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.

Hawaii beach

Rare Direct Qantas Award Availability to Hawaii

Redeeming Qantas points for travel to Hawaii is notoriously difficult. Qantas does not generally release any premium cabin awards on its flights between Sydney and Honolulu. This leaves partner airlines like Jetstar, Fiji Airways and Japan Airlines as the only option for those looking to redeem their Qantas points for Business Class flights. But there’s … Continued

11 Jul 2018 Qantas
Computer beach

Got a Travel-Related Question? Ask Here…

The Australian Frequent Flyer (AFF) forum is a wonderfully useful resource for travellers. Our forums cover all sorts of travel-related topics including airlines, loyalty programs, credit cards, hotels and much more! There are many knowledgeable AFF members that are happy to answer any travel-related questions you may have. Asking questions will enable you to get … Continued

Virgin Velocity status cards

Virgin Australia Status Match for Government Employees

Virgin Australia is currently offering a status match to federal government employees with Qantas Frequent Flyer status. Until 31 July, Virgin will match your Qantas status allowing you to sample the perks of Velocity Frequent Flyer status for twelve months at no cost. The Virgin Australia status match is available to all travellers accessing the … Continued

Qantas 747

Qantas Brings 747s on Domestic Flights

Qantas will start using Boeing 747s on domestic flights from the end of this month. The jumbo jet will serve the trans-continental Sydney-Perth route and some lucky Qantas frequent flyers will be able to score a free upgrade to a Premium Economy seat! The first Sydney-Perth Boeing 747 flight will be QF581 on 30 July … Continued

5 Jul 2018 Qantas
Taj Mahal, India

More Direct Flights from Australia to India?

Over 320,000 Indians visit Australia every year, with around the same number of Australians travelling to India annually. There are also nearly half a million Indians living in Australia. Despite this, Air India is currently the only airline flying direct from Australia to India. But this could change very soon, following the signing of a … Continued

More Bali Flights Cancelled by Volcanic Ash

Bali’s international airport has re-opened but many flights are still disrupted due to volcanic ash. Since last Thursday, many flights between Australia and Denpasar have been delayed, diverted or cancelled. And most passengers won’t be covered by travel insurance. Bali’s Mt Agung, which first erupted in November last year, is once again the culprit. The … Continued

Hong Kong

Virgin to Resume Daily Melbourne-Hong Kong Flights

Virgin Australia will resume daily flights from Melbourne to Hong Kong from 28 October 2018. This is the same date that Virgin’s partner Hong Kong Airlines will end flights from Gold Coast and Cairns to Hong Kong. Virgin Australia currently flies every day from Melbourne to Hong Kong using Airbus A330-200s. But Virgin’s Melbourne-Hong Kong schedule … Continued

30 Jun 2018 Virgin Australia
Qantas 747 Premium Economy

Qantas Temporarily Axes Premium Economy to Hong Kong

Qantas will temporarily remove Premium Economy from its Sydney-Hong Kong flights next year. All Qantas flights to Hong Kong between 29 March and 10 June 2019 are currently scheduled to be operated by Airbus A330s. These aircraft do not have a Premium Economy cabin. As a result, Qantas is not selling any seats in Premium … Continued

29 Jun 2018 Qantas
Calculating value

How Much is a Frequent Flyer Point Worth?

Not all frequent flyer points were created equal. The value you receive depends on how they are spent. We all try to maximise the value we get when redeeming frequent flyer points… so how do you know if you’re getting a good deal? The “Cents Per Point” Method One way to calculate the value of … Continued

27 Jun 2018 Qantas
There will be minimal changes to the interior of the ex-Virgin 737s

Virgin Australia Family Pooling Guide

Virgin Australia’s family pooling scheme is a unique benefit that allows up to six family members to combine their Velocity points and status credits in one account. This family-friendly initiative makes it much easier to earn Virgin Australia status when travelling together. How family pooling works A family pool can consist of up to two … Continued

27 Jun 2018 Virgin Australia
A QantasLink Boeing 717 at Canberra Airport

Qantas Priority Boarding Doesn’t Work

Priority boarding is a published Qantas benefit for eligible passengers. Qantas advertises that priority boarding will be available to Business class passengers and Gold, Platinum and Platinum One frequent flyers on Qantas flights. Unfortunately, this benefit is delivered so rarely that Qantas priority boarding has become a running joke on the Australian Frequent Flyer forum. … Continued

23 Jun 2018 Qantas