Latest news

New App Simplifies Award Availability Searches

Redeeming your frequent flyer points for reward flights is arguably the most rewarding part of the points chase! But it can also be the most frustrating part. Searching for award flight availability can be a painstaking task as reward seats are limited. With demand for reward seats often far outweighing supply, finding an award on … Continued

27 Feb 2016 Travel Tools & Technology

Don’t Let Your Frequent Flyer Points Expire!

This week our members outline strategies to prevent frequent flyer points from expiring, even if you’re an infrequent flyer. Qantas points expire after 18 months of account inactivity and Virgin Australia Velocity points expire after two years. So, as little as one point must be earned or redeemed every 18-24 months to keep the points balance … Continued

25 Feb 2016 Airlines, Miles and Points

Into the European Winter in Style

Our member nonpop recently embarked on a trip to Europe for a white Christmas and New Year. And they certainly travelled in style… Business class on a combination of Emirates, Finnair and Qantas was used to reach Europe where the likes of Vienna, Budapest and Munich awaited! A trip to the Qantas First Lounge for the … Continued

24 Feb 2016 Destinations

The Ultimate First Class Experience

Many people aspire to one day fly in First Class on an international flight. This week one member is planning to turn that dream into a reality! Ready to splurge, they asked our community for advice on maximising the First class experience. I’ve always wanted to travel long-haul international in F (who hasn’t?). but, like … Continued

23 Feb 2016 Airlines, Miles and Points

Flights to Los Angeles for under $400 return!

Many lucky members snagged an extraordinary deal on flights to the USA last week! For a short time, Virgin Australia flights between Australia and Los Angeles were available for as low as USD254 ($355) return. The amazing fare was discovered by one of our members, who kindly informed other AFF members of their discovery on the … Continued

22 Feb 2016 Planning & Booking

A North American Adventure

Our member irv recently completed somewhat of a trip of a lifetime around the United States and Canada. The Grand Canyon, New York City and Disneyland were all included on their jam-packed itinerary, taking in the best that North America has to offer! After a long flight across the Pacific and a not-so-seamless connection in … Continued

17 Feb 2016 Destinations

Lounge Makeover for Hobart Qantas Club

Qantas has just completed refurbishing its Hobart lounge. The lounge now features more seats and an improved menu, with the addition of toasted sandwiches. The increased seating has been made possible by removing the lounge’s Business Centre. The Hobart lounge is often regarded as one of the worst capital city lounges in the country due … Continued

15 Feb 2016 Airports & Lounges

Qantas Classic Rewards vs Points Plus Pay

When redeeming your Qantas Frequent Flyer points for flights, there are two main options. The first is to book a “Classic Flight Reward”. This is generally regarded as the best value, although reward seat availability is limited. The second option is “Points Plus Pay”. This redemption simply takes any airfare, converting the cash price to … Continued

13 Feb 2016 Qantas

Qantas’ Broken (Price) Promise

Qantas’ Price Promise is virtually worthless, according to one member. This member’s recent claim was rejected on a minor technicality. But Qantas still refused to honour their guarantee, even after further supporting evidence was submitted. Qantas customers are offered a refund of the fare difference and 1,000 Qantas points if a cheaper price is found … Continued

11 Feb 2016 Qantas

Air New Zealand to the USA

Australians are spoilt for choice when flying to the United States! There are currently five airlines with direct trans-Pacific flights, and a plethora of other airlines offering one-stop connections. Air New Zealand, Fiji Airways, Hawaiian Airlines and countless Asian carriers all offer convenient one-stop flights to the USA through their respective hubs. Air New Zealand … Continued

10 Feb 2016 Flight Reviews

Free Suite Upgrades for Hyatt Gold Passport Members

Hotel loyalty programs offer some worthwhile benefits to frequent travellers. Arguably the best of these benefits is the opportunity to upgrade to a better room – or even a suite – for free. Not all programs offer this benefit, but one that does is Hyatt Gold Passport. This is the loyalty program of all hotels in … Continued

9 Feb 2016 World of Hyatt

Earn Qantas Points on Vodafone Plans

Qantas and Vodafone have announced a new point-earning partnership. Qantas Frequent Flyer points can now be earned on any of Vodafone’s new “Qantas Red” mobile phone plans. The tie-up fills a gap in the Qantas Frequent Flyer program that was created after the withdrawal of Optus last year. But the way in which points are … Continued

8 Feb 2016 Qantas