar with the frequent flyer programs of Qantas and Virgin Australia. But there are other airline loyalty programs out there that offer considerably better value. Qantas Frequent Flyer and Virgin’s Velocity program are by far the most widely used by Australians. This makes sense, as it’s much easier to earn points within Australia with these programs. … Continued

6 Feb 2017 Other Airlines

Qantas Revamps Business Rewards Program

Qantas has axed its Aquire loyalty program for small to medium businesses, in favour of the newly-launched Qantas Business Rewards. It’s not just a name change, with several significant changes being made to the program. Qantas Business Rewards, like its predecessor Aquire, enables business owners to earn additional points on employees’ flights, as well as … Continued

4 Feb 2017 Qantas

Pros & Cons of Switching Airline Loyalty

If you’re unhappy with your current airline of choice, the grass may look greener on the other side. But is it really worth taking the leap of faith and switching your airline loyalty? That’s the dilemma currently faced by one Platinum Virgin Australia flyer. While they’re feeling underwhelmed with Virgin, they don’t want to lose … Continued

24 Oct 2016 Virgin Australia

Is Loyalty a Trap?

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

22 Sep 2016 Car Hire