Latest news

Mid-air emergency: Medics on Board

It appears that doctors are always “on-call”, even whilst en route to a holiday. One member shares their experience about answering the call on board for a medic in an emergency situation. This medic was extremely impressed with the medical and physician kits available to assist in an on-board emergency. This member encourages all in … Continued

9 Apr 2015 Travel Lifestyle

Crossing the Tasman in ultimate luxury

There are countless ways to fly across the ditch to New Zealand these days. But most would agree that there is no better way to travel to the land of the long white cloud than in the luxury of first class on board an Emirates A380! This week Pushka got to do just that, and … Continued

8 Apr 2015 Flight Reviews

Is Epiqure Premium Membership Worthwhile?

Many of our wine-loving members are also members of Qantas’ food and wine community, Qantas Wine (formerly epiQure). The program claims to offer good deals on premium wines, and many of our members are also attracted by the proposition of bonus frequent flyer points. Anyone can order wine from epiQure, but becoming a full member … Continued

7 Apr 2015 Qantas

No thongs allowed in Qantas Club: A step too far?

The issue of minimum dress standards in the Qantas Club is proving a hot topic that has our members divided. Qantas recently began actively enforcing its long-standing Qantas Club dress code. Lounge entrants are now required to adhere to basic minimum dress standards. Items like thongs and singlets are off the list of allowed items … Continued

6 Apr 2015 Airports & Lounges

Codeshare flight seat selection conundrum

One member is running into problems attempting to select a seat on their upcoming codeshare flights. I have purchased flights with LAN as marketing carrier but operating carrier is QF. I only have a LAN PNR – tried to get the QF one and QF tell me I do not exist in their system from … Continued

4 Apr 2015 Oneworld

Qantas Priority Baggage Blues

This week our members complain about the notoriously unpredictable approach of Qantas to priority baggage. One member has status, flies business class and has priority marked luggage but finds that their bags are still often the last to arrive off the conveyor. Many members find this frustrating given that priority luggage is trumpeted as a … Continued

2 Apr 2015 Qantas

Beyond the Bali stereotypes

Our member GPH recently headed to a destination they never actually planned to, nor ever wanted to visit! The main reason for booking the trip in the first place was not the destination, rather the fact that Jetstar business class happened to be a cost-effective way to earn our member enough Qantas status credits to … Continued

1 Apr 2015 Destinations

Gold Coast Airport to be upgraded… eventually

Regular flyers to the Gold Coast will be delighted to hear that the airport will finally be getting a much-needed upgrade… eventually. The airport, which still lacks aerobridges, will in time have its carpark, international terminal and domestic terminal upgraded, though we are yet to see the exact details. Good news is that the GC … Continued

30 Mar 2015 Airports & Lounges

Booking internal South American flights with Qantas points

In South America, depending on where and when you want to fly, internal flights are often expensive. And this problem is exacerbated by the fact that on some airlines, tourists are not even allowed to buy the cheapest tickets, which are reserved for sale to local residents only. So it’s little surprise that one of … Continued

28 Mar 2015 Qantas

Retirement Strategy for Frequent Flyers

One member asks our older and wiser forum participants how it is possible to maintain a frequent flyer reward balance when retired. This member is considering an early retirement but is mindful that this is likely to result in a sharp decline of the ability to acquire frequent flyer points. Our members discuss a number … Continued

26 Mar 2015 Airlines, Miles and Points

A Japanese adventure, including a touch of luxury

Thanks to a “very very special USDM redemption”, our member boomy is travelling to Japan for a couple of weeks with a quick side-trip to Hong Kong… and what better way to get to Tokyo than on board the Japan’s national carrier in first class? On our next holiday we are heading to the Land … Continued

25 Mar 2015 Flight Reviews

What to do during a layover in Hong Kong

With a seven hour layover in Hong Kong, a member wonders whether it would be worth leaving the airport, and if so, what to do in order to get the most out of the short time. Would it be too stressful to try and go somewhere if never been there before and be back in … Continued

24 Mar 2015 Destinations