ITA Airways Joins SkyTeam Alliance

Italy’s new flag carrier ITA Airways has joined the SkyTeam alliance, replacing the void left by the exit of its predecessor Alitalia. ITA Airways took over operations from Alitalia on 15 October 2021. At the time, it wasn’t yet clear whether ITA Airways would take Alitalia’s place in the SkyTeam alliance. But it was widely … Continued

American Airlines AAdvantage Status Overhaul

Oneworld airline and Qantas partner American Airlines has announced major changes to the way status is earned in its AAdvantage frequent flyer program, taking effect from 2022. Currently, earning American Airlines AAdvantage status requires members to earn Elite Qualifying Dollars (EQDs), plus a minimum amount of either Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs) or Elite Qualifying Segments … Continued

Velocity Upgrades Top Points Earners to Gold Status

A member of Virgin Australia’s Velocity Frequent Flyer program received a surprise upgrade from Red to Gold status last week as one of Velocity’s “top points earning members”. Normally, you would need to earn 500 status credits and fly at least 4 eligible Virgin Australia sectors to upgrade to Velocity Gold status. But like most … Continued

Bonus Status Credits at the Qantas Rewards Store

Qantas Frequent Flyer members can earn up to 50 bonus status credits by redeeming points at the Qantas Rewards Store until 4 November 2021. This is the first time Qantas has given bonus status credits for spending points on gift cards, merchandise or products from its online redemption portal. During this promotion, you would earn 10 … Continued

Podcast #71: NSW Ends Quarantine

This week, NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet made a huge announcement that Australians will finally be allowed to leave the country – and return without quarantine – from 1 November 2021. That’s just over two weeks away! There are some conditions. For example, Australians will need to be fully vaccinated, will need a negative COVID-19 test … Continued