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Travel Pointers

Travel Pointers

By: Matt Graham and Wilson McTaggart
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Join Australian Frequent Flyer editor Matt Graham and other experts from the travel industry for the latest frequent flyer news, tips and travel stories each month!Copyright 2025 All rights reserved. Social Sciences Travel Writing & Commentary
Episodes
  • Episode 25 - Are the best days of points behind us?
    Dec 28 2025

    Join Matt Graham and Wilson McTaggart for episode 25, and final – at least for now - episode of Travel Pointers!

    Matt's been the editor of Australian Frequent Flyer since 2015, but is now finishing up in this role at the end of the year. But before Matt moves on to bigger and brighter things, we thought this podcast episode would be a great opportunity for him to impart his knowledge on how the loyalty landscape has changed over his time at the helm of AFF’s editorial content, as well as some tips and tricks that he’s learned over the years.

    Also, AFF has just updated its Point Valuations for both frequent flyer and bank programs – what changed since last time?

    Unfortunately, with Matt moving on, this podcast won’t continue in the forseeable future. Thanks so much to everyone for listening to this podcast and for your support. Safe travels!

    Here's where you can also find more information about other topics discussed in this episode:

    • AFF's updated point valuations - both frequent flyer and credit card points were updated
    • The power of the AFF community
    • Matt's tips for aspiring travel content creators

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    44 mins
  • Episode 24 - Airport Lounges + Air New Zealand’s Loyalty Program
    Dec 14 2025

    In episode 24 of the Travel Pointers podcast, Matt Graham chats to LoungePair CEO Daniel Kinnoch for a behind-the-scenes look at the world of airport lounges!

    Everyone loves to start off their trip with a visit to a great airport lounge - and if you don't already have access through airline status, a lounge membership or your credit card, LoungePair can make that possible. Some airport lounges even over swimming pools!

    Plus, Air New Zealand's loyalty program often gets a bad rap on the Australian Frequent Flyer forum. But in this episode, find out why there is some decent value to be found in Airpoints (soon to be renamed as "Koru") after all - especially if you live in New Zealand.

    Here’s where you can find more information the topics discussed in this episode:

    • Qantas Introduces Dine on Demand in First Class
    • A Boyhood Dream Fulfilled: Space-Geek Tour of the USA (AFF Trip Report of the Year)
    • LoungePair Guide: Access Airport Lounges for Less
    • Complimentary LoungePair+ for AFF Platinum Members
    • Swim, Gym, Sauna & Shower at Melbourne Airport for $25
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    43 mins
  • Episode 23 - The World’s Best Airlines + Why You Shouldn’t Ignore SkyTeam
    Nov 30 2025

    Join Matt Graham and Wilson McTaggart for episode 23 of Travel Pointers! The pair discuss which are the world's best airlines, as well as their favourite picks - do you agree with their list?

    Also, Australians often focus their attention on two of the three alliances: Oneworld and Star Alliance. Many people seem to forget that the SkyTeam alliance exists – but it’s for exactly that reason that it could be worth your while to learn about it.

    Each episode begins with a discussion of some of the recent Australian travel and frequent flyer news. In this episode:

    • Qantas and Virgin Australia banning use of power banks
    • Last chance to transfer Amex points at current rates (15 Dec)
    • Earn Velocity status credits on distance flown with Virgin Australia Holidays
    • Virgin Australia closing Sydney premium lounge entry
    • Burgers are now served in the Qantas Business lounge in Sydney
    • Jetstar flyers can earn more Qantas Points and bonus status credits each year with a Qantas Frequent Flyer Extra subscription
    • Qantas will improve downgrade compensation policy for customers on Classic Reward tickets
    • Cathay banning changes to frequent flyer numbers online or over the phone

    Here's where you can also find more information about other topics discussed in this episode:

    • What are your favourite airlines? Let us know in this thread!
    • Matt's 5 favourite airlines
    • Stephen's 5 favourite airlines
    • How to access the AFF discount on Qantas Club memberships

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    37 mins
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