Latest news

Tiger to replace Virgin flights on selected routes?

In the past 2 years, the two big airlines, Qantas and Virgin, have been adding capacity in the battle for the consumer’s dollar. At the lower cost end of the market, Jetstar has also been adding capacity, while Tiger was restricted by authorities from expanding after their grounding. With all this extra capacity, consumers, it … Continued

7 May 2014 Virgin Australia

Great tip for feeding infants on flights

It’s a common question these days. With liquids and gels often being restricted or limited in the cabin as far as carry on baggage goes, how do you handle your family’s unique dietary requirements? One of our members asks: I am heading domestically with 2 kids tomorrow, (only BNE to SYD) but my wife is … Continued

6 May 2014 In Flight

Going Czech with the Finns

For many of our members, the change last year with Qantas to route European bound flights via Dubai meant it was time to look at alternatives. For others, avoiding Heathrow and its departure tax surcharges has also been a primary concern. This week’s trip report offers a real world review of one of those alternatives … Continued

5 May 2014 Flight Reviews

Traveller Tax refunds – should I declare on return?

One of the benefits of heading overseas is the ability to claim back GST (and some other taxes) on departure, thanks to the Tourist Refund Scheme. This nice little perk applies for both residents and visitors. While it may not seem much, GST can add up to a bit of money, especially on expensive goods. … Continued

3 May 2014 Travel Lifestyle

Best Way to Exit Frequent Flyer programs

One Qantas Frequent Flyer member this week wants to close their account and exit the program. For this member the program was not delivering any value. In their view the rewards do not justify the annual fee for the QFF credit card, they find it hard to book flights and they resent being stung with … Continued

1 May 2014 Qantas

AFF members influence location of Sydney’s second airport?

The best airports for a frequent flyer are often those that are located close to your final destination. There is nothing worse than getting off a long flight, knowing there are still hours before you hit your workplace or hotel room, thanks to being located in the middle of nowhere. Conversely, those living near inner … Continued

30 Apr 2014 Airports & Lounges

Airport Lounges – It’s all about choice

Many of our members have airport lounge access as part of their frequent flyer status or lounge membership program. For others, it only comes when they fly business or first class. When the occasion rises, questions are often asked about the lounge facilities on offer and if there is a choice, what’s the best? Hi … Continued

29 Apr 2014 Airports & Lounges

Love and hugs in Taiwan

Taking advantage of geography errors or quirks in frequent flyer schemes has long been the hallmark of the frugal frequent flyer. As we featured recently in another trip report review, Guam is one such quirk. With Australia and Guam both classed as South Pacific in US Air Dividend Miles program, return travel between the two … Continued

28 Apr 2014 Flight Reviews

Duplicate Booking – an honest, but expensive, mistake

This week, one of our members found out that loyalty does not always help when it comes to rectifying an honest, albeit expensive, mistake and was keen to share On Monday night, due to a communication breakdown (I had not realised my Aunty was also booking my mothers flights) we each booked a return flight … Continued

26 Apr 2014 Planning & Booking

Wish upon a Plane

Our members collate the ultimate Qantas Frequent Flyer program wish-list this week. Our members reveal their hopes, dreams and ideals for the future of the program all succinctly tied up in a big red (roo) bow. This comes after Qantas announced significant changes to their program last month. A free upgrade once a year is … Continued

24 Apr 2014 Qantas

“Best Price Guaranteed” – by eliminating cheaper fares!

Have you ever looked at booking travel and wondered why all the local prices seemed the same? You may have tried the airlines online, gone down to your local agent or even tried one of the bigger agents, only to discover there is no difference? Well for many of our members this is no surprise. … Continued

23 Apr 2014 Planning & Booking

Cheap flights to South America

December is not the best month for cheap travel no matter where you are going. Regardless of whether a country celebrates Christmas and the New Year, travel always seems to be at a premium. One of our members however is looking at travelling not only during the busiest time of the year, but also to … Continued

22 Apr 2014 Planning & Booking