Latest news

Frequent Flyers Anonymous

Our members have some confessions to make. This week they discuss the excuses offered to friends and family when trying to explain their frequent flying. While some travel frequently for work, flying is an exciting yet misunderstood hobby for others. For some of our fortunate members, regular overseas travel is considered normal. Some members fly … Continued

4 Jun 2015 Travel Lifestyle

Australia to Israel, via… Namibia!

The Qantas oneworld awards are arguably one of the best ways to use Qantas points. For 140,000 Qantas points one can travel up to 35,000 miles, with up to 5 stopovers anywhere in the world along the way. The only other rules are that there needs to be travel on at least two oneworld airlines … Continued

3 Jun 2015 Flight Reviews

Pros & Cons of Qantas Club membership

Complimentary lounge access is an included benefit for frequent flyers with Gold or equivalent elite airline status. However for infrequent flyers who don’t fly enough to earn such status, there is an option to purchase lounge access. There are a number of programs, such as Priority Pass, that offer lounge access for a fee. For … Continued

2 Jun 2015 Airports & Lounges

Toddlers in First Class: A Recipe for Disaster?

Screaming toddlers can be a nightmare anywhere, let alone on a long flight. But one member this week wonders if they are simply asking for trouble by taking their 18-month-old with them on a long flight in first class. Of prime concern to our member is the disruption and inconvenience a screaming infant could cause … Continued

28 May 2015 In Flight

Turkish Airlines to Israel

Thanks to a good deal on flights with Turkish Airlines, one of our members recently visited the country of Israel. We don’t see many trip reports about this part of the world, but it seems Israel is a destination rich in history, culture and even food. Israel has always intrigued me as a travel destination. … Continued

27 May 2015 Flight Reviews

Auckland vs Wellington for a long weekend in New Zealand

Having never been to New Zealand, one member can’t decide between Auckland and the capital Wellington. Our member will be travelling to one of the cities across the ditch for a long weekend next month, but airfare prices to Auckland and Wellington are almost identical. Mrs bertflyer and I have never been to NZ and … Continued

26 May 2015 Destinations

Children eligible for UK Departure Tax refund

The UK is infamous for its high departure tax imposed on departing airline passengers. Under the Air Passenger Duty, passengers are currently slugged up to $280 on top of their airfare! But there is some good news for flyers. From the first of May, children are now exempt from this tax if flying in economy. … Continued

25 May 2015 Travel Lifestyle

Most Memorable Travel Experiences

This week our members discuss their favourite travel experiences and memories. Our well-travelled members certainly have an extraordinary array of different travel stories under their belts. For one member, the Running of the Bulls in Spain was a memorable experience. The annual event often makes the news even in Australia for the many injuries and … Continued

23 May 2015 Destinations

High Fares: Qantas not Competitive

Our national airline is often a hot topic of debate on AFF. One member this week is frustrated by Qantas’ lack of competitiveness. Despite being a loyal Qantas flyer, a price difference of over $2,000 on a return flight to New York in business class is simply too much. Even though the member wants to … Continued

21 May 2015 Qantas

Seattle and some West Coast wandering

Our member TheRealTMA recently embarked on a journey over to the north-west coast of the United States. Our member opted to fly the long way around via Dubai, however with first class tickets the extra flying was definitely worth it! Arriving sufficiently refreshed, the sightseeing commences. Our member’s destination list includes Portland and Vancouver Island, … Continued

20 May 2015 Destinations

What’s your least favourite airport?

Love them or hate them, flying will always involve passing through airports. Sometimes this can be a seamless and even enjoyable experience, while visiting some airports can be truly trying. This week our members discuss which airports, in their opinions, are the worst in the world. One member is particularly unimpressed by their home airport … Continued

19 May 2015 Travel Lifestyle

Qantas Club access restricted for Admirals Club members

Admirals Club passes have, until now, offered a cheap alternative to purchasing Qantas Club membership. Under an agreement between Qantas and partner American Airlines, American Airlines Admirals Club members have been able to access Qantas lounges (and vice versa) any time they flew on one of each other’s flights. This has been particularly advantageous for … Continued

18 May 2015 Airports & Lounges