Latest news

Manila to Europe in Business Class from $2,525 return

Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, KLM, Oman Air and Emirates currently have some excellent Business class sale fares from the Philippines to Europe, for travel right up until the end of August 2020. For example, you could fly with Etihad Airways in Business Class from Manila to Rome for just $2,571 return. If you live in … Continued

22 Oct 2019 Etihad Airways

The History of Airport Slots – Ernst Krolke Speech at AFF#13

Ever wondered how congested airports manage the flow of traffic throughout the day to ensure all flights don’t arrive and depart at exactly the same time? It’s all managed through “slots”. Ernst Krolke, who was recently inducted into the Australian Aviation Hall of Fame, ran Airport Coordination Australia for 20 years and was instrumental in … Continued

22 Oct 2019 Airports & Lounges

Virgin Australia Wins Haneda Approval

Virgin Australia is set to launch daily Brisbane-Haneda flights next year, following a decision by Australia’s International Air Services Commission (IASC) to give one new slot each to Qantas and Virgin Australia at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport. Qantas had applied for both of the two daytime new take-off and landing slots available from next March at … Continued

21 Oct 2019 Virgin Australia

Qantas Flies Non-Stop from New York to Sydney

Qantas’ first non-stop Project Sunrise test flight from New York to Sydney touched down yesterday morning to much fanfare. After leaving New York at 9pm on Friday night (local time), QF7879 flew for 19 hours and 16 minutes before touching down just after 7am on Sunday morning. On board the research flight were four on-duty … Continued

21 Oct 2019 Qantas

13th Annual AFF Gathering a Success

Last weekend, many AFF members flew to Sydney for the 13th annual AFF weekend gathering. These weekends are a great way to meet other members and are always lots of fun. This year’s event was no exception! After Friday night drinks at the Australian Wine Emporium, the weekend began with a tour of the iconic … Continued

21 Oct 2019 Travel Lifestyle

Podcast #22: “Hidden City” Court Case

Earlier this year, German airline Lufthansa tried to sue a passenger that exploited the loophole of hidden-city ticketing by skipping the last flight on their ticket. This case has now finally be resolved in the German courts, and in a victory for frequent flyers, the airline did not win. In Episode 22 of the AFF … Continued

19 Oct 2019 AFF on Air Podcast

“Hidden City” Court Case – AIR022

  Earlier this year, German airline Lufthansa tried to sue a passenger that exploited the loophole of hidden-city ticketing by skipping the last flight on their ticket. This case has now finally be resolved in the German courts, and in a victory for frequent flyers, the airline did not win. In this episode Matt chats … Continued

19 Oct 2019 AFF on Air (blubrry)

EasyJet A320 Economy Class Review

EasyJet is one of the largest low-cost carriers in Europe. The airline sells flights for less than the cost of a taxi to the airport, and unlike Ryanair, it’s not terrible. This EasyJet review covers the Airbus A320 Economy class experience from Amsterdam to Geneva. Flight Details Flight number U2 1354 Route Amsterdam (AMS) to … Continued

19 Oct 2019 Flight Reviews

Airlines Respond to ACCC Report on Loyalty Schemes

Last month, the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) released a draft report into loyalty programs, expressing “significant concerns” and inviting submissions from the public. Public submissions in response to the draft report on loyalty schemes have now been published on the ACCC website. There were 22 submissions, including from Qantas, Virgin Australia, Woolworths and … Continued

17 Oct 2019 Airlines, Miles and Points

Qantas Unveils 100th Anniversary Dreamliner Livery

Qantas is turning 99 years old next month. To celebrate the airline’s entry into its 100th year, it has painted its brand new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner in a special centenary livery. VH-ZNJ, named “Longreach”, is Qantas’ tenth Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. It will be delivered to the airline this week and, as it makes its way … Continued

15 Oct 2019 Qantas

Virgin Business Passenger Refused Diet Coke

The recent changes to Virgin Australia’s Business class catering have come back to bite after a Virgin Business Class passenger was told they’d have to pay for a can of Diet Coke. Last Wednesday, Virgin stopped offering Business class guests complimentary snacks and drinks from the Economy buy-on-board menu. Business class passengers that would like … Continued

14 Oct 2019 Virgin Australia

United Suspends Status Challenge, Changes Status Earning

United MileagePlus has discontinued its long-running status challenge. The move comes as United announces a complete overhaul to the way MileagePlus Premier status is earned, effective from 1 January 2020. United status challenge discontinued… for now United’s status challenge has been a popular shortcut to Star Alliance Gold status. Until 30 September 2019, United offered … Continued

14 Oct 2019 United Airlines