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.

Airberlin planes TXL

Airberlin on its Last Legs

Airberlin, Germany’s second-largest airline, has filed for bankruptcy. Airberlin flights are still operating as normal for the moment, thanks to a loan from the German government. But the long-term future for the airline is perilously uncertain. Airberlin is a partner airline of both Qantas, through its membership in the Oneworld alliance, and Virgin Australia. The … Continued

19 Aug 2017 Other Airlines
Emirates First Class

Complimentary Upgrade Secrets

There are plenty of myths about getting a free airline upgrade. The reality is that dressing up, pretending you’re on a honeymoon or complimenting the check-in agent – though nice – probably won’t see you bumped up to the pointy-end. But free upgrades do exist. So, why are they given and how can you get … Continued

Qantas A380 Business class

Qantas Business Class: In Need of a Refresh?

When Qantas introduced the A380 to its fleet in 2008, the airline’s flagship long-haul aircraft featured a world-leading Business class product. Fast-forward nine years and the seats are starting to show their age. While other airlines have continuously improved their Business class products, some of our members believe the Qantas product now lags behind. One … Continued

16 Aug 2017 Qantas
Thai Airways business class

60% off Thai Airways Business Class!

Fly Thai Airways Business and First class to Bangkok & beyond for up to 60% off! United Airlines may not be renowned for its customer service, but its frequent flyer program “Mileage Plus” is worth taking notice of. United sells Mileage Plus miles, and regularly offers generous discounts and bonuses. United’s current promotion offers up … Continued

How to Maximise Velocity's Bonus Status Credits Offer (May 2021)

A Virgin Status Tier Above Velocity Platinum?

This week our members ponder the possibility of Virgin Australia introducing a new Velocity status tier above Platinum. Currently, Virgin Australia has three status tiers; Silver, Gold and Platinum. But there is little incentive to continue flying with Virgin after qualifying for Platinum status each year. There is simply no higher status tier to aim … Continued

14 Aug 2017 Virgin Australia
In-flight entertainment AVOD IFE

In-Flight Entertainment: Yay or Nay?

For many travellers, long-haul flights are a welcome opportunity to catch up on the latest new-release movies. But a surprisingly large number of travellers say that they rarely or never use the in-flight entertainment. One member recently flew to Europe and back. Despite spending almost two days in the air, they did not use the … Continued

10 Aug 2017 In Flight

Insanely Cheap European Business Class

Heading to Europe? You can cash in Etihad Guest miles for insanely cheap Business class flights on Brussels Airlines, Czech Airlines and Air Serbia. The Opportunity Etihad Guest miles are relatively easy to earn in Australia. You can earn miles by shopping at Coles, transfer points from many Australian credit cards, and even buy miles … Continued

Virgin Australia 737-800 at Canberra Airport

Compensation for Virgin Aircraft Downgrades?

Virgin Australia’s A330s feature one of the world’s best Business class products. Passengers can enjoy comfortable lie-flat beds with direct aisle access, a large entertainment screen and plenty of personal space. “the business”, as Virgin calls it, is offered on all Airbus A330 flights between the east coast of Australia and Perth. Unfortunately for Virgin … Continued

Qantas 747 Premium Economy

Qantas Premium Economy for HALF the Points!

Want to fly Qantas to destinations like Los Angeles, Dubai, Santiago or Johannesburg in Premium Economy? Book for HALF the number of points via the Cathay Pacific Asia Miles program! After some inspiration on ways to redeem your frequent flyer points? In our weekly Points Inspiration segment, we highlight an excellent frequent flyer redemption opportunity … Continued

1 Aug 2017 Cathay Pacific
Asiana Airlines flight attendants

Experiences with Asiana Airlines

Ahead of a trip to New York, one member is currently researching flights. They’ve flown to the United States via Los Angeles several times. This time, they’re considering flying Asiana Airlines for a change. Based in Korea, Asiana Airlines is a Star Alliance member offering daily flights from Sydney to Seoul and beyond. Before booking … Continued

31 Jul 2017 Other Airlines
Qatar Airways was the only airline to increase flights to Australia during April 2020

Qatar Airways Coming to Canberra

Qatar Airways will commence daily Boeing 777 flights to Canberra, of all places, from 12 February 2018. The new route looks like a big win for Canberra, but the real winner is Sydney. The Canberra-Doha flights will operate via Sydney in both directions, meaning that Sydney receives a second daily direct flight to Doha. Meanwhile, … Continued

29 Jul 2017 Qatar Airways

Qantas Compensation Farce

A Qantas flyer is still waiting for compensation after they were downgraded from First class. This member had booked a First class award from Dallas to Sydney for his wife using Qantas points. But the flight was cancelled at short notice. An alternative routing was offered via Los Angeles and Auckland on other airlines, but … Continued

27 Jul 2017 Qantas