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.
Children eligible for UK Departure Tax refund
The UK is infamous for its high departure tax imposed on departing airline passengers. Under the Air Passenger Duty, passengers are currently slugged up to $280 on top of their airfare! But there is some good news for flyers. From the first of May, children are now exempt from this tax if flying in economy. … Continued
Most Memorable Travel Experiences
This week our members discuss their favourite travel experiences and memories. Our well-travelled members certainly have an extraordinary array of different travel stories under their belts. For one member, the Running of the Bulls in Spain was a memorable experience. The annual event often makes the news even in Australia for the many injuries and … Continued
High Fares: Qantas not Competitive
Our national airline is often a hot topic of debate on AFF. One member this week is frustrated by Qantas’ lack of competitiveness. Despite being a loyal Qantas flyer, a price difference of over $2,000 on a return flight to New York in business class is simply too much. Even though the member wants to … Continued
Seattle and some West Coast wandering
Our member TheRealTMA recently embarked on a journey over to the north-west coast of the United States. Our member opted to fly the long way around via Dubai, however with first class tickets the extra flying was definitely worth it! Arriving sufficiently refreshed, the sightseeing commences. Our member’s destination list includes Portland and Vancouver Island, … Continued
What’s your least favourite airport?
Love them or hate them, flying will always involve passing through airports. Sometimes this can be a seamless and even enjoyable experience, while visiting some airports can be truly trying. This week our members discuss which airports, in their opinions, are the worst in the world. One member is particularly unimpressed by their home airport … Continued
Qantas Club access restricted for Admirals Club members
Admirals Club passes have, until now, offered a cheap alternative to purchasing Qantas Club membership. Under an agreement between Qantas and partner American Airlines, American Airlines Admirals Club members have been able to access Qantas lounges (and vice versa) any time they flew on one of each other’s flights. This has been particularly advantageous for … Continued
China Travel Advice
Ahead of a trip to China, taking in Beijing and Shenzen, one member seeks some advice. Although our member will be travelling for business, a number of “must-see” sight suggestions are given. Naturally the Great Wall just outside of Beijing makes the list, but there are also a number of interesting sights in Beijing itself. … Continued
Circling the Pacific in style
Circle Pacific fares are not widely known, but they can offer some significant savings on multi-stop fares across the Pacific. More than a return ticket, but not quite a round-the-world ticket, Circle Pacific fares allow for two Pacific crossings with a typical routing taking passengers from Australia to Asia, and then onto North America before … Continued
Sticky fingers: Okay to nick items from hotel rooms?
This week our members discuss a common topic of debate – hotel room theft. Obviously you wouldn’t steal a TV or bed from a hotel room, but what about the little things like soap, shampoo and towels? While our members’ opinions somewhat divided on where the line should be drawn, most agree that disposal toiletries … Continued