Author: Matt Graham

Matt Graham

The editor of Australian Frequent Flyer, Matt's passion for travel has taken him to more than 100 countries… with the help of frequent flyer points, of course! Matt's favourite destinations (so far) are Germany, Brazil, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. His interests include aviation, economics & foreign languages, and he has a soft spot for good food and red wine. You can connect with Matt by posting on the Australian Frequent Flyer community forum and tagging @AFF Editor.

Are Velocity Points Safe? – AIR034

  As Virgin Australia suspends share trading on the ASX and considers the possibility of voluntary administration, many Velocity Frequent Flyers are watching the news nervously. What will happen to Virgin Australia, and are Velocity Frequent Flyer points safe? In this episode, Phil Gunter from New World Loyalty shares his insights with Matt. Phil is … Continued

Virgin Australia Reopens Airport Lounges

Should We Be Worried About Velocity Points?

Many frequent flyers have been watching the news about Virgin Australia nervously this week. As the airline suspends share trading and considers voluntary administration, the question on everybody’s mind is: “Should I be worried about my Velocity points?” For now, the future of Virgin Australia really depends on whether it gets a lifeline from the … Continued

Coronavirus graphic

COVID-19 Travel Update: 17 April 2020

This article contains an updated summary of the most important coronavirus news that is relevant to Australian frequent flyers as of Friday, 17 April 2020. It specifically covers the implications of COVID-19 in terms of travel and loyalty programs. For the latest health advice, we recommend checking Australian government updates and the latest World Health … Continued

Now Would Be a Great Time for a Qantas Status Match

Federal Government Underwrites Qantas & Virgin Domestic Flights

The federal government will underwrite a limited network of Qantas and Virgin Australia domestic flights for at least the next eight weeks, starting from today. Alone, the $165 million package will not be nearly enough to save Virgin Australia. But it will provide some further relief to the airlines, while ensuring that essential air connectivity … Continued

Virgin Australia 777

Virgin Australia Just Flew Non-Stop from Paris to Brisbane

Virgin Australia has been all over the news this week, as it suspended trading on the Australian stock market and considers voluntary administration. But, while much of the media was distracted by other events, Virgin Australia has achieved something quite remarkable this week. Last Tuesday morning, a Virgin Australia Boeing 777-300ER departed from Paris and … Continued

Velocity Global Wallet

Reduction in Velocity Global Wallet Earn Rate

Velocity Global Wallet cardholders will earn fewer points on transactions within Australia from 4 May 2020. Fees for using the travel money card are also changing, with some charges being reduced or eliminated. New Velocity Global Wallet earn rate Currently, you can earn 1 Velocity point per $3 spent within Australia using the Velocity Global … Continued

Bain Capital to Buy Virgin Australia

Petitions Call for Government Support of Virgin Australia

New Change.org petitions, calling for the Australian government to assist Virgin Australia through the COVID-19 crisis, have attracted huge support from the Australian travelling public. One petition, titled “Keep Virgin Australia In The Skies”, has already attracted over 30,000 signatures. It calls on Prime Minister Scott Morrison to “support Virgin Australia by offering the industry assistance … Continued

Coronavirus graphic

COVID-19 Travel Update: 13 April 2020

This article contains an updated summary of the most important coronavirus news that is relevant to Australian frequent flyers as of Monday, 13 April 2020. It specifically covers the implications of COVID-19 in terms of travel and loyalty programs. For the latest health advice, we recommend checking Australian government updates and the latest World Health … Continued

Domestic Air Travel Grinds to a Halt

The air route between Sydney and Melbourne is normally the second-busiest in the world. On an average day, Qantas alone normally operates 35 flights each way on a mix of Boeing 737s and Airbus A330s. At peak times, there are Qantas flights departing every 15 minutes. In fact, Qantas normally makes more than $1 billion … Continued