Latest news

Using China’s Transit Without Visa (TWOV) Program

Overseas visitors to China generally require a visa prior to travel. But if you’re transiting through China on your way to another country, you may be allowed to stay for up to six days without a visa. China’s Transit Without Visa (TWOV) program is available in most major Chinese cities. The rules vary slightly by … Continued

13 Jan 2018 Travel Lifestyle

Virgin’s Hong Kong Airlines Partnership Hits Turbulence

Virgin Australia last year entered into several new airline partnerships. One of these new alliances was with Hong Kong Airlines. Velocity Frequent Flyer members were promised that the agreement would bring reciprocal status recognition, and that Virgin flyers could earn and redeem points when flying with Hong Kong Airlines. But six months on, it seems … Continued

12 Jan 2018 Virgin Australia

ACCC Tackles Unfair Airline Contracts

Unfair airline contracts and excessive flight change fees could soon be a thing of the past. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has vowed to take on Australia’s airlines to ensure greater consumer protections. According to the ACCC, airline contracts are currently too one-sided in the airline’s favour. The ACCC identified 3 key issues in … Continued

11 Jan 2018 Planning & Booking

How to Book Lufthansa First Class using Points

Lufthansa boasts one of the world’s best First class products. But booking a Lufthansa First class award with frequent flyer points can be challenging. The Opportunity Lufthansa, based in Germany, has one of the world’s best First class products. You won’t find the bling, bells and whistles of the Middle Eastern carriers… rather, Lufthansa is … Continued

10 Jan 2018 Points Inspiration Star Alliance

First Reviews: Hilton’s West Hotel Sydney

A brand new Hilton hotel has opened in the centre of Sydney. West Hotel Sydney, Curio Collection by Hilton is located a short walk from Darling Harbour, Barangaroo and Wynyard train station. There are 182 rooms and facilities include a small gym and restaurant. As a Hilton-branded hotel, Hilton Honors members can earn and redeem … Continued

10 Jan 2018 Hotel Reviews

How to get a Flight Upgrade with Points

Flying Business or First class is a much more pleasant way to fly… but it can also be very expensive. If you’re stuck in cattle class, though, don’t worry! There are numerous ways to upgrade with points and enjoy all the bells and whistles of the pointy-end on your next flight. Upgrade with frequent flyer … Continued

9 Jan 2018 Airlines, Miles and Points

Singapore Airlines Launches Economy Lite Fares, Increases Fees

Singapore Airlines will next week introduce restrictive Economy Lite fares alongside a range of new fare types. At the same time, a range of fees will be increased. But there’s some good news, as Singapore Airlines increases the range of Economy fares eligible to be upgraded with KrisFlyer miles. From 20 January 2018, Singapore Airlines … Continued

9 Jan 2018 Singapore Airlines

20% Off Virgin Australia UpgradeMe Premium Bids

If you’re flying with Virgin Australia, there are are several ways to upgrade your flight to Business class. One method is to upgrade with Velocity points. But if you don’t have enough points – or perhaps you’d rather save them – you can also bid for an upgrade using money. Virgin’s UpgradeMe Premium Bid system … Continued

7 Jan 2018 Virgin Australia

Flybuys Suspends Etihad Guest Partnership

A key benefit of the Coles Flybuys loyalty program has been its partnership with Etihad Airways. Until recently, it was possible to transfer Flybuys points to the Etihad Guest frequent flyer program. But last month Flybuys suspended Etihad Guest transfers indefinitely and without notice. Until further notice, it is also no longer possible to earn … Continued

6 Jan 2018 Flybuys

China Southern to Join Oneworld Alliance?

It has been reported that the Oneworld alliance may soon have a new member airline in China Southern. Based in Guangzhou, China Southern is one of the world’s largest airlines and flies to six Australian cities. Should China Southern join Oneworld, this would have significant implications for Australian frequent flyers. China Southern is currently a … Continued

5 Jan 2018 Oneworld

Qantas 787 Reviews: Economy, Premium & Business Class

The new Qantas Dreamliner has now been in service for a couple of months. Many AFF members have now had the chance to fly on the Boeing 787-9 in Economy, Premium Economy and Business class. But so far, the Qantas 787 reviews are mixed. The Qantas 787 will commence non-stop flights from Perth to London from … Continued

4 Jan 2018 Flight Reviews

2018 Travel Plans & Aspirations

2017 is fast coming to an end! As our members reminisce on the year of travel that was, they’re also busy planning their travel adventures for 2018! AFF members are a well-travelled bunch, and they have travel planned to almost every part of the world! Destinations on our members’ 2018 travel plans include Singapore, Mongolia, … Continued

21 Dec 2017 Planning & Booking