AFF on AIR Podcast

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

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