Author: Matt Graham
Qantas Award Flights Were Incredible Value in the 1990s
Redeeming Qantas Frequent Flyer points for a Classic Flight Reward might seem like good value in 2021 – and it usually is. But the value of Qantas points in 2021 is nothing compared to the way things were 25 years ago! These days, for example, it costs 57,000 Qantas points + $80 in taxes & … Continued
Why Airports Reveal Gate Numbers at the Last Minute
Ever noticed that some airports hide gate numbers from their flight information display boards until as little as 30 minutes before departure? It’s not an accident – some airports have decided to intentionally make people wait until boarding is about to begin to learn where their flight will be leaving from. This tactic is more … Continued
Airline Customer Advocate “Ineffective”
There are renewed calls for the Airline Customer Advocate to be replaced by an independent ombudsman, after consumer advocacy group CHOICE found it has failed to resolve airline complaints – especially during COVID-19. Since 2012, the Airline Customer Advocate (ACA) should have been helping Australians to resolve airline complaints. But its scope is limited and … Continued
Plaza Premium Airport Lounge Shuffle
Plaza Premium has exited the Priority Pass program, while introducing its own lounge visit passes. These are just some of a raft of changes to airport lounge access arrangements that came into effect earlier this month. Here’s a summary of what’s changed in the recent airport lounge shuffle… Plaza Premium exits Priority Pass program Since … Continued
Air New Zealand 787-9 Business Premier Review (Auckland-Perth)
There are currently two airlines offering Business Class across the Tasman. Qantas offers Business Class on all its Boeing 737 and Airbus A330 flights between Australia and New Zealand, while Air New Zealand offers what it calls “Business Premier” on its Boeing 787 Dreamliner services. After flying with Qantas to New Zealand during COVID-19, I … Continued
Podcast #64: CHOICE’s Plan to Fix the Travel Cancellation Chaos
Consumer group CHOICE recently surveyed more than 4,000 Australians whose travel plans were disrupted by COVID-19. Unfortunately, their findings do not paint a pretty picture of the travel industry. This week, CHOICE published its findings in a report called Consumer protection for Australian travellers: a plan for clarity, consistency and fairness. According to CHOICE, only 17% … Continued
CHOICE’s Plan to Fix the Travel Cancellation Chaos – AIR064
Earlier this year, consumer group CHOICE surveyed more than 4,000 Australians whose travel plans were disrupted by COVID-19. This week, CHOICE published its findings in a report called Consumer protection for Australian travellers: a plan for clarity, consistency and fairness. And the findings are pretty damning for the travel industry. Many complained that it … Continued
Qantas Airport Service Desk Closures Disastrous
Qantas announced last year that it would close airport service desks and sales counters as part of a cost-cutting drive. Many Australian frequent flyers were concerned that this would lead to disastrous consequences during disruptions or when urgent assistance is needed. Rather than having airport staff on hand to help, customers would be forced to … Continued
Etihad Quietly Drops Multiple Partner Airlines
Etihad Guest has quietly ended its partnerships with Czech Airlines and Brazil’s GOL Airlines. It comes just a month after Etihad Airways also ended its partnership with Air Seychelles. Etihad Guest members are no longer able to earn or redeem miles with any of these airlines. But in some good news, Etihad Airways has recently … Continued