Author: Matt Graham
Diners Club Axes Marriott, AAdvantage Transfers
Diners Club has removed the ability to transfer reward points to Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG), which recently merged with Marriott Rewards. As of last Thursday, Diners Club Rewards points can also no longer be transferred to American Airlines AAdvantage or EVA Air Infinity MileageLands. Until recently it had been unclear how Diners Club transfers to … Continued
New Qantas Singapore First Class Lounge
Qantas will finally open a dedicated First Class lounge in Singapore, addressing the overcrowding problem plaguing the current lounge. But the new Qantas Singapore First Class Lounge won’t be open for another year. The new Singapore lounge will include seating for 240 passengers. Qantas promises a “luxurious” design for the lounge, which will offer “premium … Continued
Big Changes from 28 October 2018
There are some big changes coming to Australian airline alliances and international routes from this weekend. Sunday, 28 October 2018 marks the official end of Virgin Australia’s alliance with Air New Zealand. But it’s also the beginning of new Qantas partnerships with both Air New Zealand and Cathay Pacific. This weekend will also see several … Continued
The Death of Free Upgrades
You’ve probably heard the myths that dressing up, arriving at the airport early or flattering the check-in staff will help you get an upgrade. This advice is repeated time and time again in trashy “news” articles. But the reality is, airlines are extremely unlikely to give away free upgrades just because there are seats available … Continued
Last Call for Hong Kong Fuel Surcharge Loophole
There’s just one week left to take advantage of Hong Kong’s fuel surcharge ban! From 1 November 2018, fuel surcharges on award flights departing from Hong Kong will no longer be regulated. This will likely lead to a sharp increase in the taxes and carrier charges you’ll pay when redeeming points out of Hong Kong. … Continued
Australian Domestic Routes with Lie-Flat Business Class
The humble Boeing 737 is the backbone of the Qantas and Virgin Australia domestic fleets. These narrow-body aircraft operate the vast majority of domestic flights within Australia. In fact, Virgin Australia has 82 Boeing 737s in its fleet of 93 aircraft. Qantas owns 72 of these aircraft. Boeing 737 Business Class on both Qantas and … Continued
Asiana Club: The Most Underrated Star Alliance Program
Singapore Airlines, Aegean Airlines and United all have excellent Star Alliance frequent flyer programs. As a result, these airlines rightfully receive plenty of attention. But, bizarrely, one of the very best value Star Alliance frequent flyer programs is virtually unknown in Australia! In our view, Asiana Club is the most undervalued Star Alliance frequent flyer … Continued
How to Avoid Velocity’s Carrier Charge for Etihad Flights
Since 2016, Virgin Australia has imposed a hefty “Etihad Airways Reward Seat Carrier Charge” when redeeming Velocity points for Etihad flights. This Etihad carrier charge adds up to USD300 ($420) to every single Etihad flight sector booked using Velocity points. Until recently, Virgin Australia was charging this Etihad carrier charge on all Etihad reward flight … Continued
Melbourne-Perth in Qantas Premium Economy
Qantas has started selling Premium Economy tickets on its daily Boeing 787-9 tag flight between Melbourne and Perth. Qantas passengers also have the opportunity to redeem Qantas points for a Premium Economy award or upgrade on this route. Qantas flight QF9, which continues to London, has become a popular choice for flyers travelling from Melbourne … Continued