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.
Ever since Qantas revealed its new Boeing 787 Dreamliner Business Class suites, the airline has been telling us that frequent flyers nickname them “mini First Class”. And, sure enough, media outlets have repeated this claim time and time again. It’s quite a claim, but are frequent flyers really calling Qantas Business “mini First Class”? We’re … Continued
Unlike in Australia, Europe has a government-mandated compensation scheme that forces airlines to compensate passengers affected by delayed, cancelled and overbooked flights. European airlines – and non-European airlines flying from Europe – are legally required to pay compensation to passengers delayed over two hours. In theory, this is a very consumer-friendly system that prevents airlines … Continued
Flight delays and cancellations can happen on all airlines for many different reasons. But the way airlines handle lengthy delays can vary drastically. Some airlines will provide meal vouchers and compensation for delays. Accommodation may also be offered in the event of an overnight flight delay. But in Australia, there are no minimum standards or requirements. … Continued
Qantas is bringing First Class back to its Sydney-Hong Kong route from December until March 2019. If you’re quick, you may even be able to book Qantas First Class to Hong Kong using frequent flyer points. There are currently two First Class award seats available on the new flights almost every day! For several years, … Continued
Ahead of a long-haul international flight, that beep at the boarding gate when you get an upgrade is a moment of pure joy. After working hard to save up enough frequent flyer points, you’ve won the upgrade lottery and can look forward to a delicious meal and comfortable sleep on board. But for one Qantas … Continued
Strategic seat selection can make all the difference between a comfortable flight and a torturous experience in a cramped middle seat. That’s why many frequent flyers spend a lot of time and effort researching aircraft configurations and choosing the best seat on the plane. When travelling as a couple, aircraft with pairs of neighbouring seats … Continued
Did you know that there are several domestic tag flights within Australia operated by overseas airlines? For example, Cathay Pacific flies from Brisbane to Cairns, with services continuing to Hong Kong. However, it is impossible to book a seat on these domestic tag flights within Australia. While overseas airlines are allowed to operate tag flights … Continued
Singapore Airlines has been named the world’s best airline in the 2018 Skytrax rankings. The title was stolen from Qatar Airways, which dropped to second place. No Australian airlines made it into the top ten. Singapore Airlines also won the 2018 Skytrax award for the world’s best First Class. Qatar Airways has the best Business … Continued
Newcastle Airport will receive its first international flights since 2002 with non-stop flights to New Zealand. The direct Virgin Australia flights from Newcastle to Auckland will take off from 22 November 2018. Running 3x weekly, this will initially be a seasonal service operating over summer until 17 February 2019. But Virgin has said it will … Continued
Vanuatu is a superb tropical holiday destination, and the beautiful Vanuatu Islands are just a short flight from Australia! In fact, a direct flight from Brisbane to Port Vila takes less than 3 hours. Here’s some more good news: you can redeem frequent flyer points to Vanuatu. Redeem Virgin Australia Velocity Points to Vanuatu Virgin … Continued
Qantas used to award frequent flyer points and status credits at one standard rate based on the distance you’re flying and your class of travel. This would be the same rate when flying with Qantas or any Qantas partner airline. But this all changed a few years ago. Qantas now punishes its frequent flyers with … Continued
Last month, Iberia announced a new promotion offering 9,000 bonus Avios (Iberia miles) for booking any flight on Iberia or its regional subsidiaries. The Avios would post within 10 days of booking the flight, and up to 90,000 Avios were available per person. This was a great deal because Avios are relatively valuable and Iberia … Continued
