Author: Matt Graham
Your Ticket’s “Point Of Origin” Could Cost You Hundreds
When redeeming frequent flyer points, carrier charges (also known as fuel surcharges) can add hundreds or even thousands of dollars to the cost of reward flights. But not all airlines charge them, and for those that do, the amount of carrier charges paid can vary significantly depending on where you start your trip. There are … Continued
Podcast #97: Air Canada’s Underrated Frequent Flyer Program
Air Canada’s Aeroplan frequent flyer program is one that flies under the radar for most Australians. But it’s one that perhaps deserves more attention. Aeroplan was redesigned and relaunched in 2020 by people who are themselves aviation geeks and avid frequent flyers. They “get” what motivates points and status collectors, and they’ve done a lot … Continued
Air Canada’s Underrated Frequent Flyer Program – AIR097
In this episode, find out why Air Canada’s Aeroplan program deserves more attention from Australian frequent flyers! Plus, learn how to supercharge your Coles Flybuys and Woolworths Everyday Rewards points. Episode contents: 0:59 – Fortnightly news round-up 12:43 – Air Canada’s Aeroplan program 23:00 – New Star Alliance credit card 27:09 – How to supercharge … Continued
Review: Virgin Australia Domestic Business Class in 2022
I recently reviewed QantasLink’s Embraer E190 Business Class service from Adelaide to Darwin. In that review, I concluded that the seat was good and the service was excellent – but questioned whether the flight was really worth a one-way airfare of more than $2,000. On my way back from Darwin to the east coast of … Continued
How Finnair Is Reinventing Its Business Model
Just a few years ago, Finland’s geographical location was a huge strategic advantage for Finnair, a member of the Oneworld alliance. Its business model revolved around its ability to offer short travel times and efficient connections between Europe and Asia, via its hub airport in Helsinki. Unfortunately for Finnair, COVID-19 decimated demand for travel to … Continued
Air Canada Aeroplan Adds Two Unique Airline Partners
Air Canada’s Aeroplan program has an unusually large number of useful airline partnerships. Not only can Aeroplan members earn and redeem points across the Star Alliance network, but also with around 20 other partner airlines that are not part of Star Alliance. These include many airlines that aren’t affiliated with any of the alliances, such … Continued
T’Way Air Launching Sydney-Seoul Flights
South Korean low-cost carrier T’way Air will be one of two new airlines to begin operating direct Sydney-Seoul flights next month. From 24 December 2022, T’way Air will launch 4x weekly seasonal flights between Sydney and Seoul’s Incheon Airport using Airbus A330-300 aircraft. T’way Air has been operating under that name since 2010 with a … Continued
Does Australia Need EU-Style Air Passenger Protections?
Last week, consumer advocacy group Choice awarded Qantas its annual Shonky Award for “unusable flight credits, delayed flights, disappearing baggage, and endless call wait times”. It described the flying kangaroo as “The Spirit of Disappointment” for letting down many of its customers. “People are still paying premium prices to fly Qantas, but it’s clear from … Continued
Australia-USA Flights at 50% of Pre-COVID Capacity
At the start of 2020, Qantas was selling around 34,000 weekly seats between Australia and five destinations in the continental United States. It’s now operating just over 13,000 weekly seats in this market, with services to Los Angeles and Dallas only. Virgin Australia, meanwhile, has stopped flying to the United States altogether. Virgin used to … Continued