Latest news

Farewell to the Queen of the Skies – AIR041

  This week, Australia said farewell to a national icon: the Qantas Boeing 747. Over the past 49 years, Qantas – once an all-747 airline – has operated almost every Boeing 747 variant that has existed. The “queen of the skies” has transported millions of passengers to destinations all over the world, including Olympic athletes … Continued

25 Jul 2020 AFF on Air (blubrry)

Many Fuel Surcharges Remain Excessive Despite Low Oil Prices

Fuel surcharges have long been a pet hate of frequent flyers. They add to the cost of frequent flyer redemption tickets, and in extreme cases, can be even higher than the cost of a regular ticket on the same flight! With worldwide oil prices now at record lows, and airlines desperate to fill seats, a … Continued

24 Jul 2020 Airlines, Miles and Points

Amex Launches “Plan It” as Qantas Partners with Afterpay

With Australia in the midst of a financial crisis, “buy now, pay later” services have become increasingly popular lately. It’s already prompted Afterpay to start offering Qantas Frequent Flyer points. And now, American Express is launching a new “Plan It” feature for its own cardholders. Amex launches “Plan It” payment instalments American Express card holders in … Continued

23 Jul 2020 American Express

Triple Status Credit Offers Have Begun

It is widely anticipated that airlines will be doing everything they can to lure back customers in the coming period, as travel recovers from the COVID-19 shutdown. Cheap airfares, loyalty programs and special promotions will form a large part of that. Last month, we already saw a “triple frequent flyer points” offer from Qantas. It … Continued

23 Jul 2020 Other Airlines

It’s Getting Progressively Harder to Return to Australia

It’s now been four months since the Australian government closed its border to non-Australian citizens and residents, and banned Aussies from leaving their own country without special permission. Shortly after, the federal government introduced mandatory hotel quarantine upon arrival into Australia. Ever since March, flight cancellations and border restrictions – not just in Australia – … Continued

22 Jul 2020 Coronavirus and Travel

Velocity Reinstates More Reward Flights, Upgrades

Velocity Frequent Flyer has reinstated reward seats on 19 more non-stop Virgin Australia domestic routes. That’s around double the previous number. Plus, in even better news, Velocity points can now be redeemed for travel any time – effective immediately. Velocity points can also be redeemed once again for flight upgrades, hotel bookings and, shortly, car … Continued

21 Jul 2020 Points Inspiration Virgin Australia

Is it Illegal to “Souvenir” Airline Safety Cards?

Some frequent flyers like to collect things like boarding passes, airline amenity kits, business class pyjamas or in-flight magazines. But is it legal to collect the safety instruction cards found in aircraft seat pockets? Last week, Qantas operated three Boeing 747 joy flights before the “queen of the skies” is retired for good. Passengers on … Continued

21 Jul 2020 In Flight

Qantas Frequent Flyer Should Ditch the $99.50 Joining Fee

The past few months have demonstrated the importance to airlines of a frequent flyer program with as many engaged members as possible. At a time of significantly reduced flying, loyalty programs remain one of the only consistent sources of much-needed revenue for airlines such as Qantas. So, why on earth does Qantas Frequent Flyer still … Continued

20 Jul 2020 Qantas

BP Rewards Offers are Slowly Improving

Last year, BP announced that it would end its partnership with Velocity Frequent Flyer and launch its own loyalty program in partnership with Qantas Frequent Flyer. The BP Rewards program eventually launched in March 2020, allowing members to earn either BP Rewards points or Qantas Frequent Flyer points for fuel and in-store purchases at BP. Members … Continued

19 Jul 2020 Retail Loyalty Programs

A Qantas 747 Farewell Fit for a Queen

Earlier this week, Qantas operated two successful Boeing 747-400ER joy flights out of Sydney and Brisbane. Today, the third and final joy flight will depart from Canberra. This will be the last time a Qantas 747 ever carries passengers. Many Australian Frequent Flyer members were on one of these joy flights. They’ve described them as … Continued

17 Jul 2020 Qantas

Everyday Rewards Launching in Tasmania on 6 August 2020

This article was originally published on 16 July and updated on 29 July 2020. The Woolworths Everyday Rewards loyalty program will be rolled out in Tasmania from 6 August 2020. From this date, Tasmanian residents will finally have an opportunity to earn Qantas Frequent Flyer points when shopping at Woolworths – just like the rest … Continued

16 Jul 2020 Woolworths Everyday Rewards

Earn Qantas Status Credits for Hotel Bookings

Qantas Frequent Flyer members can now earn up to 125 status credits for selected hotel bookings until 31 August 2020. This promotion includes 40 luxury hotels in Australia and New Zealand for stays up to 31 March 2021. The number of Qantas status credits earned varies by hotel, but in general you’ll earn around 10-15 … Continued

15 Jul 2020 Qantas