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.

A Tipple in the Air Brings A Holiday Cheer

This week’s topic is not for the easily-dehydrated. Our members spread the Christmas cheer and discuss their alcohol consumption in the air. An urban flying legend has emerged that one passenger managed to down eight bottles of Dom Perignon on a long haul flight. Our members question the veracity of this tale. However, it has … Continued

11 Dec 2014 In Flight

Cons (and some pros) of overnight long-haul flights

There is nothing like coming home. That is of course unless the flight getting you home happens to be a famed “red eye” or overnight flight. If you are lucky enough to be able to sleep on a plane then if may not be so bad. For some of our members however, the experience is … Continued

6 Dec 2014 In Flight

Qantas Travelling Pet Policy leaves Members Barking Mad

The latest group of passengers to be targeted by Qantas policy changes are barking mad about it. One member has been left furious that Qantas now require travelling pets to be consigned as freight for all tickets purchased after 1 December 2014. It is a dog eat dog world out there for travelling fur-babies. The … Continued

4 Dec 2014 Qantas

Travel to Indonesia gets easier (and cheaper)

Australian passport holders are reportedly one of the luckiest in the world. For many countries, the only preparation required is presenting your passport on arrival for an instant visa. There are however, always exceptions. One of the more popular destinations for Australian travellers, is Indonesia. At present this requires the purchase of a USD$35 Visa … Continued

2 Dec 2014 The Journey

How to catch those elusive long haul redemptions

Some of the better award flight redemptions to be had for any frequent flyer program can be found in the long haul options on offer. Using those hard earned points and a little cash to replace potentially thousands can be very good value. But you do need to put some effort into catching those redemptions, … Continued

1 Dec 2014 Qantas

90 Reasons to Fly Qantas – not!

A common theme on our discussion board in recent times is “Qantas-bashing”. Some members see this as a blood sport and engage in it freely and often, whilst others have grown tired of the constant barrage of Qantas-hating. This week our member’s take inspiration from a previous Qantas marketing campaign and set a goal to … Continued

27 Nov 2014 Qantas

Virgin and BP announce new partnership

Earning Frequent Flyer points for money you are spending anyway is always an attractive proposition. Fuel has become a significant expense for many and an easy way to earn Qantas points through the Woolworths/Caltex tie up. Many of the Caltex service stations also allow you to earn Myer One points as a double dip. While … Continued

25 Nov 2014 Virgin Australia

Earning Qantas points – quickly and cheaply

This week, one of our members had a question that has probably crossed the mind of many a member. Faced with an award being available, but not having enough points, how do you quickly accumulate those much needed points? Long time listener, first time caller. I am travelling from Melbourne-Sydney in a few weeks and … Continued

24 Nov 2014 Qantas

Picking the right Frequent Flyer Program

One of the more popular questions we see on the forum, particularly from newish members, is the question of what Frequent Flyer program to join. While some may have points that are easy to earn, the redemption or “burn” rates can be very high. Others – in particular those from non-Australian airlines – may offer … Continued

Virgin’s lesson in tardiness

One platinum member this week is furious that they were pulled from a flight for arriving at the gate 15 minute prior to departure time. This resulted in our member having to fork out an additional $120 to catch a later flight. It would seem that Virgin made little effort to track our traveler down … Continued

13 Nov 2014 Virgin Australia