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.

Emirates and Malaysia Airlines Announce Partnership

A troubled Malaysia Airlines has announced a new partnership with Emirates. Under the new agreement, which comes into effect in 2016, Emirates Skywards and Malaysia Airlines Enrich members will enjoy reciprocal benefits when flying on either airline. This includes the ability to earn and redeem points for each airlines’ flights. Malaysia Airlines will also codeshare … Continued

14 Dec 2015 Emirates

Redeeming Qantas Points for Business Class to the USA

Redeeming points to fly in Business class can be a challenge at the best of times. Reward seats can be very difficult to find. But trying to find award availability on Qantas’ hugely popular flights to the USA can border on the impossible. One member is hoping to use points to fly two people to … Continued

12 Dec 2015 Qantas

Virgin’s Identity Crisis

One Platinum Virgin Australia flyer believes the airline is suffering from a serious case of “innovation deprivation”. This member is considering switching to Qantas as they feel constantly underwhelmed by Virgin’s inconsistent product. In 2011, Virgin Blue became Virgin Australia as part of a transition towards “full service” airline status. Despite much initial fanfare, this … Continued

10 Dec 2015 Virgin Australia

It’s Back: Bonus Points on Qantas Vouchers

One of the best Qantas deals of the year is back! For the past five years, Qantas has offered bonus points at Christmas time on gift voucher purchases. Although this year’s deal is not as generous as last year’s, there are still 5 points for every dollar spent on flight vouchers up for grabs. This … Continued

7 Dec 2015 Qantas

Climbing the Airline Status Ladder

Many travelers are lured by the benefits of Gold and Platinum airline status. Complimentary lounge access, more upgrades, no queues and extra points make the status chase tempting. But is elite status really worthwhile? Or are there other ways to enjoy the same perks – even as an infrequent flyer – without the extra time, … Continued

Best Airline from Australia to China?

There are numerous airlines that offer direct flights between Australia and China, plus countless others offering one-stop flights through hubs like Singapore and Hong Kong. One member is planning a trip from Melbourne to Beijing. As there are no direct flights from Melbourne, this member is will need to connect somewhere. Should the member fly … Continued

Best Use of British Airways Avios

This week the British Airways Executive Club program is a topic of discussion. In particular, what are the best ways to redeem Avios, BA’s mile “currency”? As a oneworld member airline, British Airways Avios can be used for flights on BA itself or any oneworld partner airline. This includes Qantas, Cathay Pacific and American Airlines. … Continued

28 Nov 2015 British Airways

Status Runs: Bridge a Status Credit Shortfall

What should you do if your Qantas Frequent Flyer membership year is coming to an end, and you’re just short of the required status credits to reach a higher status tier? One solution is to go on a “status run”. This is where a frequent flyer travels in order to earn status credits. The key … Continued

24 Nov 2015 Qantas

Major American AAdvantage Devaluation Coming

American Airlines has announced a major devaluation of its popular AAdvantage frequent flyer program. Among other things, Australian travellers will be most affected by the increased rates for redeeming miles on flights. But the changes go further. American is changing the way members can qualify for elite status, as well as removing some benefits from … Continued

The 750,000 Frequent Flyer Point Dilemma

This week one member faces a highly enviable dilemma. Having accumulated over 750,000 frequent flyer points with Qantas and Virgin, they now wish to spend these points to fly in the luxury of the pointy end of the plane. Naturally, our online community is only too happy to help decide how best to convert those … Continued

Jetstar Business vs Qantas in Economy

Jetstar Business Class is not exactly renowned as a top-notch premium product. But is it worth considering when the price is only a little higher than Qantas’ asking price for a seat in Economy? This is the dilemma faced by one member currently researching flights to Hawaii. Qantas Business Class is too expensive, and our … Continued

17 Nov 2015 Jetstar
American Airlines 777

How to Earn American AAdvantage Miles in Australia

There are countless ways to earn frequent flyer points within Australia through our local programs, Qantas and Virgin Velocity Frequent Flyer. Both programs offer a range of linked credit cards and dozens of local retailer partners. This makes the accrual of frequent flyer points relatively easy – even if you’re an infrequent flyer. But there … Continued