Author: Matt Graham
Burst Bubble: NZ Suspends All Aussie Arrivals
The New Zealand government has paused quarantine-free travel from all Australian states until at least next Wednesday, amid concerns over new COVID-19 cases found in multiple parts of the country over recent days. The trans-Tasman travel bubble suspension came into effect almost immediately after it was announced on Saturday evening. The pause is currently due … Continued
Podcast #63: Travelling from Australia During COVID-19 (Part Two)
Leaving Australia in 2021 is unfortunately not as simple as booking a ticket and going to the airport. If you’re an Australian citizen or permanent resident who normally lives in Australia, you’ll firstly need to apply for an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs to even be allowed to exit Australia. You’ll then need … Continued
Travelling from Australia During COVID-19 (Part Two) – AIR063
Departing Australia in 2021 is unfortunately not as simple as booking a ticket and going to the airport. If you’re an Australian citizen or permanent resident who normally lives in Australia, you’ll firstly need to apply for an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs to even be allowed to exit Australia. You’ll then … Continued
Qantas & Virgin to Give Prizes for COVID-19 Vaccination
Virgin Australia has joined Qantas – plus a growing number of other airlines & tourism businesses – promising prizes and other incentives to anyone who gets vaccinated against COVID-19. Last month, Qantas announced plans to offer generous prizes to Australians who can prove they have been immunised against COVID-19, which could include things like frequent … Continued
50% Bonus Velocity Points on Flights (June 2021)
Virgin Australia is now offering 50% bonus Velocity points on new flights booked until 30 June 2021. The offer covers travel dates any time from the beginning of the promotion on 21 June 2021 until 17 May 2022. To take advantage of this offer, you would first need to register on the Velocity website or … Continued
Air Canada Fined $34 Million for Extreme Refund Delays
The US Department of Transportation is fining Air Canada US$25.5 million (~AU$34 million) for “extreme delays in providing required refunds” during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to US law, airlines are legally required to refund customers for cancelled or significantly changed flights to, from, within or via the United States within seven days. But from the … Continued
Generous Qantas Club Deal with Bonus Status Credits
Qantas Club airport lounge memberships are on sale until the end of this month, with a waived joining fee (normally $99), 20% off yearly rates and up to 100 bonus status credits available! Until 30 June 2021, you can join Qantas Club for one year for a cost of $480. You’ll also earn 50 bonus … Continued
Emirates Restricts First Class Awards, Upgrades
Emirates First Class is arguably one of the best ways to fly, and before the pandemic it was a hugely popular frequent flyer points redemption for Australian frequent flyers. But Emirates has been quietly making it a lot harder for frequent flyers to book or upgrade into a First Class seat using points. Emirates eliminating … Continued
Is the Amex Platinum Card Still Worth It in 2021?
Before the pandemic, the $1,450/year American Express Platinum charge card was rather popular with frequent flyers. Despite the high annual fee, it represented excellent value for many cardholders due to all the extra benefits like travel credits, hotel status and airport lounge access. But with most Australians travelling less during the pandemic, and benefits such … Continued