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Federal Government Underwrites Qantas & Virgin Domestic Flights

The federal government will underwrite a limited network of Qantas and Virgin Australia domestic flights for at least the next eight weeks, starting from today. Alone, the $165 million package will not be nearly enough to save Virgin Australia. But it will provide some further relief to the airlines, while ensuring that essential air connectivity … Continued

17 Apr 2020 Airlines, Miles and Points

Virgin Australia Just Flew Non-Stop from Paris to Brisbane

Virgin Australia has been all over the news this week, as it suspended trading on the Australian stock market and considers voluntary administration. But, while much of the media was distracted by other events, Virgin Australia has achieved something quite remarkable this week. Last Tuesday morning, a Virgin Australia Boeing 777-300ER departed from Paris and … Continued

16 Apr 2020 Virgin Australia

Reduction in Velocity Global Wallet Earn Rate

Velocity Global Wallet cardholders will earn fewer points on transactions within Australia from 4 May 2020. Fees for using the travel money card are also changing, with some charges being reduced or eliminated. New Velocity Global Wallet earn rate Currently, you can earn 1 Velocity point per $3 spent within Australia using the Velocity Global … Continued

14 Apr 2020 Virgin Australia

Petitions Call for Government Support of Virgin Australia

New Change.org petitions, calling for the Australian government to assist Virgin Australia through the COVID-19 crisis, have attracted huge support from the Australian travelling public. One petition, titled “Keep Virgin Australia In The Skies”, has already attracted over 30,000 signatures. It calls on Prime Minister Scott Morrison to “support Virgin Australia by offering the industry assistance … Continued

13 Apr 2020 Virgin Australia

COVID-19 Travel Update: 13 April 2020

This article contains an updated summary of the most important coronavirus news that is relevant to Australian frequent flyers as of Monday, 13 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

13 Apr 2020 Coronavirus and Travel

Domestic Air Travel Grinds to a Halt

The air route between Sydney and Melbourne is normally the second-busiest in the world. On an average day, Qantas alone normally operates 35 flights each way on a mix of Boeing 737s and Airbus A330s. At peak times, there are Qantas flights departing every 15 minutes. In fact, Qantas normally makes more than $1 billion … Continued

10 Apr 2020 Coronavirus and Travel

COVID-19 Travel Update: 10 April 2020

This article contains an updated summary of the most important coronavirus news that is relevant to Australian frequent flyers as of Friday, 10 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

10 Apr 2020 Coronavirus and Travel

Flight Centre Cancellation Fees Under Fire

Travel agency Flight Centre has drawn criticism for charging $300 per passenger in administration fees for involuntary cancellations. Customers that booked flights that have now been cancelled by the airline, due to the COVID-19 shutdown, are being slugged the hefty Flight Centre cancellation fee – even if the airline itself is providing a full refund. … Continued

8 Apr 2020 Coronavirus and Travel

Velocity Suspends Point Transfers to KrisFlyer

Some Australian frequent flyers are getting nervous about their Velocity points, after Velocity Frequent Flyer started blocking point transfers to the Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer program. The loyalty program of Virgin Australia has also started imposing limits on gift card redemptions from the Velocity rewards store. Transfers between Velocity and KrisFlyer suspended On Friday evening, Velocity … Continued

6 Apr 2020 Virgin Australia

COVID-19 Travel Update: 6 April 2020

This article contains an updated summary of the most important coronavirus news that is relevant to Australian frequent flyers as of Monday, 6 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

6 Apr 2020 Coronavirus and Travel

Airnorth Ends Frequent Flyer Partnership with Qantas

You’ll no longer be able to earn or redeem Qantas Frequent Flyer points on Airnorth flights from next month. The Darwin-based regional carrier will end its partnership with Qantas Frequent Flyer from 30 April 2020. You won’t be able to earn Qantas points for Airnorth-marketed flights with a “TL” flight number after this date. A … Continued

4 Apr 2020 Qantas

Podcast #33: Coming Home

Last week, Matt was fortunate to be able to return home to Australia. But some Australians that are still stranded overseas have not been so lucky. In Episode 33 of the AFF on AIR podcast, Matt chats to Australian travellers that are currently stuck in Peru and India. Yasmin Uzunlar is one of around 200 Australians … Continued

4 Apr 2020 AFF on Air Podcast