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Flight Centre Fee Backflip after Legal Action Threats

Flight Centre has reversed its controversial policy of charging $300 per passenger for involuntary flight cancellations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The travel agency will also refund customers that have already been charged the cancellation fee after the ACCC threatened legal action. As Australian Frequent Flyer reported four weeks ago, many Flight Centre customers were surprised … Continued

3 May 2020 Coronavirus and Travel

Podcast #35: Travelling to North Korea

Ever wondered what it’s like to travel to North Korea – a country that had strict rules and border controls well before COVID-19 made them cool? In Episode 35 of the AFF on AIR podcast, Matt chats to Gus Higgins about travelling to this reclusive country. While in North Korea, he found out why Air … Continued

2 May 2020 AFF on Air Podcast

Travelling to North Korea – AIR035

  When Peru suddenly went into lockdown in March, hundreds of Australians were stranded all over the country, unaware of what was going on or how many others were in the same situation. Within days, Gus Higgins created the “Aussies in Peru” Facebook group which has been credited with connecting most of those Australians and … Continued

2 May 2020 AFF on Air (blubrry)

LATAM Airlines Has Left Oneworld

South American airline LATAM has left the Oneworld alliance today. LATAM Airlines announced its intention to exit Oneworld in September 2019, initially proposing an October 2020 departure date. This was later brought forward to 1 May 2020. Although LATAM Airlines has departed the Oneworld alliance, it retains extensive partnerships with some Oneworld member airlines including … Continued

1 May 2020 LATAM Airlines

Which International Airlines Still Fly to Australia in May 2020?

With Australia’s borders effectively closed, and most Australians banned from leaving the country for the time being, it’s fair to say that demand for international air travel is weak right now. Many airlines have responded by reducing or eliminating international flights to or from Australia. But the movement of cargo is more important than ever. … Continued

1 May 2020 Coronavirus and Travel

Virgin Australia Creditors Owed $6.8 Billion

Virgin Australia currently owes $6.8 billion – more than previously thought – to around 12,000 creditors, the administrators have revealed. More than 9,000 of those creditors are Virgin employees, which are owed a combined total of $451 million. It also turns out that the trust backing the value of Velocity Frequent Flyer points is owed … Continued

1 May 2020 Virgin Australia

Struggling Hotels Offer “Work from Hotel” Packages

Struggling hotels are now offering “work from hotel” day room packages to people struggling to work productively from home. If you can’t get to your normal office, but you’re sick of working from home, this could be perfect for you! For as little as $59 per day, you’ll have your own private hotel room for … Continued

30 Apr 2020 Hotel Loyalty Programs

What to Expect on Domestic Flights during COVID-19

While the COVID-19 lockdowns continue, most of us are staying home and are not travelling. But some people still need to travel for work or compassionate reasons, which is why the federal government is subsidising domestic flights for the next two months. Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar and some regional airlines, including Regional Express and Airnorth, … Continued

29 Apr 2020 Coronavirus and Travel

Should You Request a Qantas Credit Voucher Now?

If you’re currently booked on a Qantas flight for travel until 31 July 2020, and no longer wish to travel, you have until next Thursday to cancel for a flight credit voucher without paying any fees. Qantas has been actively encouraging passengers to request a credit voucher at the earliest opportunity. After all, this is … Continued

27 Apr 2020 Qantas

Flight Centre Caps Refund Cancellation Fees

Flight Centre has now capped its controversial cancellation fees at $600 per booking and extended the validity of its credit vouchers. But this may not be enough to stem the enormous customer backlash over the travel agency’s COVID-19 policy. Flight Centre has come under fire for charging $300 per passenger in its own cancellation fees … Continued

27 Apr 2020 Coronavirus and Travel

COVID-19 Travel Update: 24 April 2020

This article contains an updated summary of the most important coronavirus news that is relevant to Australian frequent flyers as of Friday, 24 April 2020. It specifically covers the implications of COVID-19 in terms of travel and loyalty programs. For the latest health advice, we recommend checking Australian government updates and the latest World Health … Continued

24 Apr 2020 Coronavirus and Travel

Amex Platinum Cardholders Get Double Points until July

Amex Platinum and Amex Centurion cardholders have been offered double Amex Membership Rewards points on all purchases from 22 April until 20 July 2020. The offer applies automatically for all Platinum and Centurion cardholders and there is no need to register. The following notice is being displayed to eligible cardholders on the Amex website: Double Rewards: … Continued

23 Apr 2020 American Express