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British Airways: A Smart Alternative to Qantas Frequent Flyer?

After a series of recent changes that have effectively devalued the Qantas Frequent Flyer program, many are looking towards alternatives. Virgin Australia is an obvious choice, while the American Airlines AAdvantage program is a popular program within the oneworld alliance. But the British Airways Executive Club program is rarely given a second thought by most … Continued

24 Oct 2015 British Airways

QF Freq Flyer Changes: A Dog’s Breakfast?

Qantas has quietly slashed the number of frequent flyer points and status credits earned when flying on many partner airlines. It’s the second major change in as many years, and many members are not happy. Status credits determine a member’s elite status level with the airline, so a decrease in the number of status credits … Continued

22 Oct 2015 Qantas

Discover the Hidden Beauty of Iceland

Iceland is not a holiday destination on the radar for many… but perhaps it should be. The island nation, situated in the Atlantic Ocean between Europe and North America, is known to many as a place to view the northern lights. But it seems there is a whole lot more to see and do during … Continued

21 Oct 2015 Destinations

Avoid the One-way Flight “Tax”

If you’ve ever tried to book a one-way international flight, you’re probably aware that these tickets can be very expensive. Airlines often penalise passengers flying one-way in the form of higher prices and in many cases, a one-way international flight is more expensive than a return ticket on the same route! Cruise passengers often face … Continued

20 Oct 2015 Planning & Booking

Qatar Airways announces daily Adelaide flights

Qatar Airways will commence daily flights to Adelaide from next year. And as an added bonus, the flights will be operated by Qatar’s newest state-of-the-art aircraft, the Airbus A350-900. Qatar will be the second airline to offer direct flights between Adelaide and the Middle East, with Emirates already flying daily to Dubai. Both airlines will … Continued

19 Oct 2015 Qatar Airways

Top Travel Money Tips for Japan

Ahead of a trip to Tokyo, one member seeks some practical advice on the best place to exchange money and acquire Japanese Yen. Japan is a little bit different to many other countries in the sense that many businesses there will not accept overseas credit cards. Further, many ATMs do not allow holders of non-Japanese … Continued

17 Oct 2015 Travel Money

Major Velocity Changes Imminent?

Speculation is rife that some major changes to Virgin Australia’s Velocity Frequent Flyer program are just around the corner. Benefits offered to frequent flyers would likely be at the heart of the changes, with lifetime Platinum status among the many developments under consideration. The speculation is the result of a recent survey sent to Gold … Continued

15 Oct 2015 Virgin Australia

Culture & Cuisine in Continental Europe

If there was ever a trip that could make you feel jealous, this would have to be one. Our member biba recently embarked on a six week tour of Europe that will take in the sights of Germany, Italy, Greece, France and Luxembourg! The trip got off to a flying start with a visit to … Continued

14 Oct 2015 Destinations

Learning a Foreign Language while Travelling

The ability to speak a foreign language can come in very handy in many different contexts. The skill is especially valuable for regular international travellers. But frequent travelling can also make it difficult to find time to attend classes and practice regularly. Learning any foreign language requires commitment, regular practice and time… a luxury not … Continued

13 Oct 2015 Travel Tools & Technology

Cathay Pacific Overhaul: Winners and Losers

Cathay Pacific is overhauling its Marco Polo Club program, with changes to take effect from 15 April, 2016. These changes will make it more difficult to earn high tier Gold and Diamond status, however the benefits of these status tiers will also increase. Among other new benefits, Diamond members can now gift a friend or … Continued

12 Oct 2015 Cathay Pacific

Explore “Transit” Cities for Free

Imagine spending a full day or night in an exciting city like Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai or Tokyo – for no cost at all! By taking advantage of a small but significant loophole, our members have been able to enjoy the sights and sounds of all of these cities, and many more, for free. The … Continued

10 Oct 2015 Planning & Booking

No Class in Business Class

A first-time Business Class flyer has been left bemused by what they perceived as rude, arrogant and demanding behaviour displayed by other passengers in the pointy-end. This member believes that fellow passengers left their manners at home and says they would not fly Business again after their unpleasant experience. Other members have recounted their own … Continued

8 Oct 2015 Travel Lifestyle