Redeem Points

Redeem Points is a popular topic at the Australian Frequent Flyer, as much of our focus is about getting the best value when redeeming your frequent flyer points.

Extracting Maximum Value from Virgin Velocity Points

This week one member is in an enviable position. They have over 100,000 Velocity frequent flyer points stashed away and request advice about the best value way to use these points. Velocity Frequent Flyer points can be used for a variety of different redemptions including reward flights, upgrades, holidays, gift vouchers, products at the Velocity … Continued

25 Jul 2015 Virgin Australia

Good News for Infrequent Flyers

One infrequently-flying member is considering whether it is worthwhile collecting frequent flyer points. This member takes only a small handful of flights on Qantas each year. The answer from our brains trust is a resounding YES. Although our member may not fly enough to enjoy the perks of Gold or Platinum status, there are still … Continued

Cheap business class to Europe courtesy of Life Miles

This week we follow our member RB‘s trip to some of the less well-travelled parts of Germany, Italy and Spain. To travel to Europe in comfort and style, but without breaking the bank, our member made good use of Life Miles. LifeMiles is the frequent flyer program of Columbian airline and Star Alliance member Avianca. … Continued

15 Jul 2015 Flight Reviews

Amex devalues rewards program

Some American Express cardholders are in for a nasty surprise in November. From 1 November 2015, Amex’s fee-free cards and a small range of corporate cards will no longer be a part of the popular Membership Rewards Ascent program. This program will instead be replaced by the Gateway program, resulting in a range of significant … Continued

13 Jul 2015 American Express

Qantas cuts fuel surcharges, but it’s not all good news

For the second time this year, Qantas has cut its fuel surcharges following an ongoing decline in fuel prices. These cuts will reduce the price of frequent flyer redemption tickets by up to 25%, depending on the route and travel class. Our members are mostly pleased to see a reduction, however agree that Qantas’ fuel … Continued

6 Jul 2015 Qantas

Heading north for some winter warmth

We are currently approaching one year since Qantas stopped selling JASAs, or business class Any Seat Awards. These awards were very popular as our members were able to book reward seats at classic award prices, and also earn points and status credits for the journey. Some of our clever members, such as amaroo, bought one … Continued

17 Jun 2015 Flight Reviews

First Class, First Timer

One member is in a rather envious position. They want to use their frequent flyer points to cross that first class flight off their bucket list. Faced with a multitude of airlines and first class products to choose from, our member asks for advice in choosing the best route and airline to make the most … Continued

16 Jun 2015 Qantas

The long way home from New York

After a conference in New York, our member drron certainly isn’t taking any shortcuts on the trip back to Australia. Instead, our member has put together an envious itinerary involving many different modes of transport, and many different countries. With stops planned in Philadelphia, Paris, Copenhagen and Bangkok, just to name a few, our member … Continued

10 Jun 2015 Flight Reviews

Booking internal South American flights with Qantas points

In South America, depending on where and when you want to fly, internal flights are often expensive. And this problem is exacerbated by the fact that on some airlines, tourists are not even allowed to buy the cheapest tickets, which are reserved for sale to local residents only. So it’s little surprise that one of … Continued

28 Mar 2015 Qantas

Retirement Strategy for Frequent Flyers

One member asks our older and wiser forum participants how it is possible to maintain a frequent flyer reward balance when retired. This member is considering an early retirement but is mindful that this is likely to result in a sharp decline of the ability to acquire frequent flyer points. Our members discuss a number … Continued

A Japanese adventure, including a touch of luxury

Thanks to a “very very special USDM redemption”, our member boomy is travelling to Japan for a couple of weeks with a quick side-trip to Hong Kong… and what better way to get to Tokyo than on board the Japan’s national carrier in first class? On our next holiday we are heading to the Land … Continued

25 Mar 2015 Flight Reviews