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.

Thai Airways 777 in Oslo

Thai Airways Business Class Disappoints

An AFF member who recently flew Thai Airways Business class believes the experience was poor value for money. SCW flew Thai Business class from Sydney to Lahore via Bangkok. The cabin crew were great. But in this member’s opinion, the Business class seats, catering and in-flight entertainment were all below-par. I recently flew Thai business SYD-Bangkok-Lahore … Continued

Empty wallet

Dodgy Travel Agent Pockets Airfare

A dodgy travel agent has been caught allegedly taking payment for Business class airfares while using their own frequent flyer points to make the booking. AFF member Iggy_type_r discovered the travel agent’s actions only after the airline refused to credit any points for their flights to Europe. No points or status credits were earned because the … Continued

Korean Air 787

Alaskan Miles Unlock Korean Air Business Class Awards

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan is a popular frequent flyer program for several reasons. Not only are award flights great value, but Alaska Airlines also sells miles. In a recent promotion, Alaska Airlines offered up to 40% bonus miles on purchases. This can work out to be a great deal when redeeming Alaskan miles for award … Continued

South Africa safari rhinos

Qantas to Start Perth-Johannesburg Flights?

Qantas is reportedly considering launching direct flights from Perth to Johannesburg. Complementing Qantas’ existing route from Sydney to South Africa, the new service would directly compete with South African Airways. The new Qantas flights from Perth to Johannesburg would operate 4x weekly from 7 December 2018, using an Airbus A330-200. Routes Online reports that Qantas … Continued

Qantas A330

Qantas Terminal, Lounge Changes in Manila

Qantas will shift its Manila flights from Terminal 1 to the more modern Terminal 3 from the end of August. Qantas’ terminal change in Manila is just one of many scheduled for the end of August 2018 at Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Many other international airlines are also moving to Terminal 3, while domestic Cebu … Continued

Hong Kong

Virgin Australia Sparks Hong Kong Price War

Virgin Australia will begin direct flights from Sydney to Hong Kong from 2 July. To celebrate the new route’s launch, cheap flights to Hong Kong are now on sale from just $529 return and Business class is available from just $1,742 return! Virgin’s entry on the Sydney-Hong Kong route is great if you’re a Virgin … Continued

Virgin Australia 737 business wine

Extra Virgin Upgrade Space for Platinum Members

It’s relatively well-known that the Qantas call centre can release extra reward seats for Platinum frequent flyers. It seems Virgin’s call centre staff may also have similar powers to release extra Virgin Australia upgrade space. Platinum Velocity members are entitled to up to four complimentary upgrades from Economy Freedom fares to Business class per year. … Continued

Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 in March 2022

Best Pay-per-use Airport Lounges in Singapore

There are many airline-operated airport lounges in Singapore, such as the Qantas Singapore Lounge. If you’re flying Business class – or hold elite airline status – you probably already enjoy access to at least one of these lounges when flying from Singapore’s Changi Airport. Lounge access in Singapore is particularly useful if you’re flying to … Continued

Qantas Boeing 737-800 at Auckland Airport

Air New Zealand Ditches Virgin Australia Alliance

Air New Zealand has terminated its trans-Tasman alliance with Virgin Australia. The surprise announcement marks the end of an 8-year partnership between the Kiwi carrier and Virgin Australia. Air New Zealand’s alliance with Virgin Australia will end on 28 October 2018. From this date, Virgin Australia customers will no longer be able to book Air … Continued