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.
For frequent travellers, there are many benefits of frequent flyer program membership. The points earned can be put towards free flights & upgrades, and elite status offers benefits such as lounge access & priority check-in. But for a relatively infrequent flyer, does airline loyalty come at a cost that is not outweighed by the benefits? This week … Continued
Virgin Australia has announced major changes to its Velocity Frequent Flyer program. Many reward flight prices are increasing, and points will also expire more quickly. But it’s not all doom and gloom, with most redemptions on Singapore Airlines actually becoming cheaper. The big news is an increase to many of Virgin’s reward flight redemption rates. … Continued
Qantas is now allowing classic reward flights to be upgraded with points. This means that passengers using points to book reward flights in Economy or Premium Economy can enter the “upgrade lottery” for a bump-up to Premium Economy or Business class. (Business Class rewards remain ineligible for upgrades to First class.) So… is this a … Continued
Some lucky Qantas Business class passengers have the opportunity to fly in First class seats – for no extra cost! Qantas international flights operated by Boeing 747 aircraft are sold as three-class services; featuring Economy, Premium Economy and Business class. But two of Qantas’ remaining Boeing 747s actually feature a fourth cabin class: First. As Qantas … Continued
One member this week is pondering the best way to spend their more than half a million Virgin Velocity frequent flyer points. So I have half a million points at the moment and kinda have a dilemma using them. I was looking at maybe in 1.5 years time to use the points on a Europe … Continued
This week our members outline strategies to prevent frequent flyer points from expiring, even if you’re an infrequent flyer. Qantas points expire after 18 months of account inactivity and Virgin Australia Velocity points expire after two years. So, as little as one point must be earned or redeemed every 18-24 months to keep the points balance … Continued
Many people aspire to one day fly in First Class on an international flight. This week one member is planning to turn that dream into a reality! Ready to splurge, they asked our community for advice on maximising the First class experience. I’ve always wanted to travel long-haul international in F (who hasn’t?). but, like … Continued
Many lucky members snagged an extraordinary deal on flights to the USA last week! For a short time, Virgin Australia flights between Australia and Los Angeles were available for as low as USD254 ($355) return. The amazing fare was discovered by one of our members, who kindly informed other AFF members of their discovery on the … Continued
When redeeming your Qantas Frequent Flyer points for flights, there are two main options. The first is to book a “Classic Flight Reward”. This is generally regarded as the best value, although reward seat availability is limited. The second option is “Points Plus Pay”. This redemption simply takes any airfare, converting the cash price to … Continued
Qantas’ Price Promise is virtually worthless, according to one member. This member’s recent claim was rejected on a minor technicality. But Qantas still refused to honour their guarantee, even after further supporting evidence was submitted. Qantas customers are offered a refund of the fare difference and 1,000 Qantas points if a cheaper price is found … Continued
Qantas and Vodafone have announced a new point-earning partnership. Qantas Frequent Flyer points can now be earned on any of Vodafone’s new “Qantas Red” mobile phone plans. The tie-up fills a gap in the Qantas Frequent Flyer program that was created after the withdrawal of Optus last year. But the way in which points are … Continued
This week our members share their amusing, shocking and downright ridiculous stories of self-entitled airline passengers not getting their way. It seems that some believe their elite frequent flyer status gives them a licence to demand a free upgrade, jump the queue or disrespect airline staff. But who knew that a fully-grown adult could have … Continued