Author: Staff Writers
Staff Writers
The Middle East, Israeli style
Australians have plenty of choices these days when it comes to a journey to the Middle East and beyond. A plethora of direct services exist. Or one can choose to break up the journey by travelling via Asia. This week’s trip report is one that does exactly that. However, it involves travel with an airline … Continued
Virgin and BP announce new partnership
Earning Frequent Flyer points for money you are spending anyway is always an attractive proposition. Fuel has become a significant expense for many and an easy way to earn Qantas points through the Woolworths/Caltex tie up. Many of the Caltex service stations also allow you to earn Myer One points as a double dip. While … Continued
Earning Qantas points – quickly and cheaply
This week, one of our members had a question that has probably crossed the mind of many a member. Faced with an award being available, but not having enough points, how do you quickly accumulate those much needed points? Long time listener, first time caller. I am travelling from Melbourne-Sydney in a few weeks and … Continued
Picking the right Frequent Flyer Program
One of the more popular questions we see on the forum, particularly from newish members, is the question of what Frequent Flyer program to join. While some may have points that are easy to earn, the redemption or “burn” rates can be very high. Others – in particular those from non-Australian airlines – may offer … Continued
The last of the cheap “Brazilian” airfares
For some time, savvy AFF members were aware of some very good specials on offer by buying tickets from a Brazilian travel agent. Thanks to local laws, airlines could not impose certain surcharges, including fuel surcharges, making for some good deals. This week, one of our members embarks on a weekend away, taking advantage of … Continued
Changes at Melbourne’s Hilton on the Park
For a long time, Melbourne’s Hilton on the Park (HOP) has been a favourite amongst members. With Hilton Diamond status a benefit of Virgin Platinum, many of our members are elite members of the Hilton Honors program. Being close to the city but not in it, close to the MCG and looking after elite members … Continued
Finding cheap flights
From time to time, we get inquiries from members struggling to find a cheap flight using points or cash. While the normal online tools, such as Skyscanner etc often work, sometimes they just are not good enough. In this case, it was a flight to South America, which seemed to be coming up very expensive. … Continued
Loitering with intent and the quest for cheap points
Have you ever been waiting in line at a supermarket self checkout frustrated at how slow people are paying for their groceries? Lately, there might be a good reason why. It seems some of our members prefer to pay for their purchase in small increments! Regarding Coles & Woolworths …I’m now doing 99 – 149 … Continued
Virgin’s lesson in tardiness
One platinum member this week is furious that they were pulled from a flight for arriving at the gate 15 minute prior to departure time. This resulted in our member having to fork out an additional $120 to catch a later flight. It would seem that Virgin made little effort to track our traveler down … Continued