AFF on AIR Podcast

  In this episode, we take a brief detour from the aviation discussion to talk about train travel! There's something nice - perhaps even romantic - about long-distance train travel. Around the world there are lots of famous train journeys such as the Orient Express and Trans-Siberian Railway, but there are also a couple of famous trips right here in Australia. This episode features an interview with an AFF member who has just completed one of them; the Indian Pacific train from Perth to Sydney.   Episode contents: 0:58 - Fortnightly news round-up 8:22 - The world's most famous train journeys 11:29 - Long-distance train travel in Australia 16:33 - Interview with klm597 (a.k.a. Stewart) on the Indian Pacific train journey 35:37 - Ask Matt: Frequent flying and the environment 40:00 - AFF bushfire appeal   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions Create an AFF account A Transcontinental Send-Off to the Decade (klm597's trip report) seat61.com - an excellent train travel resource AFF Bushfire Appeal 2020   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: Qantas Passengers Can Now Use TSA PreCheck Qantas Raises Service, Credit Card Fees New 2020 United Status Match Challenge Virgin Business Class Catering Cutbacks Velocity Carrier Charges on Reward Flights [Updated 2020] Skybus Axes Velocity Points Qantas Schedules A330s on QF9/10 from Melbourne-Perth

  If you're a little bit short of the next airline status tier, a status run can get you over the line. In this episode, learn about the best status runs with Virgin Australia, Qantas and the three major alliances. This episode also includes the latest frequent flyer news and an extended interview with AFF moderator JessicaTam about her incredible British Airways status run.   Episode contents: 1:00 - Fortnightly news round-up 8:16 - Status runs 14:19 - Interview with JessicaTam 36:13 - Ask Leon: Amex Platinum card benefits 38:26 - Ask Matt: Podcast recommendation 39:52 - The hilarious Berlin airport board game 42:10 - Recap of 2019   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions Upgrade your AFF account Switching from Qantas to British Airways Executive Club 23 into 21 does go (JessicaTam's trip report) Melbourne Christmas dinner - 21 December 2019 Christchurch dinner - 7 March 2020 Singapore lounge crawl - 7 June 2020   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: Qantas Expands Air France/KLM Flying Blue Partnership ACCC Releases Scathing Final Report into Loyalty Programs Qantas Forces Business Passenger to Accept Downgrade Jetstar Pilots’ Strike Cancels Many Flights from 13-15 December 2019 El Al to Trial Direct Melbourne-Tel Aviv Flights Virgin Australia Brisbane-Tokyo Flights on Sale Cathay Pacific Changes Asia Miles Expiration Policy Alliance-Wide Upgrades Coming to Oneworld? Qantas Opens Singapore First Class Lounge

  Many Australians join Qantas Frequent Flyer by default. But even if you fly with Qantas regularly, you could benefit by using the British Airways Executive Club frequent flyer program instead. In this episode, Matt also discusses the new Uber Rewards loyalty program, earning Qantas points for Uber rides and a bizarre experience using Uber in India.   Episode contents: 0:53 - Fortnightly news round-up 9:00 - Why British Airways Executive Club could be a good alternative to Qantas Frequent Flyer 18:05 - Uber launches its own rewards program 25:55 - Ask Matt: How to find cheaper one-way international flights 29:19 - Ask Matt: Earning KrisFlyer elite miles on Virgin Australia flights   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions Upgrade your AFF account How to Earn British Airways Executive Club Status The British Airways Oneworld Multi-Carrier Reward Upcoming Webinar: Oneworld Alternatives to Qantas Frequent Flyer (8pm on 11 December 2019) Earn Qantas Points for All Uber Rides + Uber Eats Orders   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: BP to Switch from Velocity to Qantas Points on 1 February 2020 Qantas Mulls New Benefits to Reward Long-Term Loyalty Upgrade Delta Flights with Virgin Australia Velocity Points ANA, Japan Airlines Add Sydney-Haneda Flights LATAM Exit Leaves Huge Hole for Oneworld Qantas A380 Reconfiguration Adds 7% Revenue Qantas Vows to Fix Priority Boarding Cheap Business Class: Europe to Australia from $2,400 return Price War: Direct Flights to Los Angeles from $881 return

  Airlines seem to love married segments, but for frequent flyers and travel agents they can be extremely frustrating. Sometimes you'll find an award seat on a flight you want to book, only to find that it's not actually available if you add on a connecting flight to your final destination. Married segments are also why airlines will sometimes charge a higher amount if you remove one or more flights from a booking! In this episode, Alan Lam (a.k.a. madrooster) joins Matt to explain what travellers need to know about married segments, as well as a wide range of other topics including an unusual way to fly to London with Qantas that could be cheaper than flying via Perth or Singapore.   Episode contents: 0:45 - Fortnightly news round-up 6:32 - Interview with Alan Lam: About fare classes 11:02 - Interview with Alan Lam: Recent changes to earn rates with Qantas, American Airlines, Japan Airlines & Alaska Airlines 19:12 - Interview with Alan Lam: Everything you need to know about married segments 31:12 - Interview with Alan Lam: Booking a Qantas ticket to Europe via South Africa 35:51 - Interview with Alan Lam: United MileagePlus program changes   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions Join Australian Frequent Flyer for free What are Married Segments?   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: Qantas Commits to Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050 Earn Velocity Frequent Flyer Points with Optus Pick Up Your Coles Shopping at Melbourne Airport Virgin Australia Suspends Melbourne-Hong Kong Route Qantas Axes Sydney-Beijing Flights (Again) Qantas Reduces A380 Flights to Hong Kong

  The Historic Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS) boasts a collection of over 60 aircraft, including a retired Qantas 747, Super Constellation and DC-3s. John Travolta's Boeing 707 will also soon be added to the museum at Illawara Regional Airport, which is open daily to the public. In this episode, Matt chats to HARS President Bob de la Hunty. Also in this episode, the latest frequent flyer news and the plan to get rid of Melbourne Airport's taxi touts.   Episode contents: 1:01 - Fortnightly news round-up 4:52 - AFF's 13th annual gathering 7:17 - Interview with Bob de la Hunty from HARS 22:21 - Melbourne Airport's taxi touts 25:22 - Ask Matt: Oneworld Award stopover rules   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions 13th Annual AFF Gathering a Success The History of Airport Slots – Ernst Krolke Speech at AFF#13 HARS website Melbourne Airport Taxi Touts Scamming, Harassing Tourists   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: Qantas Grounds 3 Boeing 737-800s over Pickle Fork Cracks Australian Government Overhauls Smartraveller Website American Airlines Adds Christchurch, Auckland-Dallas Flights Air New Zealand to Fly Non-Stop to New York Qantas Flies Non-Stop from New York to Sydney Airline Route Changes from 27 October 2019 Virgin Australia Wins Haneda Approval Is Qantas Car Insurance a Good Deal? Velocity 15% EOY Transfer Bonus – November 2019

  Earlier this year, German airline Lufthansa tried to sue a passenger that exploited the loophole of hidden-city ticketing by skipping the last flight on their ticket. This case has now finally be resolved in the German courts, and in a victory for frequent flyers, the airline did not win. In this episode Matt chats to Dr Matthias Böse, the lawyer who defended this fascinating case against Lufthansa in the German courts.   Episode contents: 1:05 - Fortnightly news round-up 6:05 - Introducing the AFF Community Online Store 7:47 - Interview with Matthias Böse   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions AFF Community Online Store Lufthansa Loses Case Against Hidden City Ticketer   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: Qantas & Velocity Points Are Worth Less Now Than 4 Years Ago Virgin Business Passenger Refused Diet Coke Qantas Unveils 100th Anniversary Dreamliner Livery Qantas Removes Frequent Flyer Numbers from Boarding Passes Qantas Improves American Airlines Earn Rates United Suspends Status Challenge, Changes Status Earning Citibank Withdraws Citi Prestige Credit Card How to Earn Bonus Velocity Points on Flybuys Transfers Redeem Alaska Mileage Plan Miles for Singapore Airlines Flights

  Qantas and Virgin Australia are fighting over two rare and lucrative new landing slots for Tokyo's Haneda Airport. Meanwhile, four European airlines have gone bankrupt in a matter of weeks as this year's European summer draws to a close. Speaking of summer in Europe, you won't want to miss this fortnight's interview with Bronwyn Turner from Award Flight Assist as she explains how to redeem your frequent flyer points and find award availability from Australia to Europe during the peak European summer season.   Episode contents: 0:59 - Fortnightly news round-up 7:43 - The battle for Tokyo Haneda slots 14:07 - Why are so many European airlines going bankrupt? 17:57 - Interview with Bronwyn Turner on summer award travel to Europe   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions Virgin Australia to Fly to Haneda, Partner with ANA 600,000 Stranded as Thomas Cook Collapses Adria Airways Files for Bankruptcy When is the Best Time to Book Award Flights? [Airline award seat release times]   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: LATAM Exit Leaves Huge Hole for Oneworld Woolworths Rewards Boosts Qantas Points First Look: Refurbished Qantas Airbus A380 Virgin Australia Increases Carrier Charges Virgin Axes Samsung In-Flight Entertainment Tablets Jetstar Abandons Regional New Zealand, China Jetstar Adds Flights to Margaret River The Trans-Tasman Airline Battle New Beijing Daxing Airport Opens

  The ACCC recently released a damning draft report into Australian loyalty schemes, calling out practices that it says may shock consumers and putting loyalty program operators on notice. In this episode, Matt chats to airline loyalty and data expert Mark Ross-Smith about the ACCC's findings and recommendations. This interview covers topics including data privacy, the expiration and devaluation of frequent flyer points, carrier charges and much more.   Episode contents: 1:09 - Fortnightly news round-up 8:07 - Interview with Mark Ross-Smith   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions AFF Response to ACCC Report on Loyalty Schemes   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: Qantas Changes: Where are the Extra Reward Seats? A List of Qantas Carrier Charges on Reward Flights Major Thai Airways Royal Orchid Plus Devaluation Virgin Australia to Buy Back Velocity Stake Qantas Downgrade Compensation is Woefully Inadequate Qantas Eyes New Tokyo Haneda Slots New Qatar Airways Premium Lounge for Singapore Europe 2020 Early Bird Sales Have Landed

  With less than two weeks until the upcoming Qantas Frequent Flyer changes, now is the time to make any last-minute Classic Flight Reward bookings! In this episode, Matt chats to Leon Loganathan about the process of redeeming Qantas points for a Onweworld Award. This episode also includes a segment on the important role of regional aviation, with a focus on a regional airline in New Zealand that does a particularly good job of serving its local communities.   Episode contents: 0:53 - Fortnightly news round-up 8:10 - Interview with Leon Loganathan - Oneworld Award booking 21:52 - Interview with Leon Loganathan - Hidden-city pricing 24:34 - Interview with Leon Loganathan - Amex Platinum Charge & Priority Pass lounges 29:53 - Air Chathams & the role of regional airlines   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions Major Qantas Frequent Flyer Changes - June 2019 How to fly around the world using the Qantas Oneworld Award Norfolk Island Airlines Ceases Flights Air Chathams Auctions Historic Convair 580   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: ACCC Shares “Significant Concerns” Over Loyalty Programs Economy Downgrade Inadequate, Court Rules Virgin Australia “My Lounge” Opens in Brisbane Virgin Australia Reports $315m Loss for 2018-19 BP Switches Loyalty to Qantas Frequent Flyer United Launches MileagePlus Shopping Australia Airlines Ban Apple MacBook Computers Malaysia Airlines Enrich Gold Fast-Track Free Qantas Business Rewards Membership

  Later this year, Qantas will decide which aircraft it will use to operate non-stop flights from the east coast of Australia to London and New York - a feat it aims to achieve by 2022. In this episode, learn more about the mission Qantas is namimg "Project Sunrise". This episode also includes an interview with AFF moderator "Princess Fiona" about Qantas Platinum One status, mid-air medical emergencies, and more.   Episode contents: 1:00 - Fortnightly news round-up 5:42 - Qantas Project Sunrise 13:35 - Interview with Princess Fiona 35:45 - Award travel to Europe during the peak northern summer season   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions Qantas Plans Project Sunrise Test Flights Upcoming webinar - How to Redeem Points to Europe (8pm AEST on 28 August 2019) Frequent Flyer Solutions membership options   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: Qantas Earns $1.27 Billion Per Year for Sydney-Melbourne Route Qantas Finally Completes Airbus A330 Refurbishments How to Redeem Air New Zealand Airpoints for Qantas Flights Qantas Restaurants Returns: Earn 100 Points Per Diner Earn Qantas Points at TerryWhite Chemmart 50% Bonus KrisFlyer Elite Miles Offer – August 2019

  If you're new to the world of frequent flyer points - or moving to a new country - it can be difficult to know where to start. In this episode, Matt discusses the considerations involved in selecting a new frequent flyer program. Also, you now have just over a month left to redeem your Qantas points before upgrades and premium cabin awards become more expensive.   Episode contents: 0:56 - Fortnightly news round-up 6:25 - Ask Matt: Should I stick to Qantas and/or Velocity Frequent Flyer when moving overseas? 14:15 - Ask Matt: How to choose the right frequent flyer program for travel to Japan? 19:42 - Preparing for the Qantas Frequent Flyer changes 25:00 - Air New Zealand's new safety video   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions ANA Launches Perth-Tokyo Flights Upcoming webinar - Qantas Changes: Maximise Your Points (8pm AEST on 14 August 2019) Award Flight Assist   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: Qantas Dreamliner for Sydney-Santiago Route Tap On to Sydney Trains with a Credit Card Complimentary Hilton Silver Status with Selected Amex Cards Qantas Trials New Bali Lounge ANZ Rewards Removes Online Points Transfers

  They say that if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel! In this episode, Matt chats to James Green about the importance of travel insurance, and what to look out for when purchasing or claiming on a travel insurance policy. Also, ever wondered what goes into an airline safety video? This episode includes some of the world's best and worst airline safety demonstration videos.   Episode contents: 0:58 - Fortnightly news round-up 4:52 - Airline safety videos 10:54 - Interview with James Green on travel insurance 27:12 - The unique travel insurance policy of Belarus 28:20 - AFF social gatherings   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions 20% off Columbus Direct travel insurance for AFF GOLD members (note - this thread is only visible to AFF GOLD subscribers) AFF Gathering #13 in SYD on 18 - 20 October 2019 Air New Zealand safety video (2019) Air New Zealand safety video (Lord of the Rings - 2014) Qantas safety video (2016) Turkish Airlines safety video (2018)   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: Final Approval for Qantas, American Joint Venture New Qantas Chicago, San Francisco Flights on Sale Canada Introduces Air Passenger Protections Qantas Implements Two-Factor Authentication Earn Velocity Points for Ola Rides Free Lounge Access with Singapore’s Changi Transit Programme

  Learn how to fly around the world using your Qantas Frequent Flyer points as Matt chats to James Green, an award travel consultant at Frequent Flyer Solutions. This episode also includes the latest frequent flyer news and discussion on redeeming Alaska Airlines miles.   Episode contents: 0:45 - Fortnightly news round-up 4:10 - Interview with James Green 38:52 - Ask Matt: Redeeming Alaska Airlines miles to the USA   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions Major Qantas Frequent Flyer Changes – June 2019 How to fly around the world using the Qantas Oneworld Award Award Flight Assist   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: Singapore Airlines Upgrades KrisFlyer Gold Lounge No More Velocity Points for Restaurant Bookings Qantas Points Off the Menu at Rockpool Restaurants New Regulations Threaten Regional Aviation Virgin Australia Launches Lighter In-Flight Magazine

  Last week, Qantas announced a major shake-up to its Qantas Frequent Flyer program. In this episode, former Head of Loyalty at Malaysia Airlines, Mark Ross-Smith, joins Matt to discuss the changes, why Qantas announced them and what this all means for frequent flyers.   Episode contents: 1:05 - Fortnightly news round-up 4:07 - Overview of Qantas Frequent Flyer program changes 8:48 - Status challenges (upcoming webinar) 10:38 - Interview with Mark Ross-Smith - changes to Qantas award availability & pricing 22:49 - Interview with Mark Ross-Smith - lifetime Qantas Platinum status 30:33 - Interview with Mark Ross-Smith - Qantas Points Club   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions Major Qantas Frequent Flyer Changes – June 2019 Qantas Frequent Flyer forum on AFF American Airlines Status Challenge Unlocks Qantas, Oneworld Perks Webinar: How to earn top-tier Airline Status using Status Challenges (1 July 2019)   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: Qatar Airways Named World’s Best Airline in 2019 New Westpac Altitude Velocity Rewards Program Fiji Airways Ends Adelaide Service Delays to Virgin Australia Los Angeles Flights Last Chance to Book Aer Lingus Award Flights

  In this special edition of the podcast, Matt chats to John Bartels (a.k.a. jb747) about his flying career with Qantas, the A380, the QF30 incident, flight training, retirement, today's aviation industry and more. John is a former Qantas Airbus A380 captain and remains an active contributor to AFF's popular Ask The Pilot thread.   Episode contents: 1:00 - Fortnightly news round-up 7:20 - Interview with John Bartels - getting started in aviation 17:37 - Interview with John Bartels - discussion about QF30 27:18 - Interview with John Bartels - discussion about flying the Qantas A380 37:10 - Interview with John Bartels - discussion about retirement from commercial aviation 41:29 - Interview with John Bartels - advice for people interested in an aviation career   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions AFF's Ask The Pilot thread   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: Qantas, American Airlines Joint Venture Approved Qantas Retires Oldest Boeing 747 Catch Qantas 747s on Domestic Flights Hilton Gold Fast-Track for Visa Cardholders Amex Cuts Priority Pass Restaurant Credits for Australians New Machu Picchu Airport Under Construction