Latest news

Essential Travel Medication

Travel medicine is a topic of discussion this week. If you travel often enough, you’re inevitably bound to become sick overseas at some point. Depending on where you are when illness strikes, getting medical assistance quickly and easily is not always possible. For this reason, many of our members believe that being prepared is essential. … Continued

28 Feb 2015 Travel Lifestyle

Qantas Loyalty not extended to Lounges

One member this week was unable to secure a Qantas codeshare flight on a return trip to Paris due to the route taken. The flight from Dubai to Paris had to be on an Emirates flight. As a Qantas Club member, our member was assured by the travel agent that access to the Emirates lounge … Continued

26 Feb 2015 Airports & Lounges

Five continents in 28 days

This week we are treated to our member exceladdict’s first trip report. And what an adventure it is shaping up to be! Well, to be honest, the full title should be 21 Flights, 16 Airports, 9 Plane Types and 6 Carriers taking 2 pax over 5 Continents in 28 Days. And it’s all thanks to … Continued

25 Feb 2015 Flight Reviews

Virgin getting stingy with complimentary platinum upgrades?

This week one of our members is finding it difficult to use their Virgin complimentary platinum upgrades. I tried to use a platinum comp upgrade, but there seems no award seats available. I’ve checked on expert flyer, and it seems there are only 6 passengers in J out of possible 36 seats. I was searching … Continued

24 Feb 2015 Virgin Australia

New Qantas “Bid Now” upgrades: How will they work?

Qantas announced recently that they are introducing a new way to upgrade called “Bid Now”. Under the new system, which will function alongside the traditional “classic” points upgrades, selected flyers will be offered the opportunity to bid for an upgrade using a combination of points and cash. It will operate like an auction, with bidders … Continued

23 Feb 2015 Qantas

Getting Help from the Airline Customer Advocate

If you’ve ever been involved in a dispute with an airline, you probably know how frustrating it can be. Airlines are often unwilling to do the right thing by the customer and as a passenger, it’s often easy just to give up. But did you know that there is an advocate that may be able … Continued

21 Feb 2015 Jetstar

Middle Seat Protocol

One member this week seeks guidance on the correct flight etiquette when faced with a vacant seat in the middle of a three seat row. On a recent trip this flyer experienced fellow pax acting, in their view arrogantly, by completely dominating the vacant middle seat for their own possessions and food tray. Some members … Continued

19 Feb 2015 Travel Lifestyle

Belize and Guatemala: A Mayan adventure

This week our member RooFlyer is escaping a freezing winter in North America to visit the former Mayan civilisation in Belize and Guatemala. The trip was booked at the last minute using American Airlines AAdvantage miles. As our member discovered, American charge a USD$75 fee for award bookings made less than 21 days out. But … Continued

18 Feb 2015 Destinations

Who to book with when flying Singapore Airlines as a Velocity member?

This week a member is looking to book a trip to Asia on Singapore Airlines. As a Velocity member, they would like to book with Virgin Australia however to do so would cost $132 more. Understandably they are wondering what, if anything, one gets for that extra $132. Hi, just looking into booking a fare … Continued

17 Feb 2015 Singapore Airlines

Malaysia Airlines redemptions to become more expensive

Malaysia Airlines has become the latest airline to devalue its frequent flyer program. As well as making changes to the way miles are earned, the airline has significantly increased the number of Enrich miles required for reward flights. As well the increase to redemption costs, Malaysia Airlines is making changes to zones that leave most … Continued

16 Feb 2015 Malaysia Airlines

How does Emirates Economy stack up?

Emirates is often praised for its extravagant business and first class offering. But is the glamour associated with Emirates reflected in economy class? One of our members recently travelled from Melbourne to Singapore on board an Emirates Boeing 777. Despite a small delay, there are plenty of positives about the flight. The young cabin crew … Continued

11 Feb 2015 Flight Reviews

Velocity Frequent Flyer: Where are the partner reward seats?

Finding Velocity Frequent Flyer reward seats on partner airlines, such as Etihad, Delta, Virgin Atlantic and Virgin America, has proven a struggle for one of our members. The member wants to use their Virgin points to fly to the USA and Europe. However, they have been finding that award availability on some partner airlines has … Continued

10 Feb 2015 Virgin Australia