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.

Virgin’s Hong Kong Airlines Partnership Hits Turbulence

Virgin Australia last year entered into several new airline partnerships. One of these new alliances was with Hong Kong Airlines. Velocity Frequent Flyer members were promised that the agreement would bring reciprocal status recognition, and that Virgin flyers could earn and redeem points when flying with Hong Kong Airlines. But six months on, it seems … Continued

Credit card flight booking computer phone

ACCC Tackles Unfair Airline Contracts

Unfair airline contracts and excessive flight change fees could soon be a thing of the past. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has vowed to take on Australia’s airlines to ensure greater consumer protections. According to the ACCC, airline contracts are currently too one-sided in the airline’s favour. The ACCC identified 3 key issues in … Continued

Lufthansa 747-400 at Frankfurt Airport

How to Book Lufthansa First Class using Points

Lufthansa boasts one of the world’s best First class products. But booking a Lufthansa First class award with frequent flyer points can be challenging. The Opportunity Lufthansa, based in Germany, has one of the world’s best First class products. You won’t find the bling, bells and whistles of the Middle Eastern carriers… rather, Lufthansa is … Continued

First Reviews: Hilton’s West Hotel Sydney

A brand new Hilton hotel has opened in the centre of Sydney. West Hotel Sydney, Curio Collection by Hilton is located a short walk from Darling Harbour, Barangaroo and Wynyard train station. There are 182 rooms and facilities include a small gym and restaurant. As a Hilton-branded hotel, Hilton Honors members can earn and redeem … Continued

Singapore Airlines 777 in Melbourne

Singapore Airlines Launches Economy Lite Fares, Increases Fees

Singapore Airlines will next week introduce restrictive Economy Lite fares alongside a range of new fare types. At the same time, a range of fees will be increased. But there’s some good news, as Singapore Airlines increases the range of Economy fares eligible to be upgraded with KrisFlyer miles. From 20 January 2018, Singapore Airlines … Continued

Virgin Australia 737 business wine

20% Off Virgin Australia UpgradeMe Premium Bids

If you’re flying with Virgin Australia, there are are several ways to upgrade your flight to Business class. One method is to upgrade with Velocity points. But if you don’t have enough points – or perhaps you’d rather save them – you can also bid for an upgrade using money. Virgin’s UpgradeMe Premium Bid system … Continued

Podcast #47: Flybuys Loyalty Program

Flybuys Suspends Etihad Guest Partnership

A key benefit of the Coles Flybuys loyalty program has been its partnership with Etihad Airways. Until recently, it was possible to transfer Flybuys points to the Etihad Guest frequent flyer program. But last month Flybuys suspended Etihad Guest transfers indefinitely and without notice. Until further notice, it is also no longer possible to earn … Continued

Oneworld Malaysia Airlines

China Southern to Join Oneworld Alliance?

It has been reported that the Oneworld alliance may soon have a new member airline in China Southern. Based in Guangzhou, China Southern is one of the world’s largest airlines and flies to six Australian cities. Should China Southern join Oneworld, this would have significant implications for Australian frequent flyers. China Southern is currently a … Continued

Qantas 787 Business Class

Qantas 787 Reviews: Economy, Premium & Business Class

The new Qantas Dreamliner has now been in service for a couple of months. Many AFF members have now had the chance to fly on the Boeing 787-9 in Economy, Premium Economy and Business class. But so far, the Qantas 787 reviews are mixed. The Qantas 787 will commence non-stop flights from Perth to London from … Continued