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.

Virgin entertainment Samsung tablet

Virgin Removes Music from In-Flight Entertainment

In 2018, Qantas caused quite a stir by axing music from its in-flight entertainment program on domestic flights. Key figures in the Australian music industry were quick to criticise the decision, which appears to have been made to save money on music licensing fees, and Qantas received a huge backlash at the time on social … Continued

18 Jan 2021 Virgin Australia
Qatar Airways A380 takeoff DOH

The Qatar Blockade is Over

Qatar Airways has reinstated flights to Saudi Arabia after the embargo preventing Qatari airlines from entering the airspace of four countries was revoked. It reportedly follows months of mediation efforts by Kuwait and the United States. In 2017, the countries of Bahrain, Saudia Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) all cut diplomatic ties with … Continued

13 Jan 2021 Qatar Airways
Emirates Premium Economy

Emirates Reveals New Premium Economy Seats

Emirates has unveiled the much-anticipated new Premium Economy seats to be installed on a selection of Airbus A380s and new Boeing 777X aircraft. The spacious Premium Economy recliner seats are 19.5 inches wide and offer up to 40 inches of legroom – 2 inches more than Qantas’ Premium Economy seats. Other features include a 13.3″ … Continued

13 Jan 2021 Emirates
Qantas Hangs Up on Platinum Member Requesting Refund

Qantas Hangs Up on Platinum Member Requesting Refund

A Qantas call centre agent hung up on a Platinum frequent flyer calling to enquire why it was taking so long to receive a refund for their cancelled flight. The incident not only highlights the poor customer service many receive from the Qantas call centre, but also the lengthy delays many Qantas customers experience with … Continued

21 Dec 2020 Qantas
Qantas to Launch 7 New Regional Routes in Early 2021

Qantas to Launch 7 New Regional Routes in Early 2021

Qantas will launch flights on seven new regional routes in early 2021, including to two new destinations, drawing the ire of rival Rex. Just as Qantas’ inaugural Sydney-Merimbula flight departed this week, Qantas announced a raft of new regional routes from Melbourne. Qantas will also start flights from Sydney to Griffith, and Adelaide to Mt … Continued

20 Dec 2020 Qantas
Rex Saab 340 planes at Albury Airport

Rex’s “Strong-Armed” Tactics Against Local Councils Exposed

Regional Express Airlines (Rex), Australia’s largest independent regional airline, has been profitable almost every year since 2004. Given the volatility of the aviation industry and tight margins on regional aviation, that’s a remarkable achievement for the airline which will shortly launch jet services between Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. But has Rex’s success been at the … Continued

Virgin Lounge Pass Holders Incorrectly Denied Entry

Virgin Lounge Pass Holders Incorrectly Denied Entry

A Virgin Australia flyer has been incorrectly denied entry to the airline’s newly-reopened lounge at Sydney Airport. Despite holding a valid lounge pass issued by ANZ Bank, the Virgin lounge attendant erroneously informed the customer that single-use lounge passes issued via the customer’s ANZ credit card were no longer being honoured. AFF member Duck posted on Wednesday: … Continued

17 Dec 2020 Virgin Australia
Domestic Reward Flights Can Still Be Great Value

Domestic Reward Flights Can Still Be Great Value

Many of us save up frequent flyer points to redeem for international travel. But with Australia’s international borders remaining closed for a while longer, and domestic travel resuming, now could be a good time to burn some points for domestic reward flights within Australia instead. Sure, redeeming points for a flight to Melbourne or Perth … Continued

Empty Canberra Airport no staff check-in machines

No Staff, No Service: The Future of Flying Qantas?

Last month Qantas announced a plan to close its airport service desks and sales counters, including the service counters in Qantas airport lounges. The airline says that the removal of face-to-face contact points is designed to “enhance customer confidence in flying” during the pandemic. But if the recent experience of a Qantas Platinum member flying … Continued

14 Dec 2020 Qantas
Qantas BNE business lounge

Qantas Considers Expanding Points Club

Qantas appears to be considering a new membership tier for its Points Club program, which launched in March 2020. Currently, Qantas Frequent Flyer members can achieve Points Club membership by earning 150,000 Qantas points during one membership year. A higher tier, Points Club Plus, can be achieved by earning 350,000 points in 12 months. Of … Continued

10 Dec 2020 Qantas
Double Status Credit offers attract customers, but do they create loyalty?

Has Virgin Forgotten its Loyal Frequent Flyers?

Top-tier Velocity Frequent Flyer members have accused Virgin Australia of being “asleep at the wheel” until now when it comes to communication. These frequent flyers, who have been fiercely loyal to Virgin Australia in the past, feel their loyalty is no longer being reciprocated. They have become confused about the future direction of Virgin Australia, … Continued