AFF on AIR Podcast

  Last Thursday, 800,000 half-price domestic flights went on sale as part of the federal government's push to get more Australians to holiday at home. In this epsisode, find out how to book one of the discounted flights to 15 Australian regional destinations, and what catches to look out for. This episode also features an interview with Sam Heathfield (a.k.a. "support" and "samh004", who is responsible for AFF member support and does a lot of work at AFF behind the scenes). Plus, what to do with expiring Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer miles, how to get more than 20,000 Qantas points & a case of delicious red wine for $345, and the latest Australian airline & frequent flyer news.   Episode contents: 1:15 - Fortnightly news round-up 15:12 - 800,000 half-price domestic flights go on sale in Australia 22:56 - Interview with Sam Heathfield 35:54 - What to do about expiring Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer miles 39:49 - Qantas Wine's storewide 20%-off sale   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions Half-Price Domestic Flights on Sale from $32 AFF Meetings & Social Events forum KrisFlyer Miles Expiration Policy is Outdated & Unfair Heirloom Anevo Grenache Touriga Tempranillo 2019 on sale for $345 (discount applied at checkout) at Qantas Wine   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: Virgin Australia Introduces New Economy & Business Class Menus Jetstar Back at Almost 100% of Pre-COVID Domestic Capacity Overview of Australian State Border Restrictions Rex to Begin Sydney-Canberra Flights Amex Shop Small Becomes Year-Round Virgin Clamps Down on Hand Luggage Qantas Domestic Double Status Credits Offer + Best Status Runs (March 2021)

  It's exactly one year today since Tasmania became the first Australian state to close its border to interstate travel. Since then, there have been endless state border closures and changes to interstate travel restrictions. But thankfully, as of last Monday, all domestic borders in Australia are now open again for the first time since March 2020. Things are now looking up! On this one-year anniversary of the start of the coronavirus pandemic, we find out what happened to Henrique Pereira, the manager of Draper Startup House in Lisbon, Portugal, which had to close in March 2020 just two days after opening. Matt previously interviewed Henrique on Episode 32 of this podcast, which aired a year ago. Since then, what has happened to tourism businesses in Portugal, and did the hostel survive? Also in this episode, how airlines have turned to selling miles to generate pandemic income - creating new opportunities within many frequent flyer programs. And the episode finishes with a reminder of some upcoming changes to several frequent flyer programs coming at the end of March 2021.   Episode contents: 2:12 - Fortnightly news round-up 14:07 - New opportunities to buy miles in 2021, including with Air Canada Aeroplan 22:06 - Interview with Henrique Pereira 46:22 - Upcoming changes to frequent flyer programs to be aware of   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions More info on the upcoming Frequent Flyer Solutions webinar - "New Opportunities to Buy Airline Miles in 2021" (8pm AEDT on Wednesday 24 March 2021) Draper Startup House, Lisbon   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: All Australian State Borders Have Reopened Half-Price Flights in New Tourism Support Package Virgin Australia Reopens Canberra Airport Lounge Most Qantas Club Lounges to Reopen by Easter Qantas to Serve Norfolk Island QantasLink Adds Seasonal Cooma, Albury Flights ACCC Weighs In On Rex Allegations Against Qantas ANZ Rewards Hopes to Reinstate Velocity Points Transfers Soon Velocity Extends Discover Gold & Status Rewards

  Visitors to Alice Springs, a town in Australia's red centre, have been greeted by an unusual sight since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The town is also now the temporary home of Singapore Airlines A380s, Cathay Pacific 777s, and many other airliners grounded by the pandemic. In total, there are now around 150 planes parked beside Alice Springs Airport at the Asia Pacific Aircraft Storage (APAS) facility, which takes advantage of Alice Springs' ideal climate for long-term aircraft storage. This episode takes a deep dive into what's been dubbed the Alice Springs "plane graveyard". Also in this episode, Rex begins Boeing 737 services connecting Australia's capital cities. What's the Rex in-flight experience like, and does the new entrant have what it takes to reshape Australia's domestic aviation market? And Matt explains what Australian Consumer Law says about your legal right to a refund if an airline cancels your flight in Australia.   Episode contents: 1:05 - Fortnightly news round-up 13:47 - The Asia Pacific Aircraft Storage (APAS) facility at Alice Springs 24:28 - Rex begins Boeing 737 flights between Australian capital cities 28:26 - Virgin Australia's new Adelaide lounge 29:57 - Are you legally entitled to a refund for cancelled flights?   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions Entrepreneur builds an aircraft ‘boneyard’ in centre of Australia (Financial Times article) Inside the abandoned rotting Thomas Cook planes that were so mouldy they had to be torn apart (The Sun article) Upcoming Frequent Flyer Solutions webinar - "New Opportunities to Buy Airline Miles in 2021", at 8pm on 24 March 2021   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: Rex Melbourne-Sydney 737 Flights Start Rex to Launch Boeing 737 Flights to Adelaide & Gold Coast Rex Shakes Up Regional Network in Response to Qantas “Predatory Moves” Australia’s COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout Has Begun Australia Extends Outbound Travel Ban Until 17 June 2021 Qantas Now Plans to Restart International Flights in October 2021 Qantas Wine Sales Boomed During COVID-19 Lockdowns Virgin Australia Opens New Lounge in Adelaide Get 30% off Qantas Sydney-Melbourne Reward Flights [March 2021] Qantas Launches “Mystery Flight” Adventures

  With the Australian government's international arrival caps still in place, getting back to Australia from overseas remains a huge challenge. In this episode, travel agent Alan Lam (a.k.a. madrooster on the Australian Frequent Flyer forum) shares his tips and advice for Australians trying to return home without getting bumped from their flight. Also in this episode, how to earn full points while paying tax with an American Express credit card and the latest frequent flyer & airline news.   Episode contents: 1:30 - Fortnightly news round-up 11:25 - Interview with Alan Lam about flying back to Australia during COVID-19 38:14 - How to earn full points for ATO payments with an American Express credit card   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions Alan's helpful AFF thread - Travelling to Australia During COVID-19 AFF thread - Sniip accepting Amex at same rate as Visa/Mastercard Subscribe to the Frequent Flyer Gazette Become an AFF Supporter   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: Price War: Virgin, Rex Sell $49 Sydney-Melbourne Flights Qantas Catering Now Miles Ahead of Virgin Australia Qantas & Virgin Add New Routes to Beach Destinations Can You Get a Refund for Cancelled Domestic Flights? Air Namibia Enters Liquidation Air New Zealand Says It Doesn’t Have to Refund Cancelled Flights Save up to 30,000 Qantas Points off The Ghan Journeys The Epic 70-Day Bus Tour from Delhi to London

  On the AFF on Air podcast, we often talk about the frequent flyer programs of airlines. But hotels are an equally important part of the travel experience, and hotel loyalty programs can offer some great perks (as well as free nights) to frequent guests. In this episode, James Green from Frequent Flyer Solutions explains how loyalty programs work - from earning and redeeming points, to gaining elite status with major hotel chains including Hilton Honors, IHG Rewards Club, Marriott Bonvoy and Accor ALL. You'll also learn how to achieve elite hotel loyalty status without even spending a night in a hotel! Also in this episode, how to earn 20,000 Qantas Frequent Flyer points (plus get a very nice case of wine) for under $400.   Episode contents: 1:00 - Fortnightly news round-up 11:18 - How to earn 20,000 Qantas points for under $400 with Qantas Wine deals 14:51 - Interview with James Green on hotel loyalty programs   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions 20,000 Qantas Points (Plus Six Great Bottles of Wine) for $399 Frequent Flyer Solutions training course on loyalty programs including hotel loyalty programs   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: Australia to Increase International Arrival Caps Qantas to Wet Lease Alliance Airlines E190s SilkAir Merges Into Singapore Airlines Qatar, Emirates & Cathay Pacific Further Extend Tier Status to 2022 Qantas Launches Rescue Flights to Norfolk Island Overview of Australian State Border Restrictions 10 Free Qantas Points Per Day for Walking (February 2021) 5,000 Bonus Points for Adding an Additional Amex Cardholder

  Earlier this month, Qantas reopened international flight bookings for July 2021. But then, this week, Australia's current and former Chief Medical Officers both said they didn't expect regular international travel to Australia to resume until 2022. So, when can we expect some level of meaningful international travel to resume? Also in this episode, Matt discusses the current state border arrangements, the impact of the recent reduction to Australia's international arrival caps and how you can claim your share of free Velocity Frequent Flyer points.   Episode contents: 2:12 - Fortnightly news round-up 13:50 - Discussion on state border closures 26:19 - Australia further reduces international arrival caps 33:16 - When could Australia's international borders reopen? 40:06 - How to claim your free Velocity points   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions Overview of Australian State Border Restrictions Domestic Reward Flights Can Still Be Great Value The International Flights Available to Australia in January 2021   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: Qantas & Virgin Suspend Lounge Access on Arrival Qantas to Launch 7 New Regional Routes in Early 2021 Face Masks Mandatory on Domestic Flights Virgin Removes Music from In-Flight Entertainment Flybuys Improves Velocity Points Transfer Rate The Qatar Blockade is Over Virgin Australia Partners with Air Canada Win a Share of 20 Million Velocity Points Emirates Reveals New Premium Economy Seats Woolworths’ Frequent Shopper Club Closing on 25 January 2021 Velocity Global Wallet Shutting Down

  As 2020 draws to a close, there's finally some good news. Australian state borders are reopening, planes are back in the air, and more pilots are returning to work. One of them is Virgin Australia 737 pilot Chris Bournelis (a.k.a. AviatorInsight on AFF) who is now doing simulator training and flight checks ahead of returning to the skies later this month. Chris joins Matt on this episode to reflect on the year and explain the process of returning to the sky after a long period on the ground. And Virgin Australia has matched Qantas' recent status match offer, meaning both Qantas & Velocity members now have an opportunity to switch. If you're eligible, why not take advantage of this offer and put your eggs in two baskets?   Episode contents: 0:58 - Fortnightly news round-up 11:12 - Virgin Australia joins Qantas in launching a status match & extension offer 18:52 - Interview with Chris Bournelis 29:22 - Final word for the final episode of 2020   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions Velocity Launches “Discover Gold” Status Match Velocity Announces Additional Status Extensions & Rewards AFF "Ask The Pilot" thread   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: Overview of Australian State Border Restrictions Qantas Reopens More Domestic Airport Lounges Qantas Considers Expanding Points Club Rex Launches $79 Sydney-Melbourne Flights Earn & Redeem Qantas Points for Australian Train Journeys Flybuys Introduces Velocity Points Auto Transfer

  In 2009, the Australian Tax Office (ATO) began accepting payments by credit card. Many Australians have to pay tax anyway, so they took the opportunity to pay by card and earn frequent flyer points in the process. Since then, the banks have slowly but surely removed this loophole by excluding government payments from earning points. Next week, St George Bank will become the final major Australian bank to stop awarding points for tax payments. But Australians have made hay while the sun was shining - and few more so than the AFF member who goes by the username "cove". Cove estimates his family has earned 100 million points by paying taxes with credit cards since 2009. In this episode, Matt finds out how he did it! You'll also learn how to continue earning points for tax payments, even after St George closes this loophole. Also in this episode, Qantas has launched a status match and Virgin Australia is now finally out of voluntary administration.     Episode contents: 1:14 - Fortnightly news round-up 8:18 - Virgin Australia is out of voluntary administration. What's next? 12:45 - Interview with "cove" 29:07 - How to continue earning points for tax payments in Australia   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions Virgin Australia to Relaunch Business Class Half of Virgin Australia’s Lounges to Reopen How to Earn Points for Paying Tax & Other Bills in 2020 Upcoming Frequent Flyer Solutions webinar: How COVID-19 Has Changed Travel: Planning for 2021 (9 December 2020)   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: Bain Takes Control as Virgin Australia Exits Voluntary Administration Extend Your Qantas Status By Booking One Flight Qantas Frequent Flyer Gold Status Match Overview of Australian State Border Restrictions Velocity Global Wallet Shutting Down How to Buy & Redeem Air Canada Aeroplan Points Flybuys Removes Annual Velocity Points Transfer Limit Qantas to Launch Strategic Partnership with Accor Hotels ANZ Rewards Travel Adventures Card Withdraws Virgin Benefits

  On 16 November 1920, Queensland And Northern Territory Aerial Services (or QANTAS for short) was incoporated. This makes next Monday, 16 November 2020, the airline's 100th birthday! But the story of the birth of Qantas goes far beyond the signing of a piece of paper in 1920. In this episode, Qantas Founders Museum curator Tom Harwood joins Matt to tell the full story of how Qantas was founded and grew to become Australia's beloved national carrier.   Episode contents: 1:00 - Fortnightly news round-up 11:51 - Interview with Tom Harwood   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions "100 years of what?" - an informative article by Tom Harwood on the Qantas Founders Museum website   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: Qantas Closes Airport Service Desks NSW & ACT to Reopen Victorian Border from 23 November Fly to Lord Howe Island with Qantas Points Bonus Points & Status Credits on Transfers to Velocity – November 2020 Berlin Brandenburg Airport is Finally Open! The Cheapest & Most Expensive Countries for Domestic Flights

  Many Australians have used the travel downturn to work on projects around the house. Canberra-based Andrew Newnham, whose AFF handle is harvyk, is no exception. But instead of reseeding his lawn, installing a new kitchen or painting the house, Andrew decided to build a life-size Boeing 747 flight simulator in his garage! In this episode, Andrew tells Matt all about the project and what it takes to build a full-scale flight simulator at home. Also in this episode, find out where all the grounded Qantas & Virgin planes are parked and why the Boeing 737 MAX could soon return to the skies. You can see pictures of Andrew's flight simulator here: Podcast #48: 747 Enthusiast Builds Flight Simulator in Garage   Episode contents: 0:51 - Fortnightly news round-up 12:25 - Interview with Andrew Newnham 24:21 - Where are all the grounded Qantas & Virgin planes? 27:35 - Boeing 737 MAX update   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions Where Are the 137 Grounded Qantas & Virgin Planes? The Boeing 737 MAX Will Soon Return to Service Frequent Flyer Solutions webinar: The New Virgin Australia (5 November 2020)   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: Qatar’s Reputation Takes Huge Hit After Invasive Searches More Domestic Flights as Tasmania Reopens Border Many Surprising New Domestic Routes Launching Velocity Frequent Flyer Valuation Slashed By Two-Thirds Virgin Australia Holidays is Closing Down Qantas Flags New Destinations, Further Cost Cuts St George to Axe Points for ATO Tax Payments Canberra Added to Priority Pass Network Hilton Further Extends Status Until 2022

  Flybuys Chief Operating Officer Phil Hawkins knows a thing or two about loyalty. He was with Flybuys right back when the Australian loyalty program launched in 1994! In this episode of AFF on AIR, Phil joins Matt to discuss all aspects of the Flybuys program including its partnership with Velocity Frequent Flyer and why targeted offers are so critical to the program's success. In the news round-up, Matt also talks about the current woes beleaguering Virgin Australia. The airline has just lost its CEO, the unions don't trust the new owner and staff are taking sick leave because they're sick of dealing with Business class passengers unhappy over receiving two-minute noodles as an in-flight meal. What will Bain Capital do next?   Episode contents: 0:46 - Fortnightly news round-up 11:05 - Interview with Phil Hawkins, Flybuys COO 39:48 - AFF's annual weekend gathering in Canberra   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions AFF#14 gathering in Canberra (4-6 December 2020)   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: The Axe is Falling on Virgin Australia Velocity Cuts Partner Airline Benefits Qantas Resumes Limited Trans-Tasman Flights Today Qantas Scenic Flight Over Australia Proves a Hit

  Ever wondered what it's like being an Air Traffic Controller? In this episode Ian Robinson (a.k.a. iRobbo on AFF), who has been an Air Traffic Controller for almost 30 years, talks to Matt about what the job involves, the training required and what it's like dealing with a mid-air emergency from on the ground. Also in this episode, Matt discusses Rex's ambitious plan to compete head-on with Qantas and Virgin Australia and domestic capital city routes. And over 1,000 former Qantas 747 galley carts are now being delivered to homes across Australia.   Episode contents: 0:50 - Fortnightly news round-up 6:56 - Rex's plan to launch capital city flights with Boeing 737s from March 2021 13:59 - Save 5% at Woolworths & Dan Murphy's & get $10 bonus credit with Cashrewards 15:02 - Interview with Air Traffic Controller Ian Robinson 41:57 - Qantas 747 bar carts sell out in minutes - creative ideas for using airline carts at home   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions Rex to Launch Boeing 737 Capital City Flights Join Cashrewards for Free and Get a $10 Bonus (article) Join Cashrewards now (join link) How to Use Your Qantas Bar Cart   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: Overview of Australian State Border Restrictions Air New Zealand Extends Status for a Second Year ANZ Rewards Travel Adventures Card Withdraws Virgin Benefits Qantas Quietly Ends Price Promise Alliance Airlines Coming to Canberra Southern Lights Flight on a Chartered Qantas 787

  Next week, the Australian government will increase the number of Australians that can arrive each week from 4,000 to around 6,000 people. This is a welcome step forward and will definitely help to clear the backlog of Australians stranded overseas. But with at least 24,000 Australians currently registered as stranded - and perhaps closer to 100,000 by airline estimates - is it enough? In this episode, Matt shares the stories of Australians stuck in the Netherlands. The arrival caps, it seems, are only part of the problem. The more immediate issue is that those Australians in the most vulnerable positions, who can least afford to remain overseas, are the same people that can least afford to pay an extortionate ticket price to get home. Buying an Economy class ticket is not an option with many airlines indefinitely bumping Economy class passengers off flights in favour of those who paid more for a premium ticket. Some airlines have stopped selling Economy tickets altogether. Also in this episode, Norfolk Island is open for tourism from five Australian states, and will also reopen next month for travel from NSW and ACT! If you're keen for an overseas holiday, a trip to Norfolk Island is one way to do this without technically leaving the country.   Episode contents: 1:08 - Fortnightly news round-up 9:53 - Australia increases the international arrivals cap 13:41 - Interview with Courtney Devine 26:05 - Other Australians in the Netherlands share their stories 30:28 - Quarantine-free travel to Norfolk Island   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions RemoveTheCap.com Norfolk Island is Open for Tourism   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: Qantas Flight to Nowhere Sells Out in Minutes Qantas Petitions for State Borders to Reopen Overview of Australian State Border Restrictions Qantas Club Gives Further Six-Month Extensions No Refunds as Many Priority Pass Lounges Remain Closed ACCC Fears for Airline Competition in Australia 20% Bonus Velocity Points Offer as NAB Reinstates Transfers 30% Off Velocity Business Reward Seats & Upgrades Qantas Cuts Platinum One Special Service Team How to Buy and Redeem LifeMiles

  On 4 September 2020, Virgin Australia creditors voted to approve the airline's sale to U.S. private equity firm Bain Capital for $3.5 billion. This was the final major hurdle in bringing Virgin Australia out of voluntary administration and avoiding liquidation. The sale is expected to be completed by the end of October. So, how did Virgin Australia get to this point and where is it going from here? After launching as a low-cost carrier in 2000 (Virgin celebrated its 20th anniversary this week with no fanfare), then relaunching as a full-service airline in 2011, it's now planning to reinvent itself a second time as a "value" carrier. Is this a Goldilocks moment or does Virgin 3.0 risk getting squeezed out of the market?   Episode contents: 0:55 - Fortnightly news round-up 12:04 - Virgin Australia's sale to Bain Capital is approved. How did we get here, and what's next for the airline? 27:35 - Customers have long memories. Why aren't more businesses doing the right thing?   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions Virgin Australia Sale to Bain Capital Approved Virgin Australia Customers to Receive “Future Flight Credits” Goodwill Lost: Customers Have Long Memories Upcoming Frequent Flyer Solutions webinar: Australian Domestic Travel Tips & Tricks (9 September 2020)   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: When Should Australia Lift its Outbound Travel Ban? International Arrival Caps Locking Out Australians Qantas Cuts More Staff Boeing 747s Now Operating Just a Handful of Routes Marriott Bonvoy Status Match U.S. Airlines Permanently Axe Change Fees

  2020 has been a tough year for many Australian tourism businesses. But few parts of Australia have been affected as badly as Kangaroo Island in South Australia. The island was still recovering from a disastrous summer bushfire season, which destroyed almost half the island, when the coronavirus crisis hit. With borders now closed, the island's economy which relies on tourism is struggling. In this episode, Matt takes a close look at how these dual crises impacted Kangaroo Island and its people. In this episode, Matt also discusses what it's like flying around Australia at the moment, the future of Virgin Australia and the hierarchy of Qantas award availability.   Episode contents: 1:00 - Fortnightly news round-up 9:50 - The future of Virgin Australia & the risk of getting squeezed by Qantas 15:50 - What's it like flying with Qantas & Virgin at the moment - both on the ground and in the air? 20:22 - How Kangaroo Island has dealt with two crises this year, and how its tourism industry is affected 28:00 - Ask Matt: Qantas award availability when using AAdvantage or Alaskan miles   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions Virgin’s “Hybrid” Strategy is Fraught with Risk Great Food & Service at Reopened Qantas Lounges Upcoming Frequent Flyer Solutions webinar: Australian Domestic Travel Tips & Tricks (9 September 2020)   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: Qantas 2019-20 Financial Results a Mixed Bag Qantas International Flights Unlikely to Restart Before July 2021 Amex Scraps $400 Travel Credit for Platinum Reserve Card Qantas Frequent Flyer Quietly Ends Air Niugini Partnership Qantas Selling Care Packs for $25