The Journey

At the end of the day it's all about "The Journey". This popular topic covers the planning, booking, the flight, and then the arrival at you destination. Dive into this section to explore tips and advice for every step of your journey.

Australian money in TRAVEL jar with passport

How Hidden-City Fare Pricing Works

Ever noticed that it was more expensive to fly from A to B, compared to flying from A to C via B? This phenomenon is known as “hidden-city” pricing, and airlines hate it when passengers exploit it. Although hidden-city ticketing is more prevalent overseas, it does exist in Australia. In one example, a Qantas Business … Continued

Window shade plane

Window Shades Down on Day Flights?

Staring out the window and watching the world go by is one of the joys of air travel. But some airlines insist that all passengers lower their window shades to create a dark cabin – even in the middle of the day. There are several reasons that airlines may ask passengers to close their window … Continued

8 Aug 2019 In Flight
Canada

Canada Introduces Air Passenger Protections

If you’re flying to, from or within Canada, you’re now entitled to up to $1,000 in compensation if your flight is delayed or cancelled. And if you’re bumped from a flight due to overbooking, you could receive up to $2,400. As part of new Air Passenger Protection laws, airlines in Canada are also now required … Continued

20 Jul 2019 Post Flight

Why Business Class can be Cheaper than Economy

Premium airline cabins normally command a significant price premium over Economy. But, occasionally, Business class tickets are in fact cheaper than Economy! AFF members have discovered multiple examples of Virgin Australia Business fares that were cheaper than Economy class on the same flight. So, why does this happen… and why would anyone still book an Economy … Continued

reclining into passenger in economy seat behind

Seat Recline Etiquette: Passenger Refuses to Raise Seat During Meals

Advances in technology have made flying a much more pleasant experience than ever before. But when you’re hurtling through the sky in a confined space with hundreds of other passengers, arguments are sometimes inevitable. One of the biggest travel etiquette gripes among passengers is seat reclining. It’s an unwritten rule that, as a courtesy to … Continued

15 Jul 2019 In Flight
Flight delay clock

Flight Delays: Disaster to Delight

There’s no doubt that flight delays can be frustrating, especially if you’re on a tight deadline to reach your destination. But, occasionally, airlines handle them so well that the delay turns from a disaster into a delight. This week our members share their “best” experiences of airline delays that turned out to be surprisingly pleasant. … Continued

11 Jul 2019 The Journey
Mistake

Travel Advice Ignored by Friends & Family

Many AFF members take pride in finding the best travel deals and optimising their frequent flyer points. But many say that they struggle to help friends and family members who don’t share the same passion for our hobby. There are countless stories of members who’ve tried to help, only to find their advice has fallen … Continued

Lost and found airport sign

The Dumbest Travel Mistake I’ve Ever Made

Earlier this week, I made what is quite possibly the stupidest travel mistake I’ve ever made. After 472 commercial flights, it finally happened… I left my passport on the plane. Normally after losing your passport you’d realise fairly quickly. But by the time I realised, three hours had passed and the plane had already operated … Continued

26 May 2019 Post Flight
JAL 787 Premium Economy

Premium Economy Deals to Europe

If you’re looking for something more comfortable than Economy but more affordable than Business or First class, Premium Economy can be an excellent compromise. More and more airlines have introduced Premium Economy products in recent years. This product is particularly attractive to many Australians, especially when flying to Europe or North America, as these are … Continued

Theft Thief stealing

Theft at 35,000 Feet

Security is something many of us take for granted when travelling by air. Most travellers are quite comfortable leaving their valuables in the overhead lockers or otherwise out of sight for the duration of the flight. But in-flight theft can and does happen. Numerous AFF members have witnessed mid-air robberies while flying to a range … Continued

15 Apr 2019 In Flight
Economy business class queues

Swapping Seats Across Cabin Classes

It’s not uncommon for people in a group travelling together to swap seats on the plane. But is it allowed to swap seats with somebody you know that is travelling in a different cabin class? AFF member maidmarion will soon be flying with Air New Zealand to the Cook Islands. There are three family members booked … Continued

13 Apr 2019 In Flight
Meal served in United international Economy

Airline Food is Overrated

Airlines love to tell their passengers how wonderful their in-flight meals are. But airlines often seem to think the food served on board is better than it really is. Both Qantas and Virgin Australia enlist the help of celebrity chefs in marketing their business class meals. But some airlines have taken this even further. United … Continued

4 Apr 2019 In Flight