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.

Qantas A380 landing at LAX

Qantas Reduces Refund Waiting Times

Throughout the pandemic, many Qantas customers have complained about having to wait many weeks or months to receive a refund from Qantas for cancelled flights. Others have found it too difficult to request a refund. The good news is that Qantas recently made changes to its refund processes to make it easier and faster for … Continued

27 Jun 2022 Qantas
How Qantas Plans to Fly A330s to LA, SFO

Qantas Adds Perth-Johannesburg Flights

Qantas will fly non-stop from Perth to Johannesburg in South Africa, with a new thrice-weekly service launching in November 2022. Operating on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, QF65 will depart Perth at 3pm and arrive in Johannesburg after 11 hours and 15 minutes of flying at 8.15pm, local time. The return service QF66 will depart Johannesburg … Continued

24 Jun 2022 Qantas
Qantas Airbus A330-300

Qantas Customer’s Nightmare Trip to London

When deciding which airline to fly to London, there were several reasons that Peter, the husband of AFF member Alectoris, decided to book with Qantas. A key consideration was that Qantas offers non-stop flights from Australia to the UK, avoiding the uncertainty of transiting via a third country given the changing COVID-19 situation. Being particularly … Continued

20 Jun 2022 Qantas
Emirates home check-in service

New Home Check-in Service for Emirates First Class

Emirates has introduced a new home check-in service for First Class passengers flying from Dubai. This service is available to anyone booked in Emirates First Class, including passengers on Classic Reward tickets booked using Emirates Skywards miles or Qantas points. The optional service needs to be booked at least 24 hours in advance, with a … Continued

18 Jun 2022 Emirates
Qantas A330-300 Economy Class

30% off Selected Qantas International Rewards (June 2022)

Qantas Frequent Flyer is giving 30% off Classic Flight Reward seats in Economy on selected international routes until 19 June 2022. The discount covers Qantas flights on eligible routes for travel dates between 23 July 2022 and 1 June 2023. It also covers various Jetstar flights for travel from 23 July 2022 until 25 March … Continued

16 Jun 2022 Qantas
Virgin Australia returns to Bali and launches new OOL-DPS route

Virgin to Restart More International Routes

Virgin Australia has confirmed it will resume flights to two more international destinations in March 2023. The airline will also add a brand new international route from Gold Coast to Bali. From 10 March 2023, Virgin will resume flights from Brisbane to Port Vila in Vanuatu, which will reopen to tourists next month. This will … Continued

16 Jun 2022 Virgin Australia
Qatar Airways Virgin Australia partnership

How Virgin Subtly Keeps International Flyers Loyal to Velocity

Update: Since this article was written, United MileagePlus had added the ability for Premier qualifying credit to be earned for Virgin Australia flights. Some Australian-based frequent flyers were disappointed to discover, when the recent Virgin Australia-United partnership launched, that Virgin Australia flights will not earn premier qualifying credit with the United MileagePlus program. This means that, … Continued

15 Jun 2022 Virgin Australia
Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 in Oneworld livery

Qantas Overcharging for Alaska Airlines Rewards

As Alaska Airlines is a Qantas partner airline and a member of the Oneworld alliance, its flights are available to book using Qantas Frequent Flyer points. But when redeeming Qantas points for seats in Alaska Airlines’ premium cabin, Qantas Frequent Flyer members are being routinely overcharged. Instead of paying “Business Class” prices, Qantas Frequent Flyer … Continued

12 Jun 2022 Qantas
Air New Zealand A320 at Auckland Airport

Air New Zealand May Not Return to Norfolk Island

Air New Zealand may not resume serving the routes from Brisbane and Sydney to Norfolk Island, despite the Australian government initially granting Air New Zealand the contract to service these routes until August 2023. Air New Zealand had been the sole operator on the Brisbane-Norfolk Island and Sydney-Norfolk Island routes from 2018 until 2021. Both … Continued

10 Jun 2022 Air New Zealand