Latest news

Australia’s Unfair Airline Downgrade Policies Need Reviewing

Last week, we brought you the story of the Qantas passengers that were involuntarily downgraded on a flight from Tokyo to Melbourne after their Business class seats became inoperable. They were not given any alternative but to accept the airline’s paltry offer of compensation – which they still have not received because they’ve since been … Continued

16 Dec 2019 Airlines, Miles and Points

Woolworths Rewards Now Better Value than Flybuys?

For many years, the Flybuys loyalty program of Coles had an arguably better value proposition for frequent flyers. But, following recent positive changes to the Woolworths Rewards program, the tide may have turned. Back in 2015, Woolworths axed its partnership with Qantas Frequent Flyer in favour of a program where points were only earned on … Continued

16 Dec 2019 Retail Loyalty Programs

Virgin Australia 737 Business Class Review (Auckland-Rarotonga)

With more than 80 aircraft, the Boeing 737-800 is the backbone of Virgin Australia’s domestic and international short-haul fleet. In this review, we test the Business class seats and service on one of Virgin Australia’s Pacific Island routes. Flight Details Flight number VA91 Route Auckland (AKL) to Rarotonga (RAR) Aircraft type Boeing 737-800 Class of … Continued

15 Dec 2019 Flight Reviews

Chile Removes USD117 Reciprocity Fee for Australians

The Chilean government will remove the reciprocity fee charged to Australians upon arrival in Chile from Monday, 16 December 2019. However, Australians will be required to apply for an eVisa before travelling to Chile from 16 May 2020. This means that, from tomorrow, Australian citizens arriving at Santiago International Airport will no longer be required … Continued

15 Dec 2019 Travel Lifestyle

Podcast #26: Status Runs

If you’re a little bit short of the next airline status tier, a status run can get you over the line. In Episode 26 of the AFF on AIR podcast, learn about the best status runs with Virgin Australia, Qantas and the three major alliances. This episode also includes the latest frequent flyer news and … Continued

14 Dec 2019 AFF on Air Podcast

Status Runs – AIR026

  If you’re a little bit short of the next airline status tier, a status run can get you over the line. In this episode, learn about the best status runs with Virgin Australia, Qantas and the three major alliances. This episode also includes the latest frequent flyer news and an extended interview with AFF … Continued

14 Dec 2019 AFF on Air (blubrry)

Qantas Forces Business Passenger to Accept Downgrade

  A Qantas Business class passenger has vowed never to fly with the airline again, after they were forced to accept a downgrade to Economy on an overnight international flight. Janet Riddell had paid for a Business Class ticket on Qantas flight QF80 from Tokyo Narita to Melbourne. The ticket was booked seven months in … Continued

13 Dec 2019 Qantas

Jetstar Pilots’ Strike Cancels Many Flights from 13-15 December 2019

Jetstar has been forced to cancel over 100 flights this weekend due to strike action being taken by the airline’s pilots. Jetstar will cancel 30 services on Friday 13 December, 44 services on Saturday 14 December, and 46 flights on Sunday 15 December 2019, with most of the cancelled flights on Jetstar’s domestic network. But … Continued

12 Dec 2019 Jetstar

El Al to Trial Direct Melbourne-Tel Aviv Flights?

Israeli airline El Al plans to test the waters with three non-stop flights from Melbourne to Tel Aviv during April and May 2020. Tickets are now on sale for the trial flights, and you can even earn Qantas points. If the trial proves that the flights are commercially feasible, the airline could add year-round service direct … Continued

12 Dec 2019 Other Airlines

Cathay Pacific Changes Asia Miles Expiration Policy

Cathay Pacific’s Asia Miles frequent flyer program will change the way in which miles expire from 1 January 2020. Currently, Asia Miles have a fixed expiry date of 3 years after they are earned. Regardless of how actively you earn or redeem miles, they will always expire if not fully used within 3 years. This … Continued

11 Dec 2019 Cathay Pacific

How to Redeem Qantas Points for Air France & KLM Flights

It’s now possible to redeem Qantas Frequent Flyer points for Air France and KLM flights across the two airlines’ entire networks. The new Air France/KLM partnership is great news for Qantas members as it opens up some unique new opportunities to use points. Air France, based in Paris, and Amsterdam-based KLM both fly to many … Continued

10 Dec 2019 Points Inspiration Qantas

Qantas Expands Air France/KLM Flying Blue Partnership

Qantas has significantly expanded its partnership with Air France and KLM. It’s now possible to earn and redeem Qantas points on all Air France and KLM flights, and Qantas frequent flyers can also enjoy some tier benefits when flying with the two European carriers. Until now, Qantas has only offered codeshares on a limited selection … Continued

10 Dec 2019 Qantas