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Virgin’s Alternative to Lounge Access in Dunedin

Since Virgin Australia’s divorce with Air New Zealand in October last year, Virgin passengers have no longer been able to use Air New Zealand lounges. Since then, Virgin Australia has built new lounges or made alternative arrangements at most international airports across Australia and New Zealand. For example, it opened a new lounge at Wellington Airport in … Continued

26 Jun 2019 Airports & Lounges

Last Chance to Book Aer Lingus Award Flights

It’s now your last chance to book Aer Lingus award flights using Qantas points or Cathay Pacific Asia Miles. Both Qantas and Cathay Pacific will end their partnerships with the Irish airline on 1 July 2019, meaning your last day to book award flights will be next Sunday, 30 June. It’s not all bad news, … Continued

26 Jun 2019 Other Airlines Points Inspiration

Lifetime Qantas Platinum Status Isn’t Worth It

Qantas announced in June’s Qantas Frequent Flyer changes that it will introduce a lifetime Platinum status tier. This is sure to pique the interest of many frequent flyers. Unfortunately, the bar has been set so high that it’s not worth aiming for. To earn lifetime Qantas Platinum status, you would need to achieve a lifetime total of … Continued

24 Jun 2019 Qantas

Virgin Australia Considers Lifetime Velocity Status

Velocity Frequent Flyer could launch lifetime Velocity status, following the announcement that Qantas will introduce a lifetime Platinum status tier. Qantas announced last Thursday some significant changes to its frequent flyer program, including changes to frequent flyer redemptions and the introduction of a Points Club. As Qantas Frequent Flyer’s main competitor in Australia, Virgin’s Velocity … Continued

23 Jun 2019 Virgin Australia

Fiji Airways Ends Adelaide Service

Fiji Airways will axe its Adelaide-Nadi route in July, just two years after it launched. Fiji Airways has served the Adelaide-Nadi route twice per week since June 2017, using Boeing 737s with 8 Business Class and 156 Economy seats. The overnight flight to Nadi currently departs Adelaide every Monday and Friday evening, returning in the afternoon … Continued

22 Jun 2019 Other Airlines

Virgin Australia Seeks Expanded Virgin Atlantic Partnership

Virgin Australia and UK-based Virgin Atlantic have applied for regulatory approval to coordinate services between Australia and the UK. The expanded Virgin Atlantic partnership would allow the two airlines to offer a more seamless experience to passengers flying to London through better schedules, easier connections and enhanced frequent flyer benefits. Virgin Australia does not fly … Continued

21 Jun 2019 Virgin Australia

Major Qantas Frequent Flyer Changes – June 2019

Qantas Frequent Flyer has announced the largest overhaul in the loyalty program’s history. There are significant changes to reward flight pricing, with an increase in the amount of points required for flights in premium cabins and upgrades – including for round-the-world awards. But carrier charges and the amount of points required for some Economy reward … Continued

20 Jun 2019 Qantas

New Westpac Altitude Velocity Rewards Program

Westpac has launched a new Altitude Velocity rewards program which comes with direct earning of Velocity points and complimentary Economy X upgrades on Virgin Australia flights. Westpac customers can now choose to opt-in to earning either Qantas points, Velocity points or Altitude Rewards points with their credit card. As part of the changes, Westpac is … Continued

20 Jun 2019 Virgin Australia

Etihad First Class to Europe for Less than Business Prices

Thinking about buying an Etihad Business Class ticket to Europe? Why pay for a Business Class ticket when, thanks to a current American Airlines promotion, you can fly First Class for less than the price of Business! American Airlines is currently running one of its regular promotions on buying AAdvantage miles. Until 30 June 2019, … Continued

19 Jun 2019 Etihad Airways Points Inspiration

Qantas Frequent Flyer Changes Coming

Update: The full suite of changes has now been announced. Read a full analysis of the changes here: Qantas Frequent Flyer Changes (June 2019) Qantas is expected to announce major changes to its Qantas Frequent Flyer loyalty program on Thursday. Qantas CEO Alan Joyce and Qantas Loyalty CEO Olivia Wirth will hold a press conference … Continued

19 Jun 2019 Qantas

Qantas to Launch Brisbane-Chicago Flights

Qantas has announced it will fly non-stop from Brisbane to Chicago from April 2020, pending the US government’s approval of a joint venture with American Airlines. Qantas will use Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners for the four-weekly flights, which will be timed to allow for easy one-stop connections via Brisbane from cities across Australia to Chicago. Additionally, Qantas … Continued

17 Jun 2019 Qantas

John Bartels (jb747) Reflects on a Stellar Career with Qantas

Anyone who’s visited AFF’s popular Ask The Pilot thread will be familiar with John Bartels, who goes by the AFF username of jb747. Over the years, jb747 has developed a reputation as one of AFF’s most respected members. He has tirelessly answered thousands of AFF member questions relating to aviation, flying and the life of a pilot. … Continued

17 Jun 2019 Qantas