Travel Pointers

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 links Each 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 seating Here'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 devaluation Qantas quietly devalues Classic Plus redemptions Cashrewards suddenly closes down Lufthansa City Airlines joins Star Alliance Jetstar getting Business Class on its A321XLRs Here's where you can also find more information about other topics discussed in this episode: AFF's Meetings & Social Events forum Updates 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 changes Here'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 changes Here'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; we’ll 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 calculation Here'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. We’ll 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 flights Here'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 – 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 period Here'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 can’t find availability on Qantas or Virgin – or you want to travel somewhere that your own airline doesn’t 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  Velocity’s 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  Emirates’ surprising new First Class reward restriction  Here'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 changes Here'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 Doha Here'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 changes Here's where you can also find more information about other topics discussed in this episode: Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto hotel prices exploding Matt'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. It’s a great program with tons of Business Class award availability in and out of Australia, so it’s 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 promotion Here'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 Challenge  Here’s 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, we’re 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, we’ll 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 Matt’s 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 “World’s Best Airline”, 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 QantasLink’s newest Dash 8 planes. Here’s where you can find more information about other topics discussed in this episode: Overview of the 2025 Qantas Frequent Flyer program changes Australian Frequent Flyer Training courses Qantas receives first of 14 Dash 8s from WestJet The AFF 2025 annual member gathering in Melbourne (21-23 November 2025) Virgin Australia launching flights to Doha Wilson’s Qatar Airways Boeing 777 Qsuite review (Doha-Manila)

In episode 5 of the Travel Pointers podcast, Velocity Frequent Flyer CEO Nick Rohrlach joins Matt and Chris to talk about the recent changes to Virgin Australia's loyalty program. In this interview, find out why Velocity is making status harder to earn, why Velocity is launching a Forever Gold tier, what the enhanced partnership with Qatar Airways means for frequent flyers, and lots more! Also in this episode, find out why next year could be the ideal time to visit Mongolia. It's not a country many people really consider travelling to, but it's an up-and-coming destination with lots to offer tourists. Plus, until the end of 2025, Australians don't need a visa to travel there. Each episode begins with a discussion about recent Australian travel and frequent flyer news. In this episode: Virgin Australia slashes Economy Flex airfares Virgin and Etihad are ending their partnership in 2025 Etihad status match for Australian Velocity members Qantas status match for New Zealand residents You can now transfer Altitude and Amplify points to Everyday Rewards (and then Qantas) Fiji Airways will fly to Cairns Here’s where you can also find more information about other topics discussed in this episode: Learn more about AFF memberships Subscribe to the Point Hacks reward seat alerts newsletter Read a review of Matt's flight on a MIAT Mongolian Airlines Boeing 767

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 Australia Qantas adds reward seats with Oman Air Qantas Adds Airlink Codeshares Australia's Incoming Passenger Card Finally on the Way Out QantasLink Retires Its Last Boeing 717 Qantas Adds Flights to Palau Welcome Change to Qantas Flight Credits You 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 Hacks Summary of the changes to Velocity Frequent Flyer AFF discussion thread about the Velocity program changes AFF's Meetings & Social Events forum Qantas Retreating from Lord Howe Island in 2026

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 Lumpur Emirates set to withdraw from Singapore-Melbourne Qantas to Replace Jetstar on Melbourne-Honolulu Qatar 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 newsletter How Point Hacks writer Brandon Loo easily earned 10,000 bonus points with gift cards The latest Everyday Rewards gift card bonus point offers The latest Flybuys gift card bonus point offers Learn more about AFF memberships How to transfer Velocity Points to KrisFlyer miles More information about the AFF Brisbane gathering (18-20 October 2024)

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 Interiors Aviation White Paper Lets Down Australian Consumers Australians to Finally get US Global Entry in 2025 Virgin Australia Orders Embraer E190 Jets The Next Airlines to Join Oneworld, SkyTeam & Star Alliance Qantas 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 newsletter Where to find accurate airline seat maps Learn more about AFF memberships Learn more about AFF webinars Vietnam Airlines Status Match Etihad Status Match Turkish Airlines Status Match Qantas Tier Accelerator Challenge

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 Paris Qantas Club’s new Flexible membership option Rex in voluntary administration Australians 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 memberships AFF’s guide to the Qantas Oneworld Classic Flight Reward Subscribe to the Point Hacks reward seat alerts newsletter Read a review of Matt and Chris' Etihad flight from Sydney to Abu Dhabi Read a review of Matt and Chris’ flight from Samarkand to Almaty on FlyArystan