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.

Air New Zealand 787 Business Premier seat

Unusual Air New Zealand Award Availability

When it comes to releasing Business Class award seats to partner airlines, Air New Zealand would have to be one of the world’s stingiest airlines. But there is now a surprisingly good amount of Business Class award space on certain routes including Melbourne-Auckland, for travel dates within the next three months. Although New Zealand’s national … Continued

Qantas international business lounge Brisbane

Qantas Complimentary Lounge Invitation Limitations

If you have Points Club membership, Qantas Frequent Flyer Silver status or a premium Qantas co-branded credit card, you may have received some complimentary Qantas lounge invitations. These one-time passes can generally be used to access domestic Qantas Club and international Qantas Business Lounges before flying on the same day with Qantas or Jetstar. If … Continued

31 Jul 2022 Qantas
Qantas A330-200 domestic Economy cabin

When Qantas Gets It Right, They’re Great

When I needed to fly from Melbourne to Sydney with a checked bag this week, I’ll be honest – Qantas was not my first choice. Given all the delays, cancellations and lost bags of late – combined with Qantas’ woeful customer service on the ground when things go wrong – I would have preferred to … Continued

30 Jul 2022 Qantas
Jetstar 787-8 Dreamliner

Jetstar Restarts Flights to Japan

Japan’s border may still be closed to independent tourists, but that hasn’t stopped Jetstar from restarting direct flights from Australia to Japan for the first time since the pandemic began! Jetstar began last week by restarting its Cairns-Tokyo route. The first flight back from Tokyo’s Narita Airport to Cairns was almost completely filled by Japanese … Continued

25 Jul 2022 Jetstar
AirAsia will resume Airbus A330 flights from Kuala Lumpur to Australia and New Zealand

AirAsia X Challenges on Sydney-Auckland Route

Malaysian low-cost carrier AirAsia X will launch flights between Sydney and Auckland in November 2022, bringing with it cheap Economy fares and Premium Flatbed seats at the front of the plane. The fifth-freedom flight across the Tasman will be a continuation of AirAsia’s Kuala Lumpur-Sydney service, which briefly restarted in February this year after a two-year … Continued

20 Jul 2022 Other Airlines
Emirates Lounge, Melbourne

Emirates Reopens Most Australian Airport Lounges

The Emirates Lounges in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth will reopen from this week, with demand for international travel having well and truly returned. This is good news for eligible Emirates passengers flying from Sydney, Melbourne or Perth to Dubai who now have access to Emirates’ excellent airport lounges again on departure. It’s also good news … Continued

18 Jul 2022 Emirates
Alaska Airlines domestic First Class

Qantas Fixes Alaska Airlines Classic Reward Pricing

Qantas has finally fixed an error with the way its website prices Classic Flight Rewards on Alaska Airlines after more than a year. Last month, Australian Frequent Flyer highlighted a glitch with the Qantas website where Business Classic Reward seats on Alaska Airlines were being incorrectly priced at the higher “First Class” level. The Qantas website even … Continued

15 Jul 2022 Qantas
United 787

How to Buy & Redeem United MileagePlus Miles

Buying United miles during a promotion can be a clever way to save money on future Star Alliance Business and First class flights, as the cost of the miles is often lower than the cost of an equivalent airfare. United MileagePlus miles can be redeemed for premium cabin award flights across the entire Star Alliance … Continued

14 Jul 2022 United Airlines
Thai Airways Boeing 777-300ER Business Class

No Availability: What’s the Point of Buying LifeMiles in 2022?

LifeMiles, the frequent flyer program of Star Alliance member Avianca, is known for its regular and generous promotions that make it cheap to buy miles. For example, during the current offer running from 4-26 July 2022, you could earn 125-145% bonus LifeMiles on all purchases. Before the pandemic, buying LifeMiles during a promo was often … Continued

14 Jul 2022 Avianca