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

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

How the SPG-Marriott Rewards Merger Affects Australians

After much speculation, Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) and Marriott Rewards have announced details of their new combined loyalty program. Starwood and Marriott hotels merged back in 2016, but their respective loyalty programs have remained separate… until now. The SPG, Marriott Rewards and also Ritz-Carlton Rewards programs will become a single loyalty program from 1 August … Continued

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

The Great Qantas Frequent Flyer Rip-Off

Millions of Australians are Qantas Frequent Flyer members. We collect Qantas points in the hope of one day redeeming them for a free flight. Unfortunately, Qantas Classic Flight Rewards are not as rewarding as the name might suggest. When redeeming points for reward flights, airport & government taxes must be paid in addition to the … Continued