Episodes
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Join Matt Graham and Wilson McTaggart for episode 25, and final â at least for now - episode of Travel Pointers!
Matt's been the editor of Australian Frequent Flyer since 2015, but is now finishing up in this role at the end of the year. But before Matt moves on to bigger and brighter things, we thought this podcast episode would be a great opportunity for him to impart his knowledge on how the loyalty landscape has changed over his time at the helm of AFFâs editorial content, as well as some tips and tricks that heâs learned over the years.
Also, AFF has just updated its Point Valuations for both frequent flyer and bank programs â what changed since last time?
Unfortunately, with Matt moving on, this podcast wonât continue in the forseeable future. Thanks so much to everyone for listening to this podcast and for your support. Safe travels!
Here's where you can also find more information about other topics discussed in this episode:
AFF's updated point valuations - both frequent flyer and credit card points were updated The power of the AFF community Matt's tips for aspiring travel content creators -
In episode 24 of the Travel Pointers podcast, Matt Graham chats to LoungePair CEO Daniel Kinnoch for a behind-the-scenes look at the world of airport lounges!
Everyone loves to start off their trip with a visit to a great airport lounge - and if you don't already have access through airline status, a lounge membership or your credit card, LoungePair can make that possible. Some airport lounges even over swimming pools!
Plus, Air New Zealand's loyalty program often gets a bad rap on the Australian Frequent Flyer forum. But in this episode, find out why there is some decent value to be found in Airpoints (soon to be renamed as "Koru") after all - especially if you live in New Zealand.
Hereâs where you can find more information the topics discussed in this episode:
Qantas Introduces Dine on Demand in First ClassA Boyhood Dream Fulfilled: Space-Geek Tour of the USA (AFF Trip Report of the Year)LoungePair Guide: Access Airport Lounges for LessComplimentary LoungePair+ for AFF Platinum MembersSwim, Gym, Sauna & Shower at Melbourne Airport for $25 -
Join Matt Graham and Wilson McTaggart for episode 23 of Travel Pointers! The pair discuss which are the world's best airlines, as well as their favourite picks - do you agree with their list?
Also, Australians often focus their attention on two of the three alliances: Oneworld and Star Alliance. Many people seem to forget that the SkyTeam alliance exists â but itâs for exactly that reason that it could be worth your while to learn about it.
Each episode begins with a discussion of some of the recent Australian travel and frequent flyer news. In this episode:
Qantas and Virgin Australia banning use of power banks Last chance to transfer Amex points at current rates (15 Dec) Earn Velocity status credits on distance flown with Virgin Australia Holidays Virgin Australia closing Sydney premium lounge entry Burgers are now served in the Qantas Business lounge in Sydney Jetstar flyers can earn more Qantas Points and bonus status credits each year with a Qantas Frequent Flyer Extra subscription Qantas will improve downgrade compensation policy for customers on Classic Reward tickets Cathay banning changes to frequent flyer numbers online or over the phoneHere's where you can also find more information about other topics discussed in this episode:
What are your favourite airlines? Let us know in this thread! Matt's 5 favourite airlines Stephen's 5 favourite airlines How to access the AFF discount on Qantas Club memberships -
Join Matt Graham and Wilson McTaggart for episode 22 of Travel Pointers!
Next month, American Express will make big changes to its Membership Rewards program. The transfer rates to many overseas airline programs will get devalued, and there are also a couple of changes to transfer partners that are available.
In this episode, weâll discuss whatâs changing and the best ways to use your Amex points, especially if you want to transfer them out before the upcoming devaluation.
Even if you donât have Amex points, you might find this discussion useful as weâll talk about the ways Australians can redeem points with overseas frequent flyer programs.
Each episode begins with a discussion of some of the recent Australian travel and frequent flyer news. In this episode:
Qantas introducing Economy Plus Qantas announces Sydney International Business Lounge upgrade plans The price of Qantas Club membership is increasing - get a discount with Gold and Platinum AFF memberships Air New Zealand renaming Airpoints to Koru, introducing a new Black tier Qatar Airways now charges seat selection fees on reward ticketsHere's where you can also find more information about other topics discussed in this episode:
American Express Membership Rewards changes Qantas vs Velocity status comparison AFF's membership changes -
What makes a great airport? In Travel Pointers Episode 21, Matt and Wilson chat about their favourite airports around Australia and the world, why they like them, and some of the best features of different airports that you might not have even known existed.
Each episode begins with a discussion of some of the recent Australian travel and frequent flyer news. In this episode:
Velocity members can no longer book United long-haul (including trans-Pacific) Business Class awards You can now earn Qantas points and status credits on eligible Oman Air flights Jetstar is moving to Singapore Airport Terminal 2 KrisFlyer has adjusted its award chart on November 1 You can now earn 110 Qantas status credits on the ground, if you registered by 31 October 2025.Here's where you can also find more information about other topics discussed in this episode:
Sign up to the Australian Frequent Flyer Gazette Share your favourite airport and the reasons why! -
Since SAS launched a promo last year offering a million frequent flyer points to members who flew with 15 SkyTeam partner airlines, many other airlines have launched copycat promos.Are these offers worthwhile, and would something similar work in Australia? Matt and Wilson discuss this, and lots more, in the latest episode of Travel Pointers!
Note: since this episode was recoreded, Velocity have announced extra benefits for Platinum Plus members.
Show note linksEach episode begins with a discussion of some of the recent Australian travel and frequent flyer news. In this episode:
Velocity's changes to status Qantas' new A321 XLR Qantas announces new partnership with David Jones Chile removes visa requirements for Australians ALL Accor Plus rebrands as ALL Accor+ Explorer Qantas and Malaysia Airlines announce codeshare agreement Virgin Australia introduces neighbour-free seatingHere's where you can also find more information about other topics discussed in this episode:
AFF's 18th annual member gathering in Melbourne SAS 'Eurobonus Millionaire' promotion -
Join Matt Graham and special guest Udhara de Silva, the head of Loyalty Marketing & Strategy for Singapore Airlines in Australia, for episode 19 of Travel Pointers!
In this podcast episode, Matt and Udhara discuss how Singapore Airlines and KrisFlyer manage to compete in Australia against two very dominant local players. They also talk about the upcoming KrisFlyer program changes, Kris+, KrisFlyer's hard three-year mileage expiration policy, and some of the ways you can earn bonus KrisFlyer miles in Australia right now.
Finally, later in this episode, Matt follows up on some AFF member feedback from our last episode on hotel loyalty programs.
Each episode begins with a discussion of some of the recent Australian travel and frequent flyer news. In this episode:
Amex Membership Rewards program devaluationQantas quietly devalues Classic Plus redemptionsCashrewards suddenly closes downLufthansa City Airlines joins Star AllianceJetstar getting Business Class on its A321XLRsHere's where you can also find more information about other topics discussed in this episode:
AFF's Meetings & Social Events forumUpdates to the Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer program -
Join Matt Graham and Wilson McTaggart for episode 18 of Travel Pointers!
In Travel Pointers Episode 18, Matt and Wilson discuss what makes a good hotel loyalty program. The pair talk about our favourite programs, why they like them, and how you can make the most of them.
Each episode begins with a discussion of some of the recent Australian travel and frequent flyer news. In this episode:
Qantas removing points option from loyalty bonus from 15 September Qantas extending flights to Palau for another year Qantas has resumed giving free upgrades to Platinum members KrisFlyer award chart changesHere's where you can also find more information about other topics discussed in this episode:
AFF's webinars My IHG One Rewards status strategy My excellent experience with Radisson Rewards status Accor Plus guide -
In Travel Pointers Episode 17, Matt and Wilson chat about Emirates' Premium Economy cabin, and their experience onboard. It looks really nice in photos, but what is it really like?
The pair also chat about Premium Economy more broadly, and why airlines are more and more keen to add a Premium Economy cabin.
Each episode begins with a discussion of some of the recent Australian travel and frequent flyer news. In this episode:
Air Canada Aeroplan moves to spend-based status KrisFlyer introduces a fixed award chart for Scoot Qantas has been fined an extra $90 million for illegally sacking ground staff during the pandemic QantasLink will fly from Perth to Christmas and Cocos (Keeling) Islands, taking over from Virgin Australia Commbank cuts the vast majority of its transfer partners You can now use Qantas Points to upgrade on American Airlines Accor Plus is rebranding to Accor+ Explorer, with changesHere's where you can also find more information about other topics discussed in this episode:
Matt's article on footnets Cheap strategies for Business Class to Europe AFF Melbourne 2025 Gathering -
Join Matt Graham and Wilson McTaggart for episode 16 of Travel Pointers!
In Travel Pointers Episode 16, Matt and Wilson explain the winners and losers of the AFF Point Valuations.
After months spent building a detailed model to calculate the average value of a frequent flyer point, AFF has released its first ever Frequent Flyer Point Valuations! Wilson and I developed this model together; weâll explain exactly how the model works, which frequent flyer programs came out on top, which flopped, and why.
The pair also chat about AFF's brand new look!
Each episode begins with a discussion of some of the recent Australian travel and frequent flyer news. In this episode:
Qantas boosts points earnings for domestic flights and for those flying premium cabins with status Qantas enables Wi-Fi on Trans-Tasman flights Velocity introduces trials of Platinum Plus ahead of October changes to status calculationHere's where you can also find more information about other topics discussed in this episode:
AFF point valuations AFF's brand new look and logo The Trip Report thread -
Join Matt Graham and Wilson McTaggart for episode 15 of Travel Pointers!
Last week, the Reserve Bank of Australia announced reforms to Australian credit card fees which could have some unintended consequences when it comes to earning frequent flyer points in Australia. Weâll talk about these proposals in this Travel Pointers episode.
Each episode begins with a discussion of some of the recent Australian travel and frequent flyer news. In this episode:
Qantas will raise domestic change & cancellation fees on 30 July 2025 Qantas devalues Green Tier Live music features in the Sydney Qantas Club Cathay Pacific announces changes to Asia Miles and status point earn rates Qatar Airways Privilege Club introduces Avios subscriptions (Privilege Club Pro)Here's where you can also find more information about other topics discussed in this episode:
RBA proposes changes to interchange fees AFF annual gathering in Melbourne on 21-23 November 2025 AFF thread on obtaining a US AMEX card -
Join Matt Graham and Wilson McTaggart for episode 14 of Travel Pointers!
Sorry we missed last month, but we're back to our regular schedule!
In Travel Pointers Episode 14, Matt and Wilson discuss Qantas' new A321 XLR and what it's like flying long-haul on narrow-body aircraft. They also chat about the routes they took from Europe to Australia.
Each episode begins with a discussion of some of the recent Australian travel and frequent flyer news. In this episode:
Qantas gets hit with a cyber attack, compromising around 6 million people's data Oman Air joins Oneworld Qantas and Hawaiian Airlines launch new partnership Velocity re-opens redemptions on Hainan Airlines, Capital Airlines and Hong Kong Airlines Jetstar Asia will cease operations from 31 July 2025 LATAM removes Sydney-Auckland fifth-freedom route China Eastern announces Auckland-Buenos Aires fifth-freedom flightsHere's where you can also find more information about other topics discussed in this episode:
Upcoming webinar about fifth-freedom routes, on 15 July 2025 Matt's review of TAP Air Portugal A321neo LR Economy Class Thread: Would you fly at a less convenient time to get a nicer plane? -
Join Matt Graham and Wilson McTaggart for episode 13 of Travel Pointers!
In this episode, Matt and Wilson talk all about Avios, the valuable points used by 7 different frequent flyer programs. They'll discuss what they are, how you can earn them in Australia â and most importantly, how to use them for maximum benefit.
If you want to learn more about earning and redeeming Avios, you may also be interested in AFF's upcoming webinar on Thursday 12 June 2025.
Each episode begins with a discussion of some of the recent Australian travel and frequent flyer news. In this episode:
Cathay Pacific launches Adelaide-Hong Kong flights Qantas announces Adelaide-Auckland flights, opens new Domestic Business Class lounge in Adelaide Qantas to refurbish its Sydney International Business Class lounge Skytrans taking over Sydney-Lord Howe Island route from QantasLink Westpac changes earn rates on some cards, ANZ increases sign-up exclusion periodHere's where you can also find more information about other topics discussed in this episode:
Overview of Avios transfer partnerships Upcoming 12 June webinar on Avios Finnair A350 Premium Economy review Guide to AFF memberships -
Join Matt Graham and Wilson McTaggart for episode 12 of Travel Pointers!
In Travel Pointers Episode 12, Matt and Wilson discuss how to use your Qantas and Velocity points on partner airlines. This can be a great option if you canât find availability on Qantas or Virgin â or you want to travel somewhere that your own airline doesnât fly to.
They also chat about the unusual way that Wilson flew to Singapore last week.
Each episode begins with a discussion of some of the recent Australian travel and frequent flyer news. In this episode:
Qantas launching Adelaide-Auckland from 31 Oct until 3 May QF domestic Business Lounge now open in Adelaide Jetstar will end flights to Hawaii in October after 19 years FlyPelican will end its partnership with Velocity at the end of this month Velocityâs offering 15% bonus on transfers from most Aussie credit card reward programs The Escape Lounges at Brisbane and Cairns are now open, and are accepting Priority Pass Cathay Pacific has reopened The Bridge Lounge in Hong Kong US government has just implemented a new law about resort fees Emiratesâ surprising new First Class reward restrictionHere's where you can also find more information about other topics discussed in this episode:
The upcoming webinar on how to find Business and First Class flights using points Want to be an AFF writer? Read more info and apply now! The full fifth-freedom route list Qantas' partner airlines (2005 vs 2025) Velocity ending partnership with Etihad and Hawaiian Airlines Wilson's Cathay Pacific A350 Premium Economy review Matt's Emirates Boeing 777 First Class review -
Have you ever got yourself into a sticky situation while travelling? How did you get out of it, and what would you do differently next time?
In Travel Pointers Episode 11, join Matt Graham and Wilson McTaggart as they talk about their worst travel mistakes! Even the most experienced travellers have issues, so the pair discuss what's gone wrong on their travels and the ways you can avoid any problems.
Each episode begins with a discussion of some of the recent Australian travel and frequent flyer news. In this episode:
Malaysia Airlines resumes Kuala Lumpur-Brisbane route Thailand now requires a digital arrivals card AMP Bank launches new Qantas Point-earning bank account Bankwest discontinues its existing Qantas transaction account Qantas begins renovations of its Auckland lounges Qantas changes to the Cathay Pacific lounge at Vancouver Bangkok airport lounge access changesHere's where you can also find more information about other topics discussed in this episode:
The 'have you made any travel mistakes lately' thread Wilson's VietJet Air A330 review Matt's experience attempting to claim EU261 compensation from Iberia Credit card travel insurance comparison The AFF MasterClass (Sydney 6 September) -
In Travel Pointers Episode 10, Matt and Wilson chat about finding cheap flights! The pair talk about the strategies they use to save money and find cheaper flights to destinations including Asia, Europe and North America, for both Economy and premium cabins.
The pair also discuss Virgin Australia's flights to Doha, and recent updates about the service.
Each episode begins with a discussion of some of the recent Australian travel and frequent flyer news. In this episode:
Fiji Airways joins Oneworld British Airways loyalty program rebrands to British Airways Club, changes status calculations Amex and PayRewards allow transfers to British Airways Club Avios Loganair now uses Avios Qatar Airways Privilege Club adds Garuda Indonesia United begin flights to Adelaide New information about the VA flights to DohaHere's where you can also find more information about other topics discussed in this episode:
How to use Google Flights Strategies for cheap Business Class flights to Europe Finnair, Turkish and Lufthansa round-the-world fares Oneworld Explorer Guide Wilson's Vietjet review -
In Travel Pointers Episode 9, Matt and Wilson talk all things Japan! Find out why so many Aussies are going there, what we like about it the most, and which airlines you can fly to get there.
The pair also chat about Velocity moving to spend-based status, and whether Qantas will follow suit.
Each episode begins with a discussion of some of the recent Australian travel and frequent flyer news. In this episode:
Qantas Auckland Lounge renovations Cathay Pacific award chart changes Southwest Airlines changes Velocity Status changesHere's where you can also find more information about other topics discussed in this episode:
Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto hotel prices explodingMatt's review of All Nippon Airways (ANA) Economy Class -
In Travel Pointers Episode 8, Matt and Wilson explain everything you need to know about redeeming Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer miles. Itâs a great program with tons of Business Class award availability in and out of Australia, so itâs worth taking the time to get to know it!
The pair discuss the quirks you need to be aware of when using Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, as well as certain sweet spots that can make your miles go further!
Each episode begins with a discussion of some of the recent Australian travel and frequent flyer news. In this episode:
Qantas reveals new Classic Reward charts Hawaiian Airlines ends Virgin Australia partnership Emirates brings "game-changer" First Class onto Melbourne-Dubai New alternative to Melbourne's Skybus begins service Qantas launch new March 2025 Double Status Credit promotionHere's where you can also find more information about other topics discussed in this episode:
Transfer KrisFlyer miles to Velocity Matt's Singapore Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 Business Class review The best credit cards to earn KrisFlyer miles How to fly around the world with KrisFlyer miles KrisFlyer Spontaneous Escapes promotion Learn more about Frequent Flyer Concierge -
In Travel Pointers Episode 7, Matt and Wilson explain how to find reward flight availability in 2025 - especially if you want to redeem your frequent flyer points for Business Class tickets. The pair discuss the latest reward flight trends, the airlines and routes which have the most reward seats, and the strategies you need to find them.
Over recent years, airlines have drastically changed the way they release reward seats. So the approach you need to take has changed as well!
Each episode begins with a discussion about recent Australian travel and frequent flyer news. In this episode:
Qantas Relaunches Seasonal Sapporo Flights Singapore Airlines Adds Garuda, Ends Virgin Atlantic Partnership Hilton Honors Status Match ChallengeHereâs where you can find more information about other topics discussed in this episode:
Australian Frequent Flyer webinars AFF member trip report: A super short and roundabout trip to Tokyo via the Middle East and Europe in (mostly) F Learn more about Frequent Flyer Concierge -
Welcome to a new year of the Travel Pointers podcast! After a break over the summer holidays, weâre back with not just a new episode, but also a new format.
From 2025, Travel Pointers is becoming an Australian Frequent Flyer (AFF) podcast. Of course, weâll still share lots of tips to help you make the most of your frequent flyer points, tell lots of entertaining travel stories, and interview guests from the travel industry.
With the change of format also comes a new co-host. From this episode, AFF Editor Matt Graham will be joined by AFF content writer and senior Frequent Flyer Concierge consultant Wilson McTaggart. Wilson shares Mattâs passion for travel and is an expert in frequent flyer programs.
In Episode 6 of the Travel Pointers podcast, Matt and Wilson discuss their thoughts on the recent changes announced to the Qantas Frequent Flyer program.
They also talk in depth about Qatar Airways, from the history of the âWorldâs Best Airlineâ, to its fight for more traffic rights into Australia, to its on-board products and services. Both Matt and Wilson have recently flown with Qatar Airways. They talk about the unusual ways they each booked their tickets, as well as their (excellent) experiences on board.
Finally, you'll hear about the epic delivery flights from Canada to Australia of QantasLinkâs newest Dash 8 planes.
Hereâs where you can find more information about other topics discussed in this episode:
Overview of the 2025 Qantas Frequent Flyer program changesAustralian Frequent Flyer Training coursesQantas receives first of 14 Dash 8s from WestJetThe AFF 2025 annual member gathering in Melbourne (21-23 November 2025)Virgin Australia launching flights to DohaWilsonâs Qatar Airways Boeing 777 Qsuite review (Doha-Manila) - Show more
