AFF on AIR Podcast

  Qantas may have retired its last active Boeing 747, but there are still two of the "queens of the skies" on display in Australian aviation museums. One of those, a Boeing 747-200, can be found at the Qantas Founders Museum in Longreach, Queensland. Qantas has a long and proud association with Longreach, the town where it first started its operations in the 1920s and even manufactured its own aircraft. Today, Longreach is home to the iconic museum that celebrates the history of Australia's national carrier. As well as the Boeing 747, there is a Boeing 707, Super Constellation, DC3, Catalina and other Qantas aircraft and memorabilia on display. In this episode, Matt chats to Tony Martin, the CEO of the Qantas Founders Museum in Longreach.   Episode contents: 1:03 - Fortnightly news round-up 10:22 - Interview with Tony Martin   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions Qantas Founders Museum   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: Virgin Australia to Retain Lounges, Ditch 777s & A330s Defunct Tigerair Loses its Roar Overview of Australian State Border Restrictions Woolworths Relaunches Everyday Rewards ACCC Forces Etihad to Refund Cancelled Flights What Could Oneworld Alliance-Wide Upgrades Look Like? Qantas Dream Planner Sends Real-Time Reward Alerts

  This week, Australia said farewell to a national icon: the Qantas Boeing 747. Over the past 49 years, Qantas - once an all-747 airline - has operated almost every Boeing 747 variant that has existed. The "queen of the skies" has transported millions of passengers to destinations all over the world, including Olympic athletes and stranded Australians returning home from disaster epicentres - many years ago from Darwin after Cyclone Tracy, and most recently from Wuhan. Current world events have resulted in an early retirement for the Qantas 747 fleet. Despite the current pandemic, Qantas has still managed to put on three excellent final joy flights for fans of the Boeing 747. In this episode, Matt speaks to some of the passengers that were on board the last ever Qantas 747 passenger flight out of Canberra on 17 July 2020.   Episode contents: 1:12 - Fortnightly news round-up 14:48 - The last ever Qantas Boeing 747 passenger flight departs Canberra 18:32 - Interview with Bindibuys, a passenger on the Canberra 747 joy flight 29:15 - The Customer Service Manager's emotional final speech on the last Qantas 747 passenger flight 34:50 - Ask Matt: How to redeem 500,000 Qantas points for a round-the-world trip   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions Paul Stewart's YouTube video - Onboard the LAST EVER Qantas Boeing 747 flight - QF0747 'Jumbo farewell flight'. How to Book a Qantas Oneworld Classic Flight Reward   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: Velocity Reinstates More Reward Flights, Upgrades Qantas Gifts Status Credits to Frequent Flyers Earn Qantas Status Credits for Hotel Bookings It’s Getting Progressively Harder to Return to Australia Many Fuel Surcharges Remain Excessive Despite Low Oil Prices Woolworths Rewards Launching in Tasmania on 6 August Amex Launches “Plan It” as Qantas Partners with Afterpay Australia is Building a New Airport in Antarctica

  Imagine discovering that your available credit card balance is suddenly over $28 million! That's exactly what happened to AFF moderator JessicaTam recently after Qatar Airways accidentally refunded her in Australian Dollars instead Indonesia Rupiah. JessicaTam joins Matt on this episode to talk about the story that has gone viral over the past week. Also in this episode, hear the latest frequent flyer news and learn how to take advantage of various airline status matches & challenges currently available.   Episode contents: 0:49 - Fortnightly news round-up 10:56 - Interview with JessicaTam 21:45 - Qatar Airways & the botched status match 24:05 - TAP Portugal status match 26:09 - The Qantas "tier accelerator" challenge   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions Qatar Airways Passenger Almost Gets $28 million Refund How Qatar Airways Botched its Status Match Promo Star Alliance Status Match with TAP Portugal Upcoming Frequent Flyer Solutions webinar: "The Forgotten Australian Loyalty Programs" (22 July 2020)   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: Qantas 747 Joy Flight Tickets on Sale Today Qantas Extends International Cancellations Well into 2021 Flights Cancelled as NSW, Victoria Border Closes Queensland Border to Reopen on 10 July, But Not to Victorians Former Program Partner Slams Qantas Business Rewards Virgin Australia Happy Hour Sales are Back Qantas Reopening Domestic Lounges from 1 July 2020 Qantas Brings Back the Booze on Domestic Flights Qantas Offers Status Credits, Extra Value for Accepting Flight Credits

  For frequent flyers, noise-cancelling headphones are the ultimate travelling companion. But have you ever wondered how they actually work to cancel out noise? In this episode, aerospace engineer Hossein Seif Zadeh (a.k.a. hossein_au on the Australian Frequent Flyer forum) explains how noise-cancelling headphone technology works and the difference between a $100 and a $600 pair of headphones. A lot more science goes into creating the perfect pair of noise-cancelling headphones than you may realise! Also in this episode, found out how Australians may be able to benefit from the great deals available on U.S. credit cards, and how to easily earn Star Alliance Gold status via the Asiana Club frequent flyer program. And as always, we take a look at the biggest Australian airline & frequent flyer news from the past fortnight, including Qantas' brutal COVID-19 recovery plan and Virgin Australia finding a new owner.   Episode contents: 1:15 - Fortnightly news round-up 11:11 - Interview with Hossein Seif Zadeh: How noise-cancelling headphones work 28:10 - Interview with Hossein Seif Zadeh: How to get a U.S. credit card 43:38 - Why the Asiana Club program is good for earning Star Alliance status   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions Podcast episode #11 - Star Alliance status via Asiana Club   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: Qantas to Axe 6,000 Jobs, Raise $1.9b Equity Qantas Cancels Most International Flights until October Bain Capital to Buy Virgin Australia Qantas Forced to Offer Refunds for Cancelled Flights Qantas Extends Flight Credit Validity to December 2022 Velocity to Refund Cancelled Reward Seat Bookings Travel Agents in NSW Must Disclose Commissions, Incentives Australian International Flights Down 98% in April 2020

  With Queensland and South Australia having now announced dates when their borders will reopen, James Green from Award Flight Assist joins Matt in this episode to discuss travel around Australia. James also explains how to maximise opportunities for Qantas Points Club members to earn status credits from Qantas Classic Flight Rewards. And in a rare reversal of roles, James interviews the podcast's host, Matt Graham, asking him about his favourite countries, airlines & travel tips.   Episode contents: 0:49 - Fortnightly news round-up 13:38 - Interview with James Green: Should we be booking international flights now? 17:45 - Interview with James Green: Australian states reopen their borders 27:05 - Interview with James Green: Qantas Points Club status runs 41:28 - James interviews Matt   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions Qantas Website Error Codes (And How to Avoid Them) Qantas Points Club Has Launched   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: Qantas, Jetstar Add Domestic Flights from June 2020 Virgin Adds Additional Domestic Flights Then There Were Two: Virgin Narrows Down Potential Buyers Air New Zealand Ends Social Distancing as NZ Eradicates COVID-19 Singapore & Hong Kong Reopen to Transit Passengers Dubai, Abu Dhabi Reopen for Transits Amex Shop Small Returns for 2020 Austria, India Legislate Minimum Airfares Ola Calls In Debt Collectors After App Error Woolworths Rewards Offers Have Become More Generous Qantas Increases Cost of Emirates Reward Flights

  As the coronavirus crisis continues, many airline passengers are still waiting for refunds from cancelled bookings. Meanwhile, some passengers have discovered that they would have to pay extra - thousands of dollars, in some cases - to rebook their cancelled flights for a different date. Recently, a Lufthansa customer in Germany was asked to pay around $5,000 to change their travel dates after the airline cancelled their flight. The matter was taken to court in Germany and the airline lost. In this episode, Matt Graham chats to Dr Matthias Böse, the lawyer that defended this court case. You'll also hear about the latest Australian airline news and the current refund policies of Qantas, Jetstar & Virgin Australia.   Episode contents: 1:09 - Fortnightly news round-up 10:22 - Interview with Dr Matthias Böse - Lufthansa loses a recent court case on rebooking fees 18:40 - Interview with Dr Matthias Böse - Consumer rights & air passenger protections in the European Union 27:00 - Interview with Dr Matthias Böse - Lufthansa Miles&More changes 30:10 - Interview with Dr Matthias Böse - Berlin Brandenburg Airport is finally opening! 35:50 - Current refund & travel credit policies of Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions Court: Airlines Can’t Charge More to Rebook Cancelled Flights How to Use Qantas Flight Credit Vouchers Qantas Waives Classic Flight Reward Cancellation Fees Velocity Reinstates Limited Domestic Flight Redemptions Qatar Airways’ Generous New Rebooking Policy Refunds & Credits for Unused Travel Insurance Policies   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: The Future of Travel Without a COVID-19 Vaccine NSW Re-Opening for Regional Travel Amex, Flybuys Reinstate Velocity Transfers LATAM Airlines Files for Bankruptcy List of Emirates Carrier Charges Qantas to Fly Boeing 787 to Johannesburg Qatar Airways Status Match for Velocity Members

  Chris Bournelis (a.k.a. AviatorInsight) is a Boeing 737 First Officer for Virgin Australia. As the voluntary administration process continues and many flights remain grounded, Chris joins Matt in this episode of AFF on AIR to talk about life behind the cockpit door.   Episode contents: 0:56 - Fortnightly news round-up 12:42 - Maximising frequent flyer points on the ground 16:05 - Interview with Chris Bournelis   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions Upcoming Frequent Flyer Solutions webinar: Maximising Points on the Ground (27 May 2020) Index of Popular “Ask The Pilot” Topics   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: No Refunds, Only “Conditional Credits” for Virgin Customers Velocity Reinstates Limited Domestic Flight Redemptions How Virgin’s Administration Affects Velocity Credit Cards Rex Considers Connecting Capital Cities Earn Qantas Status Credits at Woolworths Woolworths Rewards is Coming to Tasmania Update on Qantas Flight Credits (May 2020) Qantas Market Update: Project Sunrise, A380 Upgrades On Hold No Qantas Status Upgrades for Grounded Flyers Emirates, Etihad Resume Flights to Australia Cathay Pacific Has Eliminated Fuel Surcharges Flight Centre Fee Backflip after Legal Action Threats Qantas is Still Printing its In-Flight Magazine LifeMiles Safe (For Now) as Avianca Files for Bankruptcy

  When Peru suddenly went into lockdown in March, hundreds of Australians were stranded all over the country, unaware of what was going on or how many others were in the same situation. Within days, Gus Higgins created the "Aussies in Peru" Facebook group which has been credited with connecting most of those Australians and aiding the work of repatriation activities. In this episode, Gus Higgins tells Matt about his experience and returning home to Australia while mandatory hotel quarantine is in place. Also in this episode, find out what it's flying on Air Koryo and travelling to North Korea - a country that had strict rules and border controls well before COVID-19 made them cool. And Matt summarises the current situation with Virgin Australia as it enters voluntary administration.   Episode contents: 1:28 - Virgin Australia in voluntary administration 4:54 - Fortnightly news round-up 14:43 - Interview with Gus Higgins: Aussies in Peru Facebook group 25:57 - Interview with Gus Higgins: Flying back to Australia with hotel quarantine on arrival 36:14 - Interview with Gus Higgins (continued): Touring North Korea, including a flight on Air Koryo   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions Frequent Flyer’s Guide to Virgin Australia in Voluntary Administration An Air Koryo Business Class Review   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: Virgin Australia Creditors Owed $6.8 Billion What to Expect on Domestic Flights during COVID-19 Virgin Australia to Extend Lounge Memberships by Six Months Which International Airlines Still Fly to Australia in May 2020? LATAM Airlines Has Left Oneworld Flight Centre Caps Refund Cancellation Fees Amex Platinum Cardholders Get Double Points until July Qantas Enhances Two-Factor Account Verification Struggling Hotels Offer “Work from Hotel” Packages

  As Virgin Australia suspends share trading on the ASX and considers the possibility of voluntary administration, many Velocity Frequent Flyers are watching the news nervously. What will happen to Virgin Australia, and are Velocity Frequent Flyer points safe? In this episode, Phil Gunter from New World Loyalty shares his insights with Matt. Phil is a loyalty program expert and ran the Velocity Frequent Flyer program between 2006 and 2013.   Episode contents: 1:10 - Fortnightly news round-up 7:47 - Interview with Phil Gunter 34:01 - Feedback & Virgin Australia's record flight   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions Petitions Call for Government Support of Virgin Australia Virgin Australia Just Flew Non-Stop from Paris to Brisbane   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: Federal Government Underwrites Qantas & Virgin Domestic Flights COVID-19 Travel Update: 17 April 2020 Reduction in Velocity Global Wallet Earn Rate Flight Centre Cancellation Fees Under Fire

  Last week, Matt was able to return home to Australia. But some Australians that are still stranded overseas have not been so lucky. In this episode, Matt chats to Australians in Peru and India who have been in lockdown and unable to depart - or even get to an international airport - for several weeks. This episode also covers the latest news and developments from the past fortnight, and pays tribute to the final Qantas 747 passenger flight to land in Sydney.   Episode contents: 1:08 - Fortnightly news round-up 12:05 - Interview with Yasmin Uzunlar (currently in Cusco, Peru) 34:26 - Interview with Max Larkin (currently in Rishikesh, India) 39:14 - Matt's trip back to Australia 44:57 - Repatriation flights 46:38 - The (likely) final Qantas 747 passenger flight lands in Sydney 49:14 - Feedback on Qantas A380 refurbishment program   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions Upcoming Frequent Flyer Solutions webinar: Navigating Airlines & Frequent Flyer Programs during COVID-19 (16 April 2020) Yasmin Uzunlar's Youtube channel   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: Earn & Redeem Qantas Points on Royal Air Maroc Earn Qantas Points & Status Credits at BP Qatar Airways Adds Flights to Australia Virgin Cancels Most Flights, Tigerair Grounded Virgin Axes Complimentary Snacks on Domestic Flights Qantas Switches Off Wifi, In-Flight Entertainment Qantas, Virgin Close All Domestic Lounges Qantas Extends Lounge Passes, Qantas Club Memberships Qantas Cuts Chauffeur Drive Service Finnair Charging for Business Class Seat Selection COVID-19 Travel Update: 3 April 2020

  It has been a tumultuous few weeks for the airline, tourism and hospitality industries. As the coronavirus outbreak spreads exponentially, many airlines have stopped flying and international borders are being closed at unprecedented rates. In this extended episode, Matt looks at the implications of the past few weeks on travellers and the airline industry. This episode includes interviews with travel agent Alan Lam, and Henrique Pereira from Draper Startup House in Lisbon - a hostel that unfortunately had to close due to coronavirus after just two days.   Episode contents: 1:40 - Fortnightly news round-up 7:50 - Interview with Alan Lam: How to change or cancel bookings affected by coronavirus 22:45 - Interview with Alan Lam: Changes to Finnair Business class fares 25:03 - Matt's story 31:32 - Interview with Henrique Pereira 48:00 - Ask Matt: Award availability, frequent flyer points and aircraft maintenance during the COVID-19 shutdown   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions Draper Startup House   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: Qantas Extends Everyone’s Status for 12 Months Virgin Australia Status Extensions & Status Credit Gifts COVID-19 Travel Update: 20 March 2020 Qantas Points Club Has Launched

  The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is having an unprecedented impact on the travel industry - and the world in general. Thousands of flights have been cancelled, travel bans are being introduced and millions have had their travel plans disrupted. In this episode, Matt takes a detailed look at what this all means for travellers.   Episode contents: 1:33 - Fortnightly news round-up 10:57  - COVID-19 and its impact on travel 15:13 - Should we be avoiding overseas travel right now? 28:20 - Changing or cancelling a trip due to COVID-19 31:34 - TAP Air Portugal status match 35:31 - Taking advantage of airline award chart loopholes   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions Smartraveller COVID-19 updates Updated WHO recommendations for international traffic in relation to COVID-19 outbreak Bruce Poon Tip addresses coronavirus epidemic in heartfelt message to G Adventures travellers (Travel Weekly article) Opinion: The world needs travel, and coronavirus is everywhere anyway (God Save The Points article) IATA advice on country travel restrictions Credit Card Travel Insurance May Not Cover Coronavirus Cruising choices with an active Pandemic (AFF thread) Star Alliance Status Match with TAP Portugal Airline Award Chart Sweet Spots & Loopholes - upcoming Frequent Flyer Solutions webinar   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: Virgin Temporarily Shuts Adelaide Lounge Virgin Australia Removes Velocity Numbers from Boarding Passes Virgin Australia Group Cuts Capacity, Aircraft Brisbane Airport’s New Runway Opening on 12 July 2020 Qantas Swings Boeing 787 onto Sydney-Vancouver Air New Zealand Skynest: Will it Ever Happen? How to Reinstate Expired Qantas Points Flybe Collapses, Flights Grounded Online Travel Agency Fly365 Enters Liquidation Qantas Releases New Centenary Safety Video Hawaiian Business Class Sale & Other Deals – March 2020 Qantas Flights to Los Angeles from $719 return Qantas & Virgin Trans-Tasman Fares at Record Lows

  Qantas Frequent Flyer surprised everybody this week by releasing a new Qantas Double Status Credits offer! In this episode, travel agent extraordinaire Alan Lam from Netwave Travel (a.k.a. "madrooster" on AFF) joins Matt to discuss the best Qantas status credit runs, as well as recent changes to the popular Finnair Business class round-the-world fares. You can contact Alan by email: alan [at] netwavetravel [dot] com.   Episode contents: 0:44 - Fortnightly news round-up 7:53 - Interview with Alan Lam - Qantas Double Status Credits offer 27:15 - Interview with Alan Lam - Finnair Business Class fares to Europe 38:36 - Interview with Alan Lam - flight changes & cancellations due to coronavirus   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions Qantas Double Status Credits Offer – February 2020 The Ultimate Guide to Qantas Double Status Credit Runs Finnair Business Class Sale from Australia to Europe   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: Alaska Airlines to Join Oneworld Alliance Qantas Frequent Flyers Retain LATAM Benefits Rex Complains to ACCC as QantasLink Adds Regional Flights Qantas Group Cuts More Flights in Response to Coronavirus Cathay Pacific Cuts Service to Australia in March 2020 South African Airways Slashes Routes in Fight for Survival

  Buffalo Airways is not your typical airline. Based in Yellowknife, Canada, Buffalo Airways operates an incredible variety of historic aircraft such as the Douglas DC3 in some of the world's harshest flying conditions. It's no wonder Buffalo Airways was the subject of the popular television show Ice Pilots NWT. In this episode, Matt sits down with Buffalo Airways pilot Viktor Babcan in Toulouse, France. Toulouse also happens to be the home of Airbus and is where Airbus manufactures its Airbus A380 aircraft... at least, until production stops in June of this year!   Episode contents: 0:57 - Fortnightly news round-up 8:13 - Touring the Airbus headquarters & Final Assembly Lines in Toulouse 10:18 - The end of the line for the Airbus A380 16:41 - Interview with Viktor Babcan   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions Personal Consultation service from Frequent Flyer Solutions   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: Virgin Australia Withdraws from Hong Kong Qantas Suspends All Flights to China Airlines Cancel Flights, Offer Waivers Amid Coronavirus Crisis Earlier Award Seat Access for Qantas Silver Frequent Flyers LATAM Airlines Now Leaving Oneworld on 1 May 2020 Qantas & BP Launch Partnership with up to 100,000 Bonus Points Qatar Airways Opens Singapore Premium Lounge Emirates to Begin Singapore-Penang Flights Ethiopian Airlines is Building its Own Airport

Ever wondered what it's like to be a road warrior, flying from Melbourne to Sydney every week or internationally multiple times each month? On this episode, AFF member "Sprucegoose" - a Qantas Platinum One frequent flyer - joins Matt to discuss the ins & outs of frequent travel, from airline lounges to tackling jetlag. Episode contents: 1:06 - Fortnightly news round-up 9:07 - Earning points through credit card churning 13:35 - Interview with "Sprucegoose" 40:23 - Feedback on epic train journeys Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions Upcoming Webinar: Credit Card Churning in 2020 (8pm AEDT on 29 January 2020) Frequent Flyer Solutions training program Frequent Flyer Solutions personal consultation service Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: New Virgin Australia Basic Economy "Light" Fares CommBank Unveils Ultimate Awards Credit Card Bankwest Devalues Qantas Transaction Account Secure Parking Ends Qantas Points Royal Air Maroc Joining Oneworld on 1 April 2020 QantasLink Launches Sydney-Ballina Flights Citilink to Fly from Melbourne's Avalon Airport to Bali Trivago Misled Customers, Court Rules