Planning & Booking

A great trip starts with smart planning and careful booking. From finding the best deals to navigating frequent flyer programs, this section covers everything you need to make your travel dreams a reality. Check below for articles and advice on planning and booking your next trip, and chat to our community for more info.

man traveler with hat holding beer glass and looking to airplane, Asian passenger sitting and relax in modern lounge at international airport terminal. Travel concept

Where to Search for Cheap Flights

Everyone loves a cheap flight, but what’s the most efficient way to find one? AFF members often discuss current airfare deals on the Australian Frequent Flyer forum. If you’ve subscribed to an airline mailing list, you may also be notified when that airline goes on sale. But if you need to book a flight to … Continued

Beautiful view of Churches in Oia village, Santorini island in Greece at sunset, with dramatic sky.

Cheap Flights to Europe from $606 Return

Over the past two years of border closures and COVID-related travel disruptions, there haven’t been many good deals on flights to Europe. But Singaporean low-cost carrier Scoot is trying to change this, with flights from Australia to Europe available now from as little as $606 return. The flights with Scoot are available from Gold Coast, … Continued

Inflight staff serving food to a female business passenger in the business cabin, Qantas A330

How to Find Domestic Widebody Flights

Apart from some rare exceptions like Japan, the majority of domestic flights in most countries are operated by narrowbody aircraft like the Boeing 737 or Airbus A320. These are perfectly fine for short hops, but flying on a widebody jet is always just a little bit nicer. In Economy, you’ll often have a bit more … Continued

Goodwill Lost: Customers Have Long Memories

Goodwill Lost: Customers Have Long Memories

Most businesses have faced significant issues due to COVID-19, particularly in the travel industry. With borders closed, many airlines have had to cancel flights and many tour operators have had to temporarily shut down. Millions of cruises, car rentals and hotel bookings have also been cancelled as would-be travellers have been stuck at home. But … Continued

Travel agent

Travel Agents in NSW Must Disclose Commissions, Incentives

From next week, travel agents operating in the state of New South Wales will need to disclose any commission, referral fees or incentives they receive from their suppliers. The new rule is part of increased disclosure obligations that will apply to NSW businesses, including intermediaries such as agents. The new state-based laws also require businesses to … Continued

out of business bankrupt

Online Travel Agency Fly365 Enters Liquidation

Online travel agency Fly365 entered voluntary administration last Friday, after 4 years in business. Many hundreds of Fly365.com customers that booked tickets during recent weeks have now had their tickets cancelled. Others are without recourse after airlines cancelled flights which were originally booked through Fly365 due to the coronavirus outbreak. These customers have been left … Continued

Philippine Airlines A321neo business class

Philippine Airlines Business Class to Manila from $1,545 return

Philippine Airlines is currently offering some very enticing Premium Economy and Business class sale fares to Manila, with onward connections to other destinations in Asia, Europe and North America also available. Business class flights from Perth, Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane to Manila are available from just $960 return in Premium Economy, or $1,545 return in … Continued