Latest news

Sydney, Singapore, Switzerland, Scotland in Singapore Airlines Suites

This week’s trip report has a bit of a theme. Not only do the countries being visited have something in common, even the method of getting there meets the criteria. Surely the only way to visit Singapore, Switzerland, Scotland and Sydney is to fly Singapore Airlines Suites? First time poster as a trip report, so … Continued

6 Aug 2014 Flight Reviews

Is Australia still a two airline country?

From the late 1940s until the 1990s, Australia operated under a two airline policy. That policy put in place a law that specified only two airlines could operate the routes between major cities. Over the time it was in place, travel by air was expensive, and often inflexible. For some routes, there would be two … Continued

5 Aug 2014 Virgin Australia

A cheap flight via Kiev – worth the risk?

One of our members this week asks a question that would have probably not got too much interest a month ago. Sadly with the downing of the Malaysian Airlines over the Ukraine in recent weeks, the question has very much become a topical one. So, I’m looking at doing a round trip from Berlin to … Continued

4 Aug 2014 Planning & Booking

Man Bags and Wallets

With August 1 being D Day for credit cards to lose their signatures, there has been some speculation that we are finally entering the cashless era. Technologies such as Paywave etc. allow transactions that are quick and easy negating the need for cash. But we all need to keep those cards somewhere. Throw in the … Continued

2 Aug 2014 Travel Money

Lounge Access Whittled away under new Qantas “Enhancements”

A recent set of Qantas Frequent Flyer program “enhancements” have caused a stir amongst our members. The new changes mean that from 1st October members must be travelling on a Qantas coded Emirates flight in order to obtain lounge access. Likewise, there will no longer be lounge access available at Dubai airport unless flying on … Continued

31 Jul 2014 Qantas

A family trip to Namibia

As anyone with children would know, holidays can be a trying experience. Throw in a long flight, missing baggage and a car hire company not wanting to honour your booking, and it could turn into a nightmare. Despite suffering those misfortunes, this week’s trip report turns out to be anything but a nightmare. Many years … Continued

30 Jul 2014 Destinations

Etihad Status Match with a catch

Over the last few years, there has been something of a competition going on between the Middle Eastern carriers. With their respective states or countries slowly moving away from a dependence on oil for income, tourism and transport has become the focus for the economy as they move forward. This means new airports, facilities and … Continued

29 Jul 2014 Etihad Airways

Using points to upgrade – Premium Economy or Business?

With all the Qantas Frequent Flyer changes that came into effect in July, flight upgrades are probably one of the few areas left where points still have significant value. Depending on the fare you booked, an upgrade to Premium Economy, Business or First Class can often be requested. But if you have not travelled in … Continued

28 Jul 2014 Qantas

Compensation for work hours lost by delays?

Whether you travel once a year or once a week, chances are delays and cancellations will eventually impact your plans. For a leisure traveller, it could be said your time is not so important. But what about someone in business, can the airlines be held liable for the productivity lost? After a recent bad experience … Continued

26 Jul 2014 Qantas

Grateful Newbie praises AFF community

One long-term lurker but infrequent poster takes an opportunity to thank the amazing array of talent that our AFF community has to offer. The tips and hints provided on the forum has inspired this newbie to start a “points project” in an effort to get their family of four to the US for a holiday … Continued

24 Jul 2014 Airlines, Miles and Points

Just Google it – a Trip not for Interns

For many of our Canberra based members, the move to early departure flights with Qantas often means taking the “fog gamble”. Unless you’re on the first flight, you can be stuck at Canberra waiting for your aircraft to land. After a flurry of trip reports from members heading to Europe, this week we are journeying … Continued

23 Jul 2014 Destinations

The Virgin Phone Scam

When it comes to scams, unfortunately airlines are often good fodder for the scammers. As they are in the business of transporting thousands of people a day, it’s easy for the crooks to find a victim who recently took a flight. For the past few weeks, it has been Virgins turn, and a few of … Continued

22 Jul 2014 Virgin Australia