Episodes

  • Episode 4 - Major Velocity Frequent Flyer Changes & Lord Howe Island

    Episode 4 - Major Velocity Frequent Flyer Changes & Lord Howe Island

    · Travel Pointers

    In Travel Pointers Episode 4, Matt and Chris share their thoughts and opinions about the changes Virgin Australia is making to its Velocity Frequent Flyer program over the next year. These include changes to the way flyers earn and redeem points, the introduction of Platinum Plus and Forever Gold status, and Virgin making status much harder for most people to earn.

    With Qantas just retiring its last Boeing 717, Chris and Matt reflect on the iconic plane that's graced Australian skies for almost 25 years.

    The pair also discuss the what the recent news regarding air service to Lord Howe Island means for frequent flyers. Qantas currently flies to this island paradise between Australia and New Zealand, and this flight is one of the best uses of Qantas Points. But with Qantas soon retiring the only plane in its fleet capable of operating this service, it's doing some succession planning.

    Each episode begins with a discussion about recent Australian travel and frequent flyer news. In this episode:

    Qatar Airways eyes 25% stake in Virgin AustraliaQantas adds reward seats with Oman AirQantas Adds Airlink CodesharesAustralia's Incoming Passenger Card Finally on the Way OutQantasLink Retires Its Last Boeing 717Qantas Adds Flights to PalauWelcome Change to Qantas Flight CreditsYou Can Now Convert Amex Points to Alaska Miles (via HawaiianMiles)

    Here’s where you can also find more information about other topics discussed in this episode:

    Compare credit cards on Point HacksSummary of the changes to Velocity Frequent FlyerAFF discussion thread about the Velocity program changesAFF's Meetings & Social Events forumQantas Retreating from Lord Howe Island in 2026
  • Episode 3 - Our First Times in First Class & Easy Ways to Earn Points

    Episode 3 - Our First Times in First Class & Easy Ways to Earn Points

    · Travel Pointers

    In Travel Pointers Episode 3, Matt and Chris discuss how they earn Qantas and Velocity Points in ways other than the obvious methods of flying and through credit cards. This includes several ways to earn frequent flyer points in Australia for free.

    Your hosts also talk about the first time they each flew internationally in First Class. They weren't rich nor famous, but they did have enough Qantas Points to book seats on (different) Emirates flights!

    Each episode begins with a discussion about recent Australian travel and frequent flyer news. In this episode:

    Turkish Airlines Will Fly to Sydney via Kuala LumpurEmirates set to withdraw from Singapore-MelbourneQantas to Replace Jetstar on Melbourne-HonoluluQatar Airways Increases “Reward Fees”Qantas Offers Status Renewals with Points

    Here’s where you can also find more information about other topics discussed in this episode:

    Subscribe to the Point Hacks reward seat alerts newsletterHow Point Hacks writer Brandon Loo easily earned 10,000 bonus points with gift cardsThe latest Everyday Rewards gift card bonus point offersThe latest Flybuys gift card bonus point offersLearn more about AFF membershipsHow to transfer Velocity Points to KrisFlyer milesMore information about the AFF Brisbane gathering (18-20 October 2024)

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  • Episode 2 - Airplane Seat Selection Strategies & Status Matches

    Episode 2 - Airplane Seat Selection Strategies & Status Matches

    · Travel Pointers

    Point Hacks News Editor Chris Chamberlin and Australian Frequent Flyer Editor Matt Graham explain how they ended up in a window seat without a window, after a seat selection mishap - and discuss the tools and strategies you can use to avoid making the same error!

    Plus, find out how you can leverage your current elite status with one airline to get a free status match with other airlines including Qantas, Turkish Airlines, Etihad Airways and Vietnam Airlines.

    Each episode begins with a discussion about recent Australian travel and frequent flyer news. In this episode:

    Qantas Reveals A321XLR Cabin InteriorsAviation White Paper Lets Down Australian ConsumersAustralians to Finally get US Global Entry in 2025Virgin Australia Orders Embraer E190 JetsThe Next Airlines to Join Oneworld, SkyTeam & Star AllianceQantas Surprising Platinum Flyers with Free Upgrades

    Here’s where you can also find more information about other topics discussed in this episode:

    Subscribe to the Point Hacks reward seat alerts newsletterWhere to find accurate airline seat mapsLearn more about AFF membershipsLearn more about AFF webinarsVietnam Airlines Status MatchEtihad Status MatchTurkish Airlines Status MatchQantas Tier Accelerator Challenge
  • Episode 1 – Around the World with Qantas Points & Central Asia Calling

    Episode 1 – Around the World with Qantas Points & Central Asia Calling

    · Travel Pointers

    Point Hacks News Editor Chris Chamberlin and Australian Frequent Flyer Editor Matt Graham explain how to use your Qantas Frequent Flyer points to fly around the globe, including in Business Class, with the Oneworld Classic Flight Reward.

    Plus, find out why Central Asia could be one of the world's most underrated tourist destinations!

    Each episode begins with a discussion about recent Australian travel and frequent flyer news. In this episode:

    Qantas’ new flights to ParisQantas Club’s new Flexible membership optionRex in voluntary administrationAustralians can now visit China without a visa

    Here’s where you can also find more information about other topics discussed in this episode:

    Learn more about AFF membershipsAFF’s guide to the Qantas Oneworld Classic Flight RewardSubscribe to the Point Hacks reward seat alerts newsletterRead a review of Matt and Chris' Etihad flight from Sydney to Abu DhabiRead a review of Matt and Chris’ flight from Samarkand to Almaty on FlyArystan