Latest news

Qantas cuts fuel surcharges, but it’s not all good news

For the second time this year, Qantas has cut its fuel surcharges following an ongoing decline in fuel prices. These cuts will reduce the price of frequent flyer redemption tickets by up to 25%, depending on the route and travel class. Our members are mostly pleased to see a reduction, however agree that Qantas’ fuel … Continued

6 Jul 2015 Qantas

Pros & cons of registering with Smart Traveller

Registering your travel plans with the “Smart Traveller” service is spruiked as a way to enhance your safety while travelling overseas. Registering allows the Australian government to keep track of you, so they can contact you if there is an attack or natural disaster in a part of the world you are travelling to. The … Continued

4 Jul 2015 Travel Tools & Technology

Enjoying the Good Life by maximising the Value of Frequent Flyer Points

This week our members share their top tips for getting the most value from their frequent flyer points. The value of a point fluctuates considerably, so knowing their worth can be important. A typical frequent flyer point could be worth as little as 0.4 cents, or as much as 7 cents or more, depending on … Continued

2 Jul 2015 Airlines, Miles and Points

Stranded in Micronesian paradise

This week’s trip report had all the makings of a holiday in paradise… a nice resort, beautiful beaches and a fantastic diving scene. Our member was travelling to Chuuk, a picturesque island in the tiny nation of Micronesia. So how did it all go so wrong? Our member headed from Australia to Micronesia for what … Continued

1 Jul 2015 Destinations

Wider middle seats a solution to the seating squeeze?

This week our members debate the pros and cons of making the middle seats on planes wider. Middle seats are usually an unpopular choice for flyers as passengers in middle seats are wedged between two other passengers. Middle seat occupants often complain of having less space and the seats can be particularly uncomfortable for larger … Continued

30 Jun 2015 In Flight

Jetstar awarding Qantas points on NZ domestic flights

Qantas points will now be earned domestic flights within New Zealand that are operated by low-cost subsidiary Jetstar. As of last week, Jetstar flyers on all New Zealand domestic flights will earn at least 400 Qantas points, even on the cheapest Starter fares. Unfortunately passengers on starter fares will not earn status credits, however points … Continued

29 Jun 2015 Jetstar

Strategies for sleeping soundly on planes

Our members share their tips and experiences in getting some shut-eye on aircraft. Some lucky members are able to sleep with ease, even in economy. For others, getting some rest at 35,000 feet can be a great challenge. For those who find that sleeping in the air doesn’t come naturally, there are numerous strategies available. … Continued

27 Jun 2015 In Flight

Secretly Scheming a Surprise Holiday

One crafty member hopes to surprise a lucky loved one with an overseas holiday to a secret destination. They know the surprise will be appreciated, but ponder the risk of inadvertently blowing their cover. Countless opportunities exist for the secret to be let out.  Overheard phone calls and misplaced tickets are just the start of … Continued

25 Jun 2015 Planning & Booking

New Virgin/South African Airways partnership put to the test

Virgin Australia recently announced a new partnership with South African Airways. As part of the agreement, Velocity members can earn and redeem points with South African Airways. They also have access to reciprocal status benefits, such as lounge access, when flying South African. The partnership is a fairly useful addition to the global network of … Continued

24 Jun 2015 Virgin Australia

Budget airlines: costs and benefits

A new member will soon begin commuting weekly between the Gold Coast and Sydney for work. While they are keen to maximise comfort and perks, they will be paying for all flights out of their own pocket. With this in mind, our member wonders whether the money saved by flying low-cost might outweigh the benefits … Continued

23 Jun 2015 Airlines, Miles and Points

New “Border Clearance Levy” results in higher airfares to NZ

Flights to New Zealand will become $22 more expensive after the New Zealand government announced a new tax on arriving and departing passengers. The “border clearance levy” has been spruiked by the New Zealand government as a way to cover the cost of customs and border protection. Our members are not particularly thrilled about this. … Continued

22 Jun 2015 The Journey

Virgin’s Fare Promise worthless?

With much hype, Virgin Australia recently introduced its “Fare Promise”. Under the scheme, Virgin claims it will match the prices of its own flights if they are cheaper on a third-party website. In addition, members with eligible claims will receive 500 Velocity points. It sounds good in theory, but a closer inspection of the fine … Continued

20 Jun 2015 Virgin Australia