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 767

Qantas Award Flights Were Incredible Value in the 1990s

Redeeming Qantas Frequent Flyer points for a Classic Flight Reward might seem like good value in 2021 – and it usually is. But the value of Qantas points in 2021 is nothing compared to the way things were 25 years ago! These days, for example, it costs 57,000 Qantas points + $80 in taxes & … Continued

19 Jul 2021 Qantas
Refund for cancelled travel

Airline Customer Advocate “Ineffective”

There are renewed calls for the Airline Customer Advocate to be replaced by an independent ombudsman, after consumer advocacy group CHOICE found it has failed to resolve airline complaints – especially during COVID-19. Since 2012, the Airline Customer Advocate (ACA) should have been helping Australians to resolve airline complaints. But its scope is limited and … Continued

15 Jul 2021 Post Flight
Qantas Perth Terminal 3 checkin

Qantas Airport Service Desk Closures Disastrous

Qantas announced last year that it would close airport service desks and sales counters as part of a cost-cutting drive. Many Australian frequent flyers were concerned that this would lead to disastrous consequences during disruptions or when urgent assistance is needed. Rather than having airport staff on hand to help, customers would be forced to … Continued

8 Jul 2021 Qantas
Etihad Airways 787 flying over Abu Dhabi

Etihad Quietly Drops Multiple Partner Airlines

Etihad Guest has quietly ended its partnerships with Czech Airlines and Brazil’s GOL Airlines. It comes just a month after Etihad Airways also ended its partnership with Air Seychelles. Etihad Guest members are no longer able to earn or redeem miles with any of these airlines. But in some good news, Etihad Airways has recently … Continued

8 Jul 2021 Etihad Airways
Avianca A320

How to Prevent Avianca LifeMiles Expiring

LifeMiles, the popular frequent flyer program of Avianca, has until now been extending miles that were due to expire during the pandemic. But these extensions will come to an end on 31 July 2021. This means that many LifeMiles members are now at risk of losing their miles from the end of this month! With … Continued

6 Jul 2021 Avianca
Qantas lounge attendant PER

Qantas Extends Status Fast Track Period

Update (September 2021): This offer has been extended for a second time! Those participating in this Fast Track offer now have until 28 February 2022 to enjoy their Qantas Club benefits and earn 100 status credits, in order to earn Qantas Gold status. Qantas Frequent Flyer is giving more time to members who took advantage … Continued

3 Jul 2021 Qantas
Earn 50 Qantas Status Credits at BP

Earn 50 Qantas Status Credits at BP

Qantas Frequent Flyer members can earn 50 bonus status credits, which count towards Qantas status, by filling up at BP petrol stations over the next three months. With this new promotion, you’ll earn 50 Qantas status credits by spending at least $50 at BP on at least five occasions between 1 July and 30 September 2021. … Continued

1 Jul 2021 Qantas
Qantas will operate Boeing 737-800 flights to Norfolk Island until 30 June 2022

40% off Qantas Reward Flights to Norfolk Island

Qantas Frequent Flyer is currently giving 40% off the points required to book Classic Flight Rewards to Norfolk Island! Until 11 July 2021, you’ll get a 40% discount off the Qantas points to Norfolk Island when booking travel until 29 August 2021. This discount is available on both Economy and Business reward flights. In addition … Continued

29 Jun 2021 Qantas
Virgin Australia 737 tail

50% Bonus Velocity Points on Flights (June 2021)

Virgin Australia is now offering 50% bonus Velocity points on new flights booked until 30 June 2021. The offer covers travel dates any time from the beginning of the promotion on 21 June 2021 until 17 May 2022. To take advantage of this offer, you would first need to register on the Velocity website or … Continued

24 Jun 2021 Virgin Australia
Air Canada 787 Dreamliner

Air Canada Fined $34 Million for Extreme Refund Delays

The US Department of Transportation is fining Air Canada US$25.5 million (~AU$34 million) for “extreme delays in providing required refunds” during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to US law, airlines are legally required to refund customers for cancelled or significantly changed flights to, from, within or via the United States within seven days. But from the … Continued

23 Jun 2021 Air Canada
Generous Qantas Club Deal with Bonus Status Credits

Generous Qantas Club Deal with Bonus Status Credits

Qantas Club airport lounge memberships are on sale until the end of this month, with a waived joining fee (normally $99), 20% off yearly rates and up to 100 bonus status credits available! Until 30 June 2021, you can join Qantas Club for one year for a cost of $480. You’ll also earn 50 bonus … Continued

21 Jun 2021 Qantas
New Emirates 777 First Class

Emirates Restricts First Class Awards, Upgrades

Emirates First Class is arguably one of the best ways to fly, and before the pandemic it was a hugely popular frequent flyer points redemption for Australian frequent flyers. But Emirates has been quietly making it a lot harder for frequent flyers to book or upgrade into a First Class seat using points. Emirates eliminating … Continued

17 Jun 2021 Emirates