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.

Planet Earth with detailed relief is covered with a complex luminous network of air routes based on real data. Australia and New Zealand. 3D rendering. Elements of this image furnished by NASA

Why International Flights Are So Expensive Right Now

If you’ve tried booking an international flight recently, you’ve probably noticed that flights to and from Australia are expensive right now. Award flight availability is also particularly limited at the moment. There are clearly a few factors at play which have combined to create a perfect storm of poor availability and high airfares. For example, … Continued

Jetstar 787 takes off

No Seats Available on Jetstar to Bali For Next 3 Weeks

Jetstar is not currently selling any seats on its flights between Australia and Denpasar for travel until 17 October 2022 – after the end of the school holidays. These seats were removed from sale more than a week ago and have not returned. While some flights are likely fully booked due to the school holidays, … Continued

Virgin Atlantic Airbus A350

What Virgin Atlantic Joining SkyTeam Means for Australians

Virgin Atlantic (not to be confused with Virgin Australia!) has announced that it will join the SkyTeam alliance in early 2023. This is great news for Virgin Atlantic Flying Club members, who will soon be able to earn and redeem Virgin Atlantic points across the SkyTeam alliance. Virgin Atlantic Flying Club members will also be … Continued

Qantas Frequent Flyer launched its Green membership tier earlier this year

More Airlines Give Status Credits for Environmental Contributions

In late 2021, Qantas and Etihad Airways became the first airlines in the world to offer easier elite status qualification to frequent flyers in exchange for purchasing carbon offsets, donating to environmental causes and making more sustainable choices. With the Qantas Green tier, frequent flyers can earn 50 status credits (or 10,000 bonus points) by completing … Continued

Qantas 787-9

Qantas Ending COVID Flexibility on Reward Bookings

There are only a few days left to take advantage of fee-free changes and cancellations on Qantas Classic Flight Reward bookings. The airline’s Flexible Classic Flight Rewards policy will come to an end next Friday, 30 September 2022. Qantas began waiving change and cancellation fees on Classic Flight Reward bookings in May 2020, as part … Continued

Qatar Airways A350

When Qatar Airways Releases Seats for Qantas Points Bookings

Update (28 September): It appears that Cathay members may also now be subject to the 119/249 day rule. Members of Qatar Airways Privilege Club and British Airways Executive Club can still redeem Avios for Qatar Airways flights up to 355 days in advance. Until recently, it was possible to redeem Qantas points for most Qatar … Continued

Delta recently revamped its "Premium Select" meal service

How Different Airlines Approach Premium Economy Meals

Premium Economy has been a popular invention for passengers looking for an improved travel experience on a budget. The cabin has also proven lucrative for airlines. The beauty of Premium Economy, from an accountant’s point of view, is that the seats only take up around 30-60% more room on the plane (depending on the configuration). … Continued

Japan Mt Fuji

Japan is Fully Reopening to Tourists!

The wait for Japan to reopen its border to independent tourists is almost over with the country set to remove its strict COVID-19 entry restrictions on 11 October 2022, Japanese media is reporting. From 11 October, the daily international arrival cap and visa requirements for overseas tourists will be lifted. The requirement for tourists entering … Continued

Qantas A380 in front of a Virgin Australia aircraft

Flybuys Considering Switch to Qantas Points?

Flybuys members currently have the option to transfer their points to Virgin Australia’s Velocity program at a 2:1 rate. Since the popular Flybuys-Velocity tie-up launched in 2016, it’s also possible to earn 1 Virgin Australia status credit for every $100 spent at Coles, Liquorland or First Choice Liquor, up to 10 status credits per month. But … Continued