AFF on AIR Podcast

  Bonza is a new Australian start-up airline with big plans to carve its own niche out of the Australian domestic aviation market when it launches in the second quarter of 2022. Operating a small fleet of Boeing 737-MAX 8s with 186 Economy seats each, Bonza won’t be competing with Qantas and Virgin for business travellers. Instead, it plans to stimulate demand for leisure travel on new routes that aren’t already being serviced to their full potential. To learn more about Bonza's plans to launch in Australia, Matt spoke to the airline's CEO Tim Jordan on this episode of the AFF on Air podcast. Also in this episode, Australia's international borders will begin to reopen from next week! While this is great news for so many people, some challenges remain. Some Australians are encountering challenges with bringing family members to the country, and getting home has just become even harder for Aussies stuck in countries where the only available vaccines are not recognised by Australia's TGA.   Episode contents: 1:23 - Fortnightly news round-up 14:17 - Interview with Tim Jordan, CEO of Bonza Airlines 32:07 - Interview with podcast listener Orlando about the difficult of getting parents to Australia 39:01 - The challenge of returning to Australia from countries without TGA-recognised vaccines available 44:18 - Ask Matt: When will the Singapore Airlines lounges reopen?   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions Bonza Airlines website Upcoming Frequent Flyer Solutions bonus webinar: International Travel in a Post-COVID World (11 November 2021)   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: Australia Removes “Do Not Travel” Warning for 162 Countries Qantas Brings Forward International Flights, New Planes Qantas Launches Sydney-Delhi Flights Sydney’s Qantas First Lounge Will Reopen on 1 November 2021 The Airbus A380 is Making a Comeback No Quarantine-Free Flights from NZ South Island Velocity Partner Airline Redemptions Back from 2 November 2021 American Airlines AAdvantage Status Overhaul 12-15% Bonus KrisFlyer Miles on Bank Point Conversions (2021) Bonus Status Credits at the Qantas Rewards Store

  Yesterday, NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet announced some big news: From 1 November 2021, vaccinated Australians will finally be allowed to leave the country, and return from overseas into NSW without having to quarantine. There's a lot to unpack from this announcement. Joining Matt to do so on this episode of AFF on AIR is travel agent and regular podcast guest Alan Lam from Netwave Travel. If you're wondering which airlines are now flying to Australia, what requirements are in place to enter and transit through other countries, how travel insurance will work, and lots more, you won't want to miss this interview! Also in this episode, how to leverage your airline status to get a status match with another airline.   Episode contents: 1:14 - Fortnightly news round-up 13:33 - Interview with Alan Lam: NSW reopens for international travel 40:30 - How to get an airline status match 47:35 - Ask Matt: What would it take for Qantas to bring back the A380s? 50:34 - Ask Matt: Is Award Flight Assist open?   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions Upcoming Frequent Flyer Solutions webinar: Elite Status Matches & Challenges in 2021 (27 October 2021)   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: NSW Scraps Quarantine for Vaccinated Australians Qantas Flies Non-Stop from Buenos Aires to Darwin Singapore Airlines to Operate Repatriation Flights to Darwin Desperate Australians Using Private Jet Loophole to Get Home Virgin Launches 6 New Routes, Brings Forward Fiji Bonza: Australia’s Next Low-Cost Airline Qantas & Emirates Seek Approval to Extend Partnership Velocity Formally Ends Alitalia Partnership

  The Australian government has announced that international border restrictions will start to be relaxed from next month. In this podcast, Matt explains what we do and don't know so far about the new border arrangements and how Qantas plans to restart international flights from November - a month ahead of schedule. Also in this episode, learn about Virgin Australia's new bonus Velocity status credit offers & status extensions. Plus, when will Velocity reopen reward bookings on international flights and partner airlines?   Episode contents: 1:27 - Fortnightly news round-up 8:55 - Australia announces the reopening of international borders 16:58 - Qantas' plans to restart international flights 25:27 - Virgin Australia's recent status extension and bonus Velocity status credit offers 31:01 - When will Velocity international & partner airline redemptions resume?   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions Australia to Reopen International Border from November 2021 Qantas Plans December 2021 International Restart How Qantas Plans to Fly Airbus A330s to the USA Virgin Boosts Status Credits for Six Months Earn Status Credits on Velocity Reward Flights New Round of Velocity Status Extensions (September 2021) When Will Velocity Reinstate Partner Airline Redemptions?   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: NSW Commits to Regional Travel Resumption Qantas Extends Status Fast Track Period Virgin Extends Travel Bank Expiry Dates Qantas/BP Status Credit Offer Debacle BA Executive Club Welcomes Australian Members

  Many previous episodes of the AFF on Air podcast have explored the difficulty of getting back to Australia during the pandemic. Navigating the current system is clearly a nightmare for travellers. In this episode, we’ll get an airline’s perspective. Karl Schubert is the Public Relations Manager for Singapore Airlines in the South West Pacific region, and he joined Matt for a chat about the challenges Singapore Airlines has faced in operating over 5,000 flights to Australia since April 2020. Singapore Airlines has maintained vital air connectivity in and out of Australia throughout COVID-19. But its operations have been hampered by ever-changing regulations and the Australian government's inbound arrival caps, which have just caused another 88 flights to be cancelled in the next month alone. Currently, despite enormous demand for seats into Australia, the airline is only allowed to sell tickets to as few as 12 passengers per flight. This episode also contains lots of Australian airline and frequent flyer news from the past fortnight. Episode contents: 1:17 - Fortnightly news round-up 13:28 - Interview with Singapore Airlines spokesman Karl Schubert   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: International Flights on Sale for December 2021: Will They Fly? Passport Renewal Delays Expected Alitalia is Shutting Down: Impact on Velocity Members? Hilton Honors Extends Status Until March 2023 Niche New Routes Launched to Launceston Jetstar Ancillary Revenue Up 33% During COVID-19 New Marriott Competition for Vaccinated Australians

  Returning to Australia over the coming few months is likely to be as hard as it's ever been during this pandemic. But there is light at the end of the tunnel! Australia is on track to ease some international travel restrictions and introduce home quarantine for some vaccinated travellers by the end of this year. This episode features an interview with travel agent Alan Lam about international travel to & from Australia over the coming months, and beyond. Also in this episode, key takeaways from Qantas' huge annual loss for the 2020-21 financial year and how to stop your points expiring while you're stuck at home.   Episode contents: 1:34 - Fortnightly news round-up 9:23 - Interview with Alan Lam: Returning to Australia under the reduced arrival caps over the coming months 20:05 - Interview with Alan Lam: Will Australia's international travel restrictions be relaxed before the end of 2021? 31:15 - Highlights from the Qantas 2021 annual financial results 41:00 - How to prevent your frequent flyer points from expiring   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions Australia Extends Halved Arrival Caps Until October 2021 NSW Halves Overseas Arrivals Yet Again Qantas Plans December 2021 International Restart Upcoming Frequent Flyer Solutions webinar: Preserve Your Points During COVID-19 (15 September 2021)   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: How to Claim Your Qantas COVID-19 Vaccination Reward Virgin Australia’s COVID-19 “VA-X & Win” Competition Qantas Club Gives Another 7-Month Extension Overview of Australian State Border Restrictions Bankwest Caps Points on Qantas Transaction Account Jetstar to Reduce Wait Time for Qantas Points Claim 1,500 Free Etihad Guest Miles

  Matt talks to an Australian Frequent Flyer member currently nearing the end of 14 days of hotel quarantine at the Marriott Hotel in Brisbane. And Qantas Frequent Flyer gives another round of 12-month tier status extensions.   Episode contents: 1:00 - Fortnightly news round-up 10:18 - Qantas Frequent Flyer's latest round of status extensions 17:33 - Interview with oz_ally about her hotel quarantine experience in Brisbane 39:08 - Response from Finnair regarding the IfDelayed bankruptcy discussed in the last episode   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions Brisbane hotel quarantine (live) - AFF thread from oz_ally with updates about her quarantine stay at Brisbane's Marriott Hotel Qantas Offers Easy Status Extensions until June 2022 How a Qantas Flyer Earned Platinum One Status in 2021   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: Virgin Cuts Bags, Velocity Benefits on New “Economy Lite” Fares Velocity Adjusts Status Credit Earn Rates Virgin Devalues “Fly Ahead” for Velocity Gold Members Delta Cuts Domestic Lounge Access for Velocity Members Qantas Norfolk Island Flights Extended to June 2022 Overview of Australian State Border Restrictions KrisFlyer Launches Family Pooling (For a Fee) Qantas Plans Second Points Auction

  There are countless claim agencies in the European Union that specialise in pursuing airlines for compensation owed under the EC261/2004 regulation. Their promise is simple: They'll chase up airlines for money owed under EU laws for flight delays, cancellations and instances of overbooking on behalf of airline passengers who lack the time or expertise to do it themselves. If they are successful, the agency will keep a portion of the payout. If they are unsuccessful, there is no fee to the customer. But as it turns out, these services may not be entirely without risk! In this podcast, we meet multiple Finnair passengers who ended up personally owing the airline thousands of Euros after their claim agency, IfDelayed, lost their court cases and subsequently went bankrupt. This is despite being told by the claim agency that "under no circumstances will you be liable to pay any costs or other penalties if we do not win your case". This episode explains in detail the unfortunate series of events that led to these Finnair passengers having to pay up to $13,000 out of their own pocket, through no fault of their own. Perhaps surprisingly, nobody seems to have broken any laws along the way. Also in this episode, the latest Australian airline news & how to maximise the value in Virgin Australia's latest "double status credits" promotion.   Episode contents: 1:40 - Fortnightly news round-up 9:32 - How some unfortunate IfDelayed clients ended up personally owing Finnair thousands of dollars 16:09 - Interview with "nicnet" 27:41 - Interview with "SandyS" 41:38 - How to maximise Virgin Australia's latest double status credits offer   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions Finnair Fiasco from 2016 (AFF thread started by SandyS) Double Status Credits with Virgin Australia (August 2021)   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: Overseas Residents No Longer Exempt from Outbound Travel Ban Airlines Losing Millions Flying to Australia Rex Extends Domestic Flight Cancellations How to Get a Qantas TravelPass with Double Status Credits Qantas Experiences Up for Bids in Points Auction

    Ever wondered what the people designing loyalty programs are thinking? For example, why do points expire so quickly? Are all airlines just trying to devalue your points? And what role do loyalty programs play in helping airlines out of the pandemic? Find out this and lots more in this episode, as loyalty program expert David Feldman from New World Loyalty joins Matt for an extended interview! Also in this episode, Matt heads to Longreach and chats to Sarah Collins, the Project & Product Development Manager at the Qantas Founders Museum to find out what's new at the museum dedicated to the history of Australia's "national carrier".   Episode contents: 1:30 - Fortnightly news round-up 7:17 - Interview with Sarah Collins about the Qantas Founders Museum 13:10 - Interview with David Feldman: Why frequent flyer points expire, and the pros & cons of the different expiration "systems" used 31:19 - Interview with David Feldman: Award charts vs dynamic reward pricing 37:41 - Interview with David Feldman: The shift towards revenue-based loyalty programs 49:20 - Interview with David Feldman: Should airlines keep giving status extensions due to COVID-19? 56:00 - Interview with David Feldman: The logic behind double status credit offers 58:01 - Interview with David Feldman: Why airlines give status matches 1:11 - Interview with David Feldman: David's tips for people running loyalty programs   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions Virgin Australia promo codes Qantas Founders Museum Upcoming Frequent Flyer Solutions webinar: International Travel During COVID-19 (27 July 2021)   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: Rex Cancels All Boeing 737 Flights Until August Virgin Australia Slashes Business Class Fares

  Earlier this year, consumer group CHOICE surveyed more than 4,000 Australians whose travel plans were disrupted by COVID-19. This week, CHOICE published its findings in a report called Consumer protection for Australian travellers: a plan for clarity, consistency and fairness. And the findings are pretty damning for the travel industry. Many complained that it was far too difficult to get a refund or use their travel credit. According to CHOICE, only 17% of survey respondents actually got a full refund, over half waited more than 3 months for a resolution, and 90% of respondents believe Australian laws need to change to make it easier for consumers to get a refund when they’re unable to travel as planned. In this episode Alison Elliot, one of the authors of the report and Head of Policy and Government Relations at CHOICE, joins Matt to discuss the report, recommendations and tips for airline customers to get their money back.   Episode contents: 1:20 - Fortnightly news round-up 10:45 - Interview with Alison Elliott, Head of Policy and Government Relations at CHOICE 43:24 - Update on the trans-Tasman travel bubble and Matt's eventful trip from Auckland to Perth   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions CHOICE Report: A plan for fairer consumer protections for Australian travellers Sign the CHOICE petition AFF article: Qantas Airport Service Desk Closures Disastrous Official New Zealand government page on quarantine-free travel from Australia   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: Australia’s “Four-Phase Plan” to Reopen Borders There is No Queue to Return to Australia Queensland Raises Hotel Quarantine Fees How to Prevent Avianca LifeMiles Expiring Etihad Quietly Drops Multiple Partner Airlines Qantas Extends Status Fast Track Period Earn 50 Qantas Status Credits at BP

  Departing Australia in 2021 is unfortunately not as simple as booking a ticket and going to the airport. If you're an Australian citizen or permanent resident who normally lives in Australia, you'll firstly need to apply for an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs to even be allowed to exit Australia. You'll then need to navigate complex COVID-19 testing requirements and entry requirements for your destination (and any transit) countries. The previous episode of AFF on Air included Part One of an interview with travel agent Alan Lam about travelling during COVID-19. This episode includes Part Two of this interview, which is all about leaving Australia. You can contact Alan by emailing alan[at]netwavetravel[dot]com or find him on the Australian Frequent Flyer forum posting under the username “madrooster”.   Episode contents: 1:30 - Fortnightly news round-up 8:33 - Interview with Alan Lam: Getting an exemption to leave Australia 15:52 - Interview with Alan Lam: COVID-19 testing requirements when travelling overseas 22:45 - Interview with Alan Lam: Things to consider when booking international flights via a third/transit country 25:14 - Interview with Alan Lam: COVID-19 travel insurance 31:16 - Decommissioned airports that have been creatively repurposed   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions Travelling to Australia During COVID-19 (Guide) Travelling to Australia During COVID-19 (Discussion) Hong Kong's Kai Tak Sky Garden   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: Overview of Australian State & NZ Border Restrictions Qantas & Virgin to Give Prizes for COVID-19 Vaccination Last Chance to Fly to Norfolk Island with Qantas Points! Emirates Restricts First Class Awards, Upgrades Air Canada Fined $34 Million for Extreme Refund Delays

  With Australia's international border still closed (except to New Zealand), and restrictive international arrival caps still in place, flying to Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic sadly remains a huge challenge. In this episode, travel agent Alan Lam from Netwave Travel returns to the podcast to give an update on how to maximise your chances of successfully booking a flight to Australia during COVID-19. The discussion includes detailed information about what type of ticket to book, how much you can expect to pay, where to fly to in Australia, DFAT repatriation flights, common travel agent scams and more. This episode includes Part One of our extended interview with Alan on international travel during the pandemic. Part One is all about inbound travel to Australia. The next episode of AFF on Air will include Part Two of the interview, which will be about outbound travel from Australia. You can contact Alan by emailing alan[at]netwavetravel[dot]com or find him on the Australian Frequent Flyer forum posting under the username "madrooster".   Episode contents: 2:09 - Fortnightly news round-up 11:02 - Interview with Alan Lam: Update on COVID-19 airline schedules & when to book flights to Australia 14:50 - Interview: Which fare types give you the best chance of flying to Australia without getting bumped in June 2021, and which is the best Australian city to fly into? 21:00 - Interview: Some strategies for booking with frequent flyer points to Australia (particularly from the USA) 24:01 - Interview: DFAT Qantas repatriation flights 27:50 - Interview: Common travel agent scams   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions Travelling to Australia During COVID-19 (Guide) Travelling to Australia During COVID-19 (Discussion)   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: Overseas Travel for Vaccinated Australians Within 6 Weeks? Which Countries Ban Their Citizens From Leaving? Taxi Credit Card Surcharge Rip-Off

  Business rewards programs such as Qantas Business Rewards have become increasingly popular. With Qantas Business Rewards, points are earned by the business and can then be transferred to anyone including employees. But does this have any Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) implications? Also in this episode, Matt gives an update on the trans-Tasman travel bubble and explains how you could renew Virgin Australia Gold status for under $1,000 thanks to a new Velocity Frequent Flyer promotion.   Episode contents: 1:00 - Fortnightly news round-up 12:45 - Matt's trans-Tasman travel experience 17:50 - How successful has the trans-Tasman bubble been so far? 23:02 - Velocity's generous new bonus status credits offer 27:50 - Feedback - another person who successfully flew from Europe to Australia on points during COVID-19 29:35 - Are there any Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) implications when transferring Qantas Business Rewards points?   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions Qantas Trans-Tasman A330 Business Class Review (May 2021) Many Qantas Trans-Tasman Flights Cancelled How to Maximise Velocity’s Bonus Status Credits Offer (May 2021) Current Virgin Australia Discount Codes Fringe Benefits Tax information from Cooper Partners ATO guidance on FBT when transferring points from a business account   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: Overview of Australian State Border Restrictions How to Book a Qantas 787 Domestic Flight Virgin Adds Domestic Routes, Delays International Restart Rex to Break Canberra-Melbourne Duopoly Rex Introduces In-Flight Wifi IT Outage Causes Major Virgin Australia Delays Major Qantas Call Centre Changes Qantas Adds to Points Club Perks The Most Expensive Domestic Flights in Australia

  Over the past year, flying back to Australia has been very difficult for tens of thousands of Australians - some who are still stuck overseas. Many have been bumped off their flights due to the Australian government's restrictive arrival caps. Even some passengers on expensive paid airfares have been kicked off their flights. So, clearly trying to fly from Europe to Australia during the pandemic using frequent flyer points is very risky. But it's not entirely impossible. In this episode, Matt chats to Devon Indig, who used her Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer miles to successfully book her partner a Business class ticket from Amsterdam to Sydney last month. Find out how she did it, and the extraordinarily careful planning that enabled it to happen.   Episode contents: 1:35 - Fortnightly news round-up 10:39 - Interview with Devon Indig 33:43 - Ask Matt: PPS Club & preventing points from expiring 37:21 - Ask Matt: Transferring Qantas Business Rewards points   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions Australians Stuck Around the World Facebook group Mandatory 14 day Hotel Quarantine Facebook chat group   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: International Border to Remain Closed Until Mid-2022? Qantas Expands Embraer E190 Fleet, Destinations Domestic Price War Heats Up with $39 Full-Service Fares Photos: Virgin Australia’s New Melbourne Pop-Up Lounge 15-30% Bonus on Credit Card Points Transfers to Velocity (May 2021) ANZ, HSBC Restore Velocity Redemptions Discounted Qantas Club Membership Double Qantas Status Credits to New Zealand (May 2021)

  The trans-Tasman travel bubble between Australia and New Zealand is now well and truly open, and thousands of Aussies have already flocked to New Zealand to take advantage of it. In this episode, Matt chats to Alan Lam from Netwave Travel (a.k.a. madrooster on the Australian Frequent Flyer forum) about the bubble and what you need to know before travelling to New Zealand right now. You can contact Alan by emailing alan[at]netwavetravel[dot]com. Also in this episode, how you can claim back the GST on items you’ve bought in Australia before leaving the country through the Tourist Refund Scheme. And what happens to your frequent flyer points after you die? Plus, as always, get a round-up of the most important Australian airline & loyalty program news from the past fortnight.   Episode contents: 1:10 - Fortnightly news round-up 11:55 - Interview with Alan Lam - New Zealand travel bubble 21:38 - Interview with Alan Lam - Australia's Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) 27:46 - Interview with Alan Lam - Australia bans flights from India 32:10 - What happens to frequent flyer points after you pass away?   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions Information about CoverMore's COVID-19 travel insurance coverage Information on the Tourist Refund Scheme from Australian Border Force What Happens to Frequent Flyer Points After You Die?   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: Qantas Customers Short-Changed on Refunds Overview of Australian State Border Restrictions Qantas Reports Strong Forward Bookings to UK, USA Qantas Centenary Celebrations Continue with New Museum Exhibit, Gin Singapore KrisFlyer Miles Will Not Expire Until April 2022 How to Book a Jetstar Business Class Seat for $62

  The long-awaited trans-Tasman travel bubble is finally here, with quarantine-free travel in both directions between Australia and New Zealand starting on Monday, 19 April! To celebrate the occasion, Qantas is reopening its flagship international First Class lounges in Sydney and Melbourne from the same date - and even Qantas Club, Gold members and Business class passengers will have access to them. In this episode, hear what Qantas CEO Alan Joyce has to say about the launch of trans-Tasman flights, the reopening of Qantas's international lounges and the strong recovery of Australia's domestic aviation market. Also in this episode, Matt chats to Carl Herve, a Qantas employee who started a successful bakery business while stood down during the COVID-19 crisis. Although he's now back working for Qantas, Carl's business has become so successful that he still bakes on the weekend - and Qantas is now a customer! Finally, find out how to get a Gold status fast-track with Qantas, Air New Zealand or Singapore Airlines thanks to three lucrative new offers.   Episode contents: 1:28 - Fortnightly news round-up 12:51 - Qantas is reopening some of its international airport lounges 14:38 - Alan Joyce speaks about the reopening of the Qantas First Lounge in Sydney and the future of Qantas' domestic & international businesses 23:13 - Neil Perry on the new Qantas First Lounge menu 24:06 - Interview with Carl Herve 29:37 - Qantas, Air New Zealand & Singapore Airlines all launch new status fast-track offers   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions Qantas Status Fast Track Extended to NZ Residents Air New Zealand "Touch of Gold" offer Earn Singapore Airlines Gold Status Without Flying My Little Canele website   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: Two-Way Trans-Tasman Bubble from 19 April 2021 Qantas First Lounges Reopen from 19 April 2021 Steep Rise in International Flight Taxes & Charges Qantas Frequent Flyer Expanding in New Zealand Overview of Australian State Border Restrictions Velocity Frequent Flyer to Partner with 7-Eleven Rex Opens New Temporary Canberra Lounge Most Australian Ibis Budgets Now Participate in Accor ALL Triple Velocity Points on Virgin Flights (April 2021) Qantas Brings Back In-Flight Entertainment