Latest news

A very indirect trip to Germany in style

With family from around the world, Germany was the agreed meeting location this Christmas for one of our members. Frankfurt was the ultimate destination, but our member decided that going straight there wouldn’t be exciting enough. Instead, in this week’s trip report we are treated to an interesting variety of Asian destinations; the trip to … Continued

7 Jan 2015 Flight Reviews

US government to lift Cuban travel restrictions

Since the US embargo on Cuba began in the 1960s, the small nation has been inaccessible – at least directly – from the United States. Even though the Cuban capital Havana is just an hour’s flight from Miami, anyone wanting to travel between the USA and Cuba currently needs to get to an intermediate country … Continued

6 Jan 2015 Destinations

Business Class to Europe: the dream and the reality

Many people dream of one day flying to Europe in Business class, but think it is impossible to afford unless they win the lotto. However with some frequent flyer points, and a bit of sage advice, the dream doesn’t have to remain forever as just a dream! One member this week wants to use points … Continued

5 Jan 2015 Qantas

Making free calls overseas over WiFi

Using your mobile phone overseas can be an expensive exercise. Phone service providers often charge exorbitant rates. And although some now offer special global roaming packages, they are still generally poor value when you compare them to other options out there. One option to bring down the cost of overseas calls is to buy a … Continued

3 Jan 2015 Travel Tools & Technology

Flight Booking Regret

Post Travel Expo regret has hit one member hard this week. Our member spontaneously purchased an economy flight from Sydney to LA with friends and is now regretting the decision. The prospect of 14 hours in economy is enough to drive our member to drink! The current attitude is putting the “WHY” into Y-class. Our … Continued

18 Dec 2014 Planning & Booking

The delights of Thailand, Burma and Singapore

This week our trip report starts with what used to be a common experience – the joy of travelling First Class to Asia. Due to the withdrawal of Qantas First Class service to Asia, it is now a little harder to travel in the lap of luxury using points. While Singapore Airlines do have some … Continued

17 Dec 2014 Destinations

Don’t you know who I am? Over Nuts!?

The famous (and sometimes the not so famous) are known for the occasional dummy spit. That moment when they feel like someone clearly does not know who they are. For a purser onboard Korean Air this week, such a moment resulted from a career-limiting move they made onboard a departing flight. And it was all … Continued

16 Dec 2014 Other Airlines

Melbourne to Phuket – Points or Pay?

If you are sitting on a stack of points, it can be pretty tempting to use them. Sometimes it makes sense, while other times, it seems the airlines can make it hard to use them. So when do you pull the trigger? This week, one of our members poses such a dilemma. Hi guys, really … Continued

15 Dec 2014 Airlines, Miles and Points

Qantas “enhances” Priority Boarding, more changes to follow in 2015?

One of the better perks for many of our members is priority boarding. A benefit usually on offer to the top tiers of frequent flyers, it allows them to board at anytime in a dedicated queue without joining what is often a long line. While Virgin have offered this benefit to their domestic Platinum and … Continued

14 Dec 2014 Qantas

A Tipple in the Air Brings A Holiday Cheer

This week’s topic is not for the easily-dehydrated. Our members spread the Christmas cheer and discuss their alcohol consumption in the air. An urban flying legend has emerged that one passenger managed to down eight bottles of Dom Perignon on a long haul flight. Our members question the veracity of this tale. However, it has … Continued

11 Dec 2014 In Flight

Mistaken Fare Showdown: Flight Centre vs Singapore Airlines

With so many airlines currently flying to Australia, offering a variety of fares, sometimes it can be pretty hard to pick when a published fare is a mistake. Some two weeks ago, on a Saturday morning, Flight Centre staff did think they had found such a mistake fare. Doing the responsible thing, they let Singapore … Continued

9 Dec 2014 Singapore Airlines

Getting into a spin over baggage

Our members often muse about baggage, and what makes a good purchase. If you only travel once in a blue moon, spending good cash on a suitcase may not make sense. For instance, if you have looked closely at a Japanese tour group, you will not their baggage often looks similar. That’s because they often … Continued

8 Dec 2014 Travel Lifestyle