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.

Enjoy Business Class for Less!

It’s no secret that flying Business class is more enjoyable than Economy, but it also comes with a high price-tag. This week our members share their tricks for scoring discounted Business class tickets, making pointy-end flying possible for just a fraction of the regular ticket price! The first tip is to consider left-field airlines. For … Continued

Earn Qantas Points with Airbnb

Qantas points can now be earned for booking accommodation through Airbnb! To ensure you earn points, you’ll need to use the Airbnb link on the Qantas website and be logged into your Qantas Frequent Flyer account at the time of booking. Points will be credited to your account within 8 weeks after your stay. Our members are largely … Continued

17 Oct 2016 Qantas

Expired Qantas Points Predicament

One member is extremely lucky not to have lost 350,000 Qantas points after they expired due to account inactivity. After trying to use their points to book a redemption flight, this member discovered they had expired just five days earlier. These types of situations often end in disappointment, with the expired points lost forever. Qantas, to … Continued

13 Oct 2016 Qantas
Qantas First Lounge, Sydney

Qantas Platinum Perks Guide

This week our members reveal how they make the most of Platinum status with Qantas. Hi there, I’m new to AFF and to WP (Platinum status). What are some of the best ways to make the use of my WP status? I probably will not be able to maintain being a WP after this year … Continued

12 Oct 2016 Qantas

Etihad Removes Silver Member Lounge Access

Etihad Airways will no longer offer lounge access at most airports for Silver tier members of the Etihad Guest program. The changes, to be implemented from 15 January 2017, come as Etihad aligns the benefits available to members of its partner airlines’ frequent flyer programs. These include Airberlin Topbonus and Alitalia’s MilleMiglia loyalty program. The … Continued

10 Oct 2016 Etihad Airways
Lock

Frequent Flyer Accounts Suspended

Some members have had their frequent flyer accounts suspended after the airline accused them of breaking the program rules. These members have lost access to their frequent flyer points, plus status benefits such as lounge access, until an audit of their accounts is completed. It has been reported that Velocity Frequent Flyer is sending letters to members suspected … Continued

Cathay Pacific exit row seat

Score the Best Seat on the Plane

Would you like to stretch out in the front row, or perhaps an elusive exit row seat on your next flight? Well, you can! There’s a trick that’s guaranteed to get you a better seat on the plane. You may have noticed that when you try to choose a seat, the front rows are unavailable. … Continued

Emirates Forced Downgrade

Emirates has left one member furious after their travelling companion was downgraded without warning at the gate. Despite holding a full-price Business class ticket, this passenger was forced to endure 14 hours in Economy from Dubai to Brisbane. With Business and First class overbooked, this passenger was offered no alternative flights. They were left with … Continued

29 Sep 2016 Emirates
Qantas 747 Premium Economy

Fly to the USA in Comfort

It’s no secret that flying Business or First class is more comfortable than flying Economy. But if you can’t afford a Business class ticket – and don’t have enough points to redeem one – what other options are available to fly to the USA in comfort? Does anyone have any ideas on how to fly from … Continued

Virgin Announces New Los Angeles, Abu Dhabi Flights

Virgin Australia last week announced two new long-haul routes. Melbourne-Los Angeles is back, and a new Perth-Abu Dhabi flight will also be added. As a result, Virgin will withdraw its 3x weekly Sydney-Abu Dhabi flights. Virgin’s Brisbane-Los Angeles service will also be reduced from daily to 6x weekly, with some of the remaining flights seeing … Continued

26 Sep 2016 Virgin Australia

Missing Ticket Mystery

A Virgin flyer has been forced to pay for a new ticket on the spot after the airline lost all records of their booking. The reservation mysteriously disappeared after the first flight on the ticket had already been flown without incident. This member was flying from Canberra to Hobart, with a short layover in Melbourne. … Continued

15 Sep 2016 Virgin Australia
Man in Qantas Club

Is Qantas Gold Status Worth It?

Having been offered a status challenge, one member wonders if the benefits of Qantas Gold status are really worth chasing. I’ve been offered a status challenge (200SC/90Day). Curious, my major flying days are over and I probably wouldn’t fly enough QF/One World metal to get another 600SC for next year; is it worth giving QF … Continued

12 Sep 2016 Qantas