Latest news

Airline Status: Useless in the pointy end?

One of our members (who clearly has discovered the best value redemptions) asks an interesting question: Assuming I only travel on J/F flights earned via CC and redeemed on points. Status runs etc seem bit irrelevant? Only advantage is extra baggage allowance? What other advantages are there? So what are the pointy end passengers missing … Continued

1 Apr 2014 Airlines, Miles and Points

Capsule Hotels – how to avoid Singapore’s Expensive Hotels

This week we look at a way of solving an increasingly common problem. How to visit Singapore and its environs without paying too much for a bed? If you have not been to Asia before, then you would probably not be aware that rooms are advertised as ++, those pluses being an additional 10% compulsory … Continued

31 Mar 2014 Hotel Reviews

Fraud Fears when making a Travel Booking

One member feared the worst when they received an email from a hotel confirming a booking for a reservation they never made. This member had visited the hotel previously but had not made a booking for the coming weeks. Our members concerns grew when the hotel confirmed that the reservation had been made via a … Continued

27 Mar 2014 Hotel Loyalty Programs

The end of First Class to Europe for under $3,000?

As March draws to a close, one of the more significant mergers of the airline industry takes another step to completion. US Airways will join its merger partner, American Airlines, as a One World member airline, leaving the Star Alliance at the same time. So what does this mean for frequent flyers? Eventually the frequent … Continued

26 Mar 2014 American Airlines

Circling the Pacific to Canada – why fly direct?

Sometimes the best option is not the most obvious one. That’s certainly the case when it comes to airlines and airfares at times. This week we see one of our members having to do a short-notice trip to Canada from Tasmania. While their client is paying, they still need to get the best value they … Continued

24 Mar 2014 Flight Reviews

Express Car Rentals – A thief magnet?

You’ve probably seen the signs at your local shopping centre – don’t leave valuables in your parked car. And many of us have probably seen cars parked with windows down or doors unlocked. What is more unusual is to see keys in the ignition. But one place where you will probably see all of the … Continued

22 Mar 2014 Car Hire

Friends, Family and Frequent Flyer Fortunes

Sharing your frequent flyer fortunes with family and friends can often be misunderstood. This week our members discuss how much they divulge to their loved ones about their frequent flyer activity. Some members keep their frequent flying activities in a strict cone of silence. They tire of friends complaining about the injustices of their own … Continued

20 Mar 2014 Airlines, Miles and Points

When a plane goes missing!

Being a frequent flyer site, many our members pay close attention when aviation items hit the news. The news of a Malaysian B777 going missing certainly got our members talking. 777-200 enroute to Beijing lost contact with ground a few hours into the flight. With the world getting a smaller place, many were left wondering … Continued

19 Mar 2014 Malaysia Airlines

Involuntary rebooked from Qantas to Jetstar – your choices

Last week we looked at changes and cancellations and their effect on your frequent flyer program, but what happens when an airline offers a change from a full service carrier to a low cost one Hi everyone, a family member was booked on QF 77/78 in late July. The route was recently axed by Qantas, … Continued

18 Mar 2014 Jetstar

The Captains Table – it’s a cracker!

This week our featured trip report involves a mode of travel that is increasingly becoming popular with Australians, in fact you could say many of us are all at sea Well, I’ve been inspired by the recent Trip Reports and figured I should organise my own..So, where am I going? Well, there is two of … Continued

17 Mar 2014 Cruises

Really Cheap “Mistake” Fares

Over the years our members have proved to be an eagle eyed bunch, with many mistake fares soon coming to light on the forum for others to take advantage. Who can forget the Qantas east coast to Port Headland fares for $35 or the Nadi special in Business for just over a $1,300 that saw … Continued

15 Mar 2014 Planning & Booking

Chairman’s Lounge: Behind the smoked glass door marked “Private”

Have you every wondered what behind that smoked glass door marked private between gates 23 and 24 at the Qantas terminal in Brisbane? Perhaps you noticed the odd person turn right instead of left at the escalators in Sydney and Melbourne. Chances are they are heading for the very exclusive Chairman’s Lounge. The Chairman’s Lounge … Continued

12 Mar 2014 Airports & Lounges