Latest news

Emirates Forced Downgrade

Emirates has left one member furious after their travelling companion was downgraded without warning at the gate. Despite holding a full-price Business class ticket, this passenger was forced to endure 14 hours in Economy from Dubai to Brisbane. With Business and First class overbooked, this passenger was offered no alternative flights. They were left with … Continued

29 Sep 2016 Emirates

Fly to the USA in Comfort

It’s no secret that flying Business or First class is more comfortable than flying Economy. But if you can’t afford a Business class ticket – and don’t have enough points to redeem one – what other options are available to fly to the USA in comfort? Does anyone have any ideas on how to fly from … Continued

28 Sep 2016 Planning & Booking

Virgin Announces New Los Angeles, Abu Dhabi Flights

Virgin Australia last week announced two new long-haul routes. Melbourne-Los Angeles is back, and a new Perth-Abu Dhabi flight will also be added. As a result, Virgin will withdraw its 3x weekly Sydney-Abu Dhabi flights. Virgin’s Brisbane-Los Angeles service will also be reduced from daily to 6x weekly, with some of the remaining flights seeing … Continued

26 Sep 2016 Virgin Australia

Is Loyalty a Trap?

You’re better off abandoning loyalty programs and forgoing status, according to one member. They believe loyalty has become increasingly meaningless as the relationship is skewed so heavily in favour of the business. Instead of reciprocating the loyalty shown by their customers, businesses are taking it for granted. In a recent experience with car rental agency … Continued

22 Sep 2016 Car Hire

Trekking the Inca Trail

Our member bigpetebrown recently returned from an exciting trip to South America! Machu Picchu was the highlight of this trip through Argentina, Peru and Bolivia. There are two ways to get to Machu Picchu – by train or by foot. For adventurous tourists with a few days to spare, the walk to Machu Picchu along … Continued

21 Sep 2016 Destinations

Westpac to Devalue Altitude Rewards Program

If you have a Westpac credit card that earns Altitude points, now is the time to transfer them! From Wednesday 28 September, redemptions through Westpac’s Altitude credit card rewards program will become more expensive. The rate at which points are converted from Altitude to airline frequent flyer points will increase by up to 20%. And … Continued

19 Sep 2016 Westpac

Qantas Lounge Access when flying Fiji Airways

Qantas Club members, as well as Gold and Platinum frequent flyers, have access to Qantas lounges when flying Qantas or Jetstar. In addition, Gold and Platinum members can access the lounge when flying on Emirates, or any of Qantas’ oneworld partner airlines. But does this extend to Fiji Airways? Does anyone know if you can … Continued

17 Sep 2016 Airports & Lounges

Missing Ticket Mystery

A Virgin flyer has been forced to pay for a new ticket on the spot after the airline lost all records of their booking. The reservation mysteriously disappeared after the first flight on the ticket had already been flown without incident. This member was flying from Canberra to Hobart, with a short layover in Melbourne. … Continued

15 Sep 2016 Virgin Australia

Hotel Review: Sheraton on the Park, Sydney

AFF is not just about flying! Hotels are also an important part of the travel experience. In fact, AFF has an entire forum dedicated to hotel experiences and reviews. Our member mmchow recently wrote a review about their experience at Sydney’s Sheraton on the Park hotel. Sheraton on the Park Sydney is located in Elizabeth St, … Continued

14 Sep 2016 Hotel Reviews

Is Qantas Gold Status Worth It?

Having been offered a status challenge, one member wonders if the benefits of Qantas Gold status are really worth chasing. I’ve been offered a status challenge (200SC/90Day). Curious, my major flying days are over and I probably wouldn’t fly enough QF/One World metal to get another 600SC for next year; is it worth giving QF … Continued

12 Sep 2016 Qantas

Virgin Cuts Status Credits on Cheap Tickets

The number of Velocity status credits you’ll earn on Virgin Australia’s cheapest tickets will soon decrease by up to 50%. Status credits count towards qualifying for elite status with the airline. 500 status credits must be earned within 12 months to qualify for Virgin Gold status. Platinum membership requires 1,000 status credits. The changes come as Virgin … Continued

10 Sep 2016 Virgin Australia

Cheap First Class Tricks

Want to experience the luxury of First class, but don’t have tens of thousands of dollars to splurge? No worries! This week our members reveal how they fly First class for just a small fraction of the normal ticket price. The trick to enjoying top-notch cuisine, champagne and even a shower on your next flight … Continued

8 Sep 2016 Planning & Booking