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.

South Africa safari rhinos

Qantas to Start Perth-Johannesburg Flights?

Qantas is reportedly considering launching direct flights from Perth to Johannesburg. Complementing Qantas’ existing route from Sydney to South Africa, the new service would directly compete with South African Airways. The new Qantas flights from Perth to Johannesburg would operate 4x weekly from 7 December 2018, using an Airbus A330-200. Routes Online reports that Qantas … Continued

11 Apr 2018 Qantas
Hong Kong

Virgin Australia Sparks Hong Kong Price War

Virgin Australia will begin direct flights from Sydney to Hong Kong from 2 July. To celebrate the new route’s launch, cheap flights to Hong Kong are now on sale from just $529 return and Business class is available from just $1,742 return! Virgin’s entry on the Sydney-Hong Kong route is great if you’re a Virgin … Continued

Virgin Australia 737 business wine

Extra Virgin Upgrade Space for Platinum Members

It’s relatively well-known that the Qantas call centre can release extra reward seats for Platinum frequent flyers. It seems Virgin’s call centre staff may also have similar powers to release extra Virgin Australia upgrade space. Platinum Velocity members are entitled to up to four complimentary upgrades from Economy Freedom fares to Business class per year. … Continued

Qantas Boeing 737-800 at Auckland Airport

Air New Zealand Ditches Virgin Australia Alliance

Air New Zealand has terminated its trans-Tasman alliance with Virgin Australia. The surprise announcement marks the end of an 8-year partnership between the Kiwi carrier and Virgin Australia. Air New Zealand’s alliance with Virgin Australia will end on 28 October 2018. From this date, Virgin Australia customers will no longer be able to book Air … Continued

Qantas 787 Business Class

Business Class to London: Upgrade vs Reward Booking

Nobody wants to fly to Europe in Economy, but few can afford a full-price Business class ticket. That’s where frequent flyer points can come in very handy! Qantas points can be used to upgrade an Economy seat to Premium Economy or Business class. You can also use Qantas points to book an outright Classic Flight … Continued

5 Apr 2018 Qantas
Fiji Airways A330

Redeem Qantas Points on Fiji Airways to the USA

If you’ve ever tried to redeem Qantas points for flights to the United States – especially in Business class – you’ve probably come across lack of award availability. Business class award seats from Australia to North America are in very high demand. And the few Business class reward seats that Qantas does release are often taken … Continued

Beach in Lombok, Indonesia

Malaysia Airlines Sale: Australia to Indonesia from $395 return

There are currently some excellent Economy airfares from Australia to destinations across the Malaysia Airlines network. Pricing from Australia to Indonesia, including Bali and Jakarta, is especially sharp. The Malaysia Airlines sale fares are available on flights departing Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Perth. Sale fares from Brisbane are also available after Malaysia Airlines resumes direct … Continued

Carry on luggage overhead locker

Virgin Carry-on Crackdown

Virgin Australia is cracking down on carry-on luggage that exceeds the airline’s strict 7kg weight limit. Passengers with overweight carry-on are being turned around and asked to check in their bags. It appears the Virgin carry-on crackdown has been taking place randomly across Virgin’s domestic network over the past few weeks. But our members report … Continued

Malaysia Airlines A330 oneworld livery

Redeem Qantas Points on Malaysia Airlines

Struggling to use your Qantas points to fly to Asia or London? Malaysia Airlines has award seats available on many flights… The Opportunity Looking to use Qantas points to fly to Asia or Europe? Malaysia Airlines flies from Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth to its hub in Kuala Lumpur. Flights from Brisbane also commence in June … Continued

Qantas Cuts Chauffeur Drive Service

Business & First Class Chauffeur Drive Guide

When you buy or redeem an airline ticket in Business or First class, you’re not just buying a better seat. As well as improved on-board service, some airlines offer additional benefits on the ground. In fact, the premium travel experience with some airlines begins before you even arrive at the airport! Qantas, Virgin Australia, Emirates … Continued

1 Apr 2018 The Journey
Red wine with cheese grapes

Bonus Qantas Points with Qantas epiQure

Qantas epiQure is Qantas’ online wine retailer. It’s a popular place among AFF members to buy wine due to the generous amounts of bonus Qantas points that come with many of the wines. What’s more, Qantas is currently offering up to 10,000 bonus Qantas points and free delivery on all Qantas epiQure wine purchases over … Continued

31 Mar 2018 Qantas
Chicago, USA

Air New Zealand Starts Auckland-Chicago Flights

Ultra-long-haul flights are becoming ever more common. Today’s aircraft can fly further – and more economically – than ever before. And airlines are taking advantage of this. Just last week, Qantas commenced non-stop flights between Perth and London. Non-stop flights from Australia to destinations across the United States are also becoming more common as modern … Continued

31 Mar 2018 Air New Zealand