Episodes
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Have you ever wondered how airline alliances or hotel loyalty programs work behind the scenes?
In this episode, Matt is joined by an expert in loyalty programs, former Malaysia Airlines Enrich CEO and current StatusMatch.com CEO Mark Ross-Smith for a chat about the world of airline alliances.
Find out what airlines need to do in order to join an airline alliance such as Oneworld, Star Alliance or SkyTeam, the pros & cons for airlines, and what happens if an airline wants to leave an alliance.
The discussion also covers priority boarding, Qantas lifetime status, the strange relationship between Qantas and Qatar Airways, the latest airline status matching trends, and more!
Episode contents:
1:29 - Fortnightly news round-up
11:41 - Interview with Mark Ross-Smith
Links:
AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions
Frequent Flyer Solutions webinars
Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up:
Qantas Tightens Lounge Guest Eligibility
Velocity’s New Peak & Off-Peak Reward Seat Pricing
Ola Waves Goodbye to Velocity Partnership
Qantas to Introduce Boarding Groups
Qantas Launches Free Wifi on Select International Flights
Virgin Australia Introduces Real-Time Baggage Tracking
Rex Expands Jet Network to Hobart
ACCC Backs Flight Delay Compensation Scheme in Australia
Woolworths Devalues Everyday Extra
Great BA Premium & Business Award Availability to Singapore
Huge Qantas International Network Expansion in 2023
Qantas to Lease Finnair A330s for Singapore, Bangkok Flights
Batik Air Malaysia to Fly Perth-Auckland
Virgin to Fly Boeing 737-700s to Tokyo -
Matt sits down for an extended interview by Silva McLeod, Tonga’s first ever female airline pilot. After flying for Royal Tongan Airlines, Silva went on to fly in Auatralia for Aeropelican, the Royal Flying Doctor Service and ultimately Virgin Blue, which became Virgin Australia. But the journey from island girl to airline pilot, as Silva tells in her new book, wasn't an easy one.
Also in this episode, it's become easier to get to Hawaii with Velocity Frequent Flyer points.
Episode contents:
1:22 - Fortnightly news round-up
7:22 - Interview with Silva McLeod
52:12 - Redeeming Velocity points for Hawaiian Airlines flights
54:58 - Why Avios are useful for Australians
Links:
AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions
Book: 'Island Girl to Airline Pilot' by Silva McLeod
Upcoming Frequent Flyer Solutions webinar - Avios for Aussies (8pm AEST on 25 May 2023)
Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up:
United Expands Service to Australia & New Zealand
How to Fly Emirates Premium Economy in 2023
Free Singapore Transit Tours Are Back
ING Bank Removes Overseas ATM Fee Rebates
British Airways Increasing Avios Subscription Prices
Qantas’ Melbourne First Class Check-in Suite to Reopen
Transfer Points to Velocity for a 15% Bonus (May 2023)
Virgin Australia Extends Middle Seat Lottery -
Episodes manquant?
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It's our 100th episode! To celebrate, we're taking a look back at the history of Australian Frequent Flyer forum, which this year will turn 25 years old.
This episode features interviews with AFF's founder Clifford Reichlin and one of the original forum moderators, Lindsay Wilson (QF WP). Today, AFF has over 60,000 members - but Lindsay was the third person to ever join.
Episode contents:
1:10 - Fortnightly news round-up
4:59 - Interview with Clifford Reichlin, the founder of AFF
19:29 - Interview with Lindsay Wilson (a.k.a. forum moderator "QF WP")
33:31 - We're opening the AFF archives
35:20 - Happy 100th episode!
Links:
AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions
A little bit of moderation in Dubai. (historical trip report from 2013)
A Brief History of Qantas Frequent Flyer
Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up:
Fiji Airways Launches Canberra-Nadi Route
Hilton Honors Status Match Challenge
UK Air Passenger Duty: How to Avoid Paying Hundreds
Qatar Airways Quietly Extends Privilege Club Tiers (Again)
Last Chance to Earn Qantas Points with Quandoo -
The AFF on Air podcast is back! While we were taking a summer break, a brand new airline called Bonza launched flights in the Australian market.
In this episode, Matt chats to the CEO of Bonza Tim Jordan to find out what's involved in starting a new airline in Australia, how the launch has been going, why the airline doesn't offer website bookings and what's next for Bonza's route network.
Also in this episode: Qantas has released a new Double Status Credits offer, and how to be notified when airlines release new reward seats.
Episode contents:
1:05 - Fortnightly news round-up
10:31 - Interview with Tim Jordan, CEO of Bonza
34:19 - Qantas' latest "double status credits" offer
38:46 - Listener question: How to get alerted when airlines release new award availability
Links:
AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions
Matt's Bonza flight review
Upcoming Frequent Flyer Solutions webinar - Everyone Loves an Upgrade (29 March 2023)
Make the Most of Qantas’ New Double Status Credits Offer
"oneworld" award (132.4K/249.6K/318K/455K) Planning - The Definitive Thread
Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up:
Buy & Redeem Virgin Atlantic Points for SkyTeam Flights
Qantas Expands China Airlines Redemptions Beyond Taipei
Emirates Restores Melbourne-Singapore Connection
Virgin Australia Business Flyer Status Match
Qantas Fixes Ongoing Reward Flight Ticketing Failures
These Are Etihad Guest’s New Award Charts
New International Lounge Opens at Adelaide Airport
Qantas Invests in New & Upgraded Lounges
New KrisFlyer Round-the-World Award Booking Service Fee
Citibank Cards End Emirates Skywards Transfers
Croatia is Now Part of the Schengen Area
Qatar’s New Mandatory Travel Insurance Requirement
Earn 250 Status Credits or 30,000 Extra Points with a Velocity Credit Card -
Struggling to redeem your frequent flyer points for flights? Matt chats to James Green from Award Flight Assist about the current situation with Qantas, Virgin Australia and Singapore Airlines award availability out of Australia.
If you want to redeem your frequent flyer points to book an overseas trip, find out where to look for seats in this podcast.
Episode contents:
0:56 - Fortnightly news round-up
7:26 - Interview with James Green
28:30 - An update on Qantas Classic Reward seat availability
Links:
AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions
Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up:
Qantas A330s Bound for Bali Over Summer
Singapore Airlines Releases First Saver Awards to Melbourne
Fly to South Africa via Paradise for $3,545 Return in Business Class
Beware of Virgin’s All-Economy 737s and A320s
Qantas Club Reopens in Rockhampton
You Can Now Convert Cathay Asia Miles to Marriott Points -
In this episode, find out why Air Canada's Aeroplan program deserves more attention from Australian frequent flyers! Plus, learn how to supercharge your Coles Flybuys and Woolworths Everyday Rewards points.
Episode contents:
0:59 - Fortnightly news round-up
12:43 - Air Canada's Aeroplan program
23:00 - New Star Alliance credit card
27:09 - How to supercharge your Flybuys and Everyday Rewards points
Links:
AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions
Air Canada Aeroplan Adds Two Unique Airline Partners
New HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card in Australia
Upcoming Frequent Flyer Solutions webinar - "Air Canada Aeroplan: A Hidden Gem" (23 November 2022)
Flybuys Hacks to Earn More Flights for Shopping at Coles
Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up:
Does Australia Need EU-Style Air Passenger Protections?
Qatar Airways’ Bizarre Daily Melbourne-Adelaide Flight
Australia-USA Flights at 50% of Pre-COVID Capacity
How Finnair Is Reinventing Its Business Model
T’Way Air Launching Sydney-Seoul Flights
Use Qantas Points to Fly on Bangkok Airways
Jetstar Moving to Terminal 4 in Singapore -
In the episode, Matt chats to Ron Haack, a recently retired pilot. Ron began his career in the Royal Australian Air Force and then flew for Qantas for 24 years, flying Airbus A330s and Boeing 747-400s.
Episode contents:
0:55 - Fortnightly news round-up
8:48 - Interview with Ron Haack
34:00 - Feedback from episode 94 - cheapest redemptions or flights booked
35:53 - AFF social events are back
Links:
AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions
AFF meetings & social events forum
Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up:
Virgin Australia Launches Middle Seat Lottery
Qantas Expects International Airfares to Come Down
How Will Virgin Australia Launch Flights to Tokyo?
Qantas Pauses Perth-Johannesburg Ticket Sales
Air NZ Removes “Seat Only” Fares to Perth, Hawaii & Tahiti
Marriott Ends Bonus Points on Transfers to 3 Airlines
Airline Cracks Down on Credit Card Churners -
British Airways Executive Club recently began selling subscriptions to receive a monthly allotment of Avios (the airline's loyalty program currency) at discounted prices. This could offer surprisingly good value to Australians when using those Avios to book Qantas domestic flights or Qatar Airways Business Class flights to Europe!
Also in this episode, Matt sits down with AFF forum moderator JessicaTam to talk about Qatar Airways Qsuites, airline lounges, travelling without checked baggage, gifts for the cabin crew, and lots more.
Episode contents:
1:10 - Fortnightly news round-up
10:10 - British Airways Avios subscriptions
22:07 - Interview with JessicaTam
Links:
AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions
How to Buy & Redeem British Airways Avios
Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up:
Half-Price Qantas Club Offer (October 2022)
Virgin Perth Lounge Opens for Evening Departures
Rex Introduces Business Class “Bid Up” Upgrades
Alaska Airlines Award Chart Overhaul Coming
IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite Status Fast Track
Hilton Honors Double Night Credits Promotion
Airlines Reach Status Extension Crossroads
Airlines Offer Thousands to Switch from Overbooked Flights -
Learn why airline award charts are the key to maximising your frequent flyer points, as Matt shares some of the most incredible frequent flyer redemptions he's seen during his years of covering and using points.
Plus, COVID-19 travel restrictions are coming down across northern Asia as Japan, Taiwan and Hong Kong reopen their borders to tourists.
Episode contents:
1:04 - Fortnightly news round-up
13:18 - The best ever award chart sweet spots and loopholes
24:23 - Japan, Hong Kong and Taiwan are reopening to overseas tourists
27:11 - Listener feedback - Overcast podcast platform
28:07 - Listener feedback - Matt on the Points of View podcast
29:21 - Listener feedback - Booking a KrisFlyer round-the-world award
Links:
AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions
Qantas Award Flights Were Incredible Value in the 1990s
Japan is Fully Reopening to Tourists!
Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up:
What Virgin Atlantic Joining SkyTeam Means for Australians
RwandAir to Join Oneworld Alliance
Why International Flights Are So Expensive Right Now
No Seats Available on Jetstar to Bali For Next 3 Weeks
Velocity Teases More Partner Airline Benefits
More Airlines Give Status Credits for Environmental Contributions
When Qatar Airways Releases Seats for Qantas Points Bookings
Qantas Ending COVID Flexibility on Reward Bookings
Flybuys Considering Switch to Qantas Points?
Malaysia Airlines Offers Bonus Domestic Side Trip
Upgraded SkyTeam Lounge Opens in Sydney
Velocity to Introduce Carrier Charges on Singapore Airlines -
If you want to use your points to book an international Business or First Class flight, often the hardest part is just finding award availability. But if you have American Express Membership Rewards points, there’s a great hack that can give you access to award seats across more than 30 different frequent flyer programs. Plus, until the end of this month, you can even get 50% bonus points when using this method.
In this episode, Matt chats to Chris Chamberlin from Point Hacks who explains how transferring American Express Membership Rewards points to the Marriott Bonvoy program could be an excellent deal.
Episode contents:
1:36 - Fortnightly news round-up
8:49 - The Europe early bird sale season is beginning
12:32 - Interview with Chris Chamberlin about the Amex promo on transfers to Marriott Bonvoy
Links:
AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions
Fly Premium Economy to Europe from $1,828 Return
This short-term transfer trick makes your Amex Membership Rewards points more valuable (Point Hacks article)
Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up:
Virgin Australia “Switch-A-Roo” Gold & Platinum Status Match
Virgin Australia Launches Partnership with Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways Rewards: Velocity Members Get Priority over Qantas
Qatar Airways, Emirates Upgrade Perth Flights to A380s
Qantas Delays San Francisco Relaunch Until March 2023
Virgin to Bring Back In-Flight Wifi from Late 2022
New Zealand Drops Mandatory COVID-19 Tests on Arrival
USA Proposes Mandatory Refunds for Aircraft Type Downgrades -
The Star Alliance Round-the-World Award offered by Singapore Airlines' KrisFlyer program is a great deal. For just 280,000 KrisFlyer miles, plus taxes of course, you could fly around the world with up to 7 stopovers across the Star Alliance network!
But booking one of these does take a bit of work and there are some catches. In this episode, Matt speaks to someone who's booked 3 of these awards this year using his KrisFlyer miles.
Episode contents:
1:26 - Fortnightly news round-up
8:40 - Interview with Alan Lam about the KrisFlyer Star Alliance RTW Award
Links:
AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions
How to Book a KrisFlyer Star Alliance Round The World Award
Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up:
Qantas to Fly Sydney-New York via Auckland
New Qantas Business Lounge for Adelaide
Qantas Status Extensions & Gifts Offered as Apology
Virgin Reopens Premium Lounge Entry in Brisbane
Velocity Gold & Platinum Members Gain Air Canada Lounge Access
Finnair Raises Business Class Round-the-World Airfares
Optus Offer: 60,000 Qantas Points for $396
Berlin Airport Now Offers Timed Security Line Reservations -
In this episode, Matt takes a close look at two different tools and resources that can make your international travel easier in 2022.
The first tool is Apple AirTags, which can help if an airline loses your luggage. Another is Sherpa, a website with easy-to-read, up-to-date information on where you can travelled and what's required to enter your destination. This has proven a very helpful resource when travelling overseas during and after the COVID-19 pandemic!
This episode includes an interview with David Riley, the Chief of Staff at Sherpa.
Episode contents:
1:08 - Fortnightly news round-up
11:34 - How Apple AirTags work
20:29 - Interview with David Riley from Sherpa
Links:
AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions
Upcoming Frequent Flyer Solutions webinar
Avoid Lost Luggage with Apple AirTags (AFF article)
Sherpa website
Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up:
Qantas Adjusts Departure Times By One Minute
How to Get a Virgin Australia “Discover Gold” Status Match
Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles Status Match
Virgin Melbourne Lounge Now After Security
No Virgin Lounge Access for International or Red-Eye Flights
Earn Velocity Points on Link Airways
New International Lounge for Adelaide Airport
Emirates Renovating Brisbane Lounge
Hotels Cut Back on Housekeeping -
Over the coming months, many Qantas points collectors will attempt to redeem their points for Business Class flights to Europe during next year's peak northern hemisphere summer season. It's a great redemption... if you can get it. That's where the problems start...
In this episode, James Green from Frequent Flyer Solutions explains how you can redeem Qantas points for flights to Europe, as well as other frequent flyer programs to consider that offer better value and award availability.
This episode also includes some follow-up discussion about last fortnight's episode on Air Canada Aeroplan points.
Episode contents:
1:21 - Fortnightly news round-up
11:29 - Interview with James Green about redeeming Qantas points to Europe
40:56 - Discussion on Air Canada Aeroplan redemptions
Links:
AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions
kangarooflyer88's informative post in the "Aeroplan (Air Canada) is now selling points" thread
Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up:
Instant Accor ALL Gold Status for Qantas Frequent Flyers
Jetstar Restarts Flights to Japan
Unusual Air New Zealand Award Availability
Qatar Airways Awards Vanish from Qantas Website
Jetstar Moving to Terminal 4 in Singapore?
$400 of Annual Dining Credits for Amex Platinum Cardholders
Qantas Considers Points Subscriptions
No Overseas ATM Fees with Bankwest Qantas Transaction Account
Which Credit Card Travel Insurance Covers COVID-19? -
Has the Avianca LifeMiles program lost its shine? Buying LifeMiles during their promotions used to be a popular way of saving money on Star Alliance Business and First class flights, but using them on flights from Australia has become very difficult indeed. In this episode, find out why Air Canada's Aeroplan program may now be a much better alternative for Australian flyers.
Also in this episode, Velocity Frequent Flyer and the Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer programs have reinstated the conversion of points between each program. Plus, why airport security queues can be so frustrating for frequent flyers - and a possible solution.
Episode contents:
1:14 - Fortnightly news round-up
6:41 - Why Avianca LifeMiles has lost its shine in Australia
13:35 - Why the Air Canada Aeroplan program is a good replacement for LifeMiles
21:20 - Velocity reinstates points transfers to Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
29:08 - An idea to improve airport security
Links:
AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions
No Availability: What’s the Point of Buying LifeMiles in 2022?
How to Buy & Redeem Air Canada Aeroplan Points
How to Transfer Velocity Points to Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
How to Improve Airport Security Queues
Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up:
The Latest KrisFlyer Spontaneous Escapes Deals
Emirates Reopens Most Australian Airport Lounges
AirAsia X Challenges on Sydney-Auckland Route
Qantas Fixes Alaska Airlines Classic Reward Pricing
Instant IHG Platinum Status + Diamond Challenge -
In this episode, Matt is joined by Aaron Wong, the founder of the Singapore-based frequent flyer blog Milelion, for a chat about the recent changes to the Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer program. The discussion then continues onto other KrisFlyer-related topics including waitlisting for KrisFlyer award seats, what to do if you have KrisFlyer miles due to expire next year and the new Singapore Airlines lounges that recently opened at Changi Airport.
Episode contents:
1:08 - Fortnightly news round-up
10:25 - Interview with Aaron Wong about the Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer program
48:13 - Velocity as another alternative to Qantas Frequent Flyer
Links:
AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions
How to Book a KrisFlyer Star Alliance Round The World Award
Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Devaluation (2022)
Milelion website
Upcoming Frequent Flyer Solutions webinar (Velocity Points: An Underrated Award Travel Currency - 20 July 2022)
Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up:
Australia Scraps Digital Passenger Declaration
The World’s Safest Countries According to Smartraveller
Velocity to Introduce Carrier Charges on Singapore Airlines
Woolworths Launches “Everyday Extra” Subscriptions
Qantas Restores Seamless Sydney Terminal Transfers
Most Qantas International Lounges Are Now Open Again
Qantas Mulls Lounge Membership Gifting for Points Club Plus
Velocity Extends Expiring Points until June 2023
Airlines Slash Travel Agent Commissions
Air New Zealand Unveils Refreshed Long-Haul Cabins -
In this episode, Matt is joined by co-founder of StatusMatch.com and former head of the Malaysia Airlines Enrich loyalty program Mark Ross-Smith for a behind the scenes look at the world of airline status matching. Learn about why airlines offer status matches, how you can get one, and more!
Episode contents:
1:05 - Fortnightly news round-up
12:39 - Interview with Mark Ross-Smith
Links:
AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions
StatusMatch.com
Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up:
Flying Soon? Expect Delays & Disruptions
Qantas Adds Perth-Johannesburg Flights
Virgin to Restart More International Routes
Why Virgin’s Bali Flights Are All Stopping in Darwin
Oman Air Will Join Oneworld Alliance in 2024
Airport Mask Mandate Ends in Most Australian States
Qantas Further Slashes Points, Status Credits on Malaysia Airlines
Qantas Overcharging for Alaska Airlines Rewards
Air New Zealand May Not Return to Norfolk Island
New Home Check-in Service for Emirates First Class
5,000 Bonus Points with a Bankwest Qantas Transaction Account -
If you've been looking at international airfares recently, you've probably noticed that they're getting quite expensive at the moment. But if you're planning to visit multiple countries or continents on the same trip, there are some great value round-the-world airfares offered by specific airlines. These not only offer great flexibility, but are often also cheaper than just booking a point-to-point Qantas flight to North America or Europe.
In this episode, Matt is joined by travel agent and regular podcast guest Alan Lam to talk about how you can take advantage of these special RTW airfare deals.
Episode contents:
1:15 - Fortnightly news round-up
11:54 - Interview with Alan Lam
39:13 - Feedback from last episode
Links:
AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions
Great Value Round-the-World Tickets with Finnair & Lufthansa
Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up:
Major Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Award Devaluation (2022)
Qantas Flights to Rome Selling Extremely Well
Virgin Australia’s Flights to Bali Selling Fast
United Airlines Will Fly to Brisbane
Qantas Opens New Call Centre in Manila
Qantas Trials New Self-Service Kiosks
Rex Filling Business Class with Free Upgrades
Earn Status Credits on Velocity Reward Flights
Qantas Flexible Classic Rewards Extended to September 2022
Qantas Unlocks Exit Row Seats on Long-Haul Flights
Comair (Kulula & British Airways in South Africa) in Liquidation
Last Chance to Redeem Velocity Points for Delta Flights -
In this episode, loyalty program expert David Feldman is back for another chat about airline & hotel loyalty programs!
This extended interview covers topics including COVID-19 status extensions, the "golden handcuff" effect, recent changes to hotel loyalty programs, why Qantas could be risking killing its profitable “golden goose”, and lots more.
Episode contents:
1:00 - Fortnightly news round-up
9:05 - Interview with David Feldman
Links:
AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions
Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up:
Guide to Virgin Australia’s Partnership with United Airlines
Rex Withdraws from 7 Regional Routes
Bonza Won’t Offer Website or Travel Agent Bookings
Instant IHG Platinum Status + Diamond Challenge
The Crazy Adventure of an AFF Member’s Lost Phone
Unlimited German Train Travel for a Month for $14! -
In this episode, learn how to redeem frequent flyer points to travel from Australia to North America in style! Matt explains the options when using Qantas or Velocity points, and chats to Leon Loganathan, a frequent flyer who recently flew to Mexico via the USA in Qantas Business and First Class using Qantas Frequent Flyer points.
Episode contents:
0:56 - Fortnightly news round-up
11:11 - Interview with Leon Loganathan
36:13 - Redeeming Qantas points to North America
41:00 - Redeeming Velocity points to North America & Virgin's new partnership with United Airlines
Links:
AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions
Virgin Australia Launching United Partnership on 24 May 2022
Problems with Velocity redemptions on Air Canada when there is a schedule change
Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up:
Virgin Australia to Partner with Qatar Airways
Qantas Reveals Ultra-Long Range Airbus A350-1000 Seats
Qantas’ First A321XLRs Won’t Have Lie-Flat Business Seats
Qantas Brings Back Perth-London a Month Early
Emirates A380s Return to Christchurch & Auckland in December 2022
Rex to Launch Frequent Flyer Program by September 2022
Amex Increases Centurion Annual Fee to $6,500
30% off Qantas Points to Regional Australia
Qantas Extends Flexible Domestic Classic Rewards
No Compensation for Qantas Catering Failures
Qantas Removing Airport Check-in Kiosks? -
Redeeming Qantas Frequent Flyer points to get to South America is hard enough at normal times, but it's even more difficult when all direct flights between the two continents have been suspended!
Gus Higgins flew from Australia to Argentina in February 2022 on a Oneworld Classic Flight Reward ticket booked with Qantas points, travelling via Europe in Business Class. In this episode, he shares his experience of getting to and visiting South America in this post-pandemic era. He also explains the unique travel money situation in Argentina - a country with high inflation and two very different exchange rates.
Episode contents:
1:04 - Fortnightly news round-up
10:11 - Interview with Gus Higgins
Links:
AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions
Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up:
Six Months of Velocity Gold Status with a New Credit Card
Airlines Easily Filling Premium Cabins Without Business Travel
Oneworld Membership of S7 Airlines Suspended
IHG Relaunches Loyalty Program as IHG One Rewards
Nasty TRS Change Reversed
Virgin Australia Restores Arrivals Lounge Access
The Spirits Are Back on Qantas - Montre plus
