Airlines, Miles and Points

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.

American Airlines 787

American Airlines Adds Christchurch, Auckland-Dallas Flights

American Airlines will add two more seasonal routes to New Zealand from next summer. In addition to non-stop Auckland-Dallas/Fort Worth flights, American will fly 3 times per week from Christchurch to Los Angeles. The new Christchurch-Los Angeles route will be the only direct service between New Zealand’s South Island and the United States. In addition, … Continued

Cheese plate in Qantas business lounge

How to get a Cheese Plate in the Qantas Business Lounge

Fancy a cheese plate in the Qantas Business Lounge? In the domestic Business class lounges, Qantas does not generally put out cheese and crackers with the rest of the lounge buffet food. But there’s a simple trick to get a delicious cheese plate complete with two types of cheese, crackers, nuts, quince paste, apricots and … Continued

27 Oct 2019 Qantas
Australia air routes globe

Airline Route Changes from 27 October 2019

This weekend marks the start of the IATA northern winter scheduling period. As well as the end of daylight savings in Europe, this means lots of changes to airline routes and schedules. From this weekend, Cathay Pacific will pull out of Cairns. But there is also some good news, with United Airlines increasing flights to … Continued

Air New Zealand 787 Auckland

Air New Zealand to Fly Non-Stop to New York

Air New Zealand will launch non-stop commercial flights to New York next year, pipping Qantas to the post. Air New Zealand will fly 3 times per week from Auckland to Newark Liberty International Airport from 29 October 2020. The flights will depart both Auckland and New York on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays and will be … Continued

24 Oct 2019 Air New Zealand
Etihad business class

Manila to Europe in Business Class from $2,525 return

Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, KLM, Oman Air and Emirates currently have some excellent Business class sale fares from the Philippines to Europe, for travel right up until the end of August 2020. For example, you could fly with Etihad Airways in Business Class from Manila to Rome for just $2,571 return. If you live in … Continued

22 Oct 2019 Etihad Airways
Tokyo Japan

Virgin Australia Wins Haneda Approval

Virgin Australia is set to launch daily Brisbane-Haneda flights next year, following a decision by Australia’s International Air Services Commission (IASC) to give one new slot each to Qantas and Virgin Australia at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport. Qantas had applied for both of the two daytime new take-off and landing slots available from next March at … Continued

21 Oct 2019 Virgin Australia

Qantas Flies Non-Stop from New York to Sydney

Qantas’ first non-stop Project Sunrise test flight from New York to Sydney touched down yesterday morning to much fanfare. After leaving New York at 9pm on Friday night (local time), QF7879 flew for 19 hours and 16 minutes before touching down just after 7am on Sunday morning. On board the research flight were four on-duty … Continued

21 Oct 2019 Qantas
Loyalty card wallet

Airlines Respond to ACCC Report on Loyalty Schemes

Last month, the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) released a draft report into loyalty programs, expressing “significant concerns” and inviting submissions from the public. Public submissions in response to the draft report on loyalty schemes have now been published on the ACCC website. There were 22 submissions, including from Qantas, Virgin Australia, Woolworths and … Continued

Qantas Celebrates 100th Birthday in Unfortunate Circumstances

Qantas Unveils 100th Anniversary Dreamliner Livery

Qantas is turning 99 years old next month. To celebrate the airline’s entry into its 100th year, it has painted its brand new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner in a special centenary livery. VH-ZNJ, named “Longreach”, is Qantas’ tenth Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. It will be delivered to the airline this week and, as it makes its way … Continued

15 Oct 2019 Qantas

Virgin Business Passenger Refused Diet Coke

The recent changes to Virgin Australia’s Business class catering have come back to bite after a Virgin Business Class passenger was told they’d have to pay for a can of Diet Coke. Last Wednesday, Virgin stopped offering Business class guests complimentary snacks and drinks from the Economy buy-on-board menu. Business class passengers that would like … Continued

14 Oct 2019 Virgin Australia
United Airlines checkin staff

United Suspends Status Challenge, Changes Status Earning

United MileagePlus has discontinued its long-running status challenge. The move comes as United announces a complete overhaul to the way MileagePlus Premier status is earned, effective from 1 January 2020. United status challenge discontinued… for now United’s status challenge has been a popular shortcut to Star Alliance Gold status. Until 30 September 2019, United offered … Continued

14 Oct 2019 United Airlines
Qantas and American Airlines tails

Qantas Improves American Airlines Earn Rates

Qantas has increased the amount of points and status credits you’ll earn for many American Airlines flights, including trans-Pacific and US domestic flights. It’s more good news for travellers following the approval of a new joint venture between American Airlines and Qantas earlier this year. As a result of the joint venture, Qantas has already announced … Continued

13 Oct 2019 Qantas