Airlines, miles, and points is the most popular topic at Australian Frequent Flyer. In this category, we provide expert tips, insider tricks, and facilitate discussions about Qantas, Virgin Australia, non-Australian airlines, and global airline alliances. From earning and redeeming frequent flyer points to maximising elite status benefits, we aim to help you get the most out of your travel.
We also cover every step of the journey – from planning and booking flights to experiencing the flight itself, and finally, arriving at your destination. Whether you're a seasoned traveller or just starting to explore the world of frequent flyer programs, you'll find valuable advice to elevate your travel experience.
See below for articles on airlines, miles and points.
Qantas has secured an additional $550 million in debt funding, giving the airline sufficient liquidity to survive until at least December 2021, CEO Alan Joyce revealed in a market update this week. But this is not without trade-offs, with Project Sunrise now delayed indefinitely and Qantas’ A380 refurbishment program suspended. We may never see an … Continued
Oneworld’s Cathay Pacific has almost completely eliminated fuel and carrier surcharges from both commercial airfares and award bookings. This includes Asia Miles awards and Classic Flight Reward bookings made using Qantas points, where carrier charges are no longer payable at all. The only exception is journeys originating in Japan, where a small fuel surcharge is … Continued
Although Qantas is no longer filling its aircraft seat pockets with reading material, and many planes are temporarily grounded, Qantas has continued producing and printing its in-flight magazine. But this month’s Qantas Magazine isn’t written for passengers looking to pass the time during their flight. Instead, the magazine is being mailed out to selected Qantas … Continued
South American airline LATAM has left the Oneworld alliance today. LATAM Airlines announced its intention to exit Oneworld in September 2019, initially proposing an October 2020 departure date. This was later brought forward to 1 May 2020. Although LATAM Airlines has departed the Oneworld alliance, it retains extensive partnerships with some Oneworld member airlines including … Continued
Virgin Australia currently owes $6.8 billion – more than previously thought – to around 12,000 creditors, the administrators have revealed. More than 9,000 of those creditors are Virgin employees, which are owed a combined total of $451 million. It also turns out that the trust backing the value of Velocity Frequent Flyer points is owed … Continued
If you’re currently booked on a Qantas flight for travel until 31 July 2020, and no longer wish to travel, you have until next Thursday to cancel for a flight credit voucher without paying any fees. Qantas has been actively encouraging passengers to request a credit voucher at the earliest opportunity. After all, this is … Continued
Japan Airlines (JAL) has a handy feature for finding Oneworld award availability on its website. The JAL website displays award availability for all 13 Oneworld member airlines, including Qantas and Cathay Pacific, and you can view availability across all Oneworld airlines in a single search. JAL’s Oneworld Award search tool is a handy addition to the … Continued
Virgin Australia has committed to extending paid airport lounge memberships by six months due to the COVID-19 travel shutdown. A Virgin Australia spokesperson confirmed to Australian Frequent Flyer that Virgin Australia Lounge members will be notified shortly. Extensions will be processed in the “near future” and members will be contacted directly once this happens. There is no need … Continued
When Ansett Australia collapsed in 2001, Ansett Global Rewards points became instantly worthless. This may have happened 19 years ago, but many former Ansett members have long memories. It’s part of the reason that there has been a rush to cash out Velocity Frequent Flyer points over the past few weeks as Virgin Australia’s financial … Continued
Virgin Australia has officially entered voluntary administration, as it struggles with a crippling $5 billion debt and unprecedented weak demand for air travel. But, this may not be the end for Virgin Australia – which continues to operate flights for now and is desperately working to find a long-term solution. So, what does this all … Continued
Qantas Frequent Flyer members now have the option to get two-factor authentication codes via an offline Authenticator App, rather than relying on text messages or security questions. Qantas implemented two-factor authentication, which adds a second layer of security to members’ frequent flyer accounts, in 2019. Designed to prevent loyalty program fraud, the system requires members … Continued
Many frequent flyers have been watching the news about Virgin Australia nervously this week. As the airline suspends share trading and considers voluntary administration, the question on everybody’s mind is: “Should I be worried about my Velocity points?” For now, the future of Virgin Australia really depends on whether it gets a lifeline from the … Continued
