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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 19 - KrisFlyer in Australia: Interview with Udhara de Silva
    Sep 14 2025

    Join Matt Graham and special guest Udhara de Silva, the head of Loyalty Marketing & Strategy for Singapore Airlines in Australia, for episode 19 of Travel Pointers!

    In this podcast episode, Matt and Udhara discuss how Singapore Airlines and KrisFlyer manage to compete in Australia against two very dominant local players. They also talk about the upcoming KrisFlyer program changes, Kris+, KrisFlyer's hard three-year mileage expiration policy, and some of the ways you can earn bonus KrisFlyer miles in Australia right now.

    Finally, later in this episode, Matt follows up on some AFF member feedback from our last episode on hotel loyalty programs.

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

    • Amex Membership Rewards program devaluation
    • Qantas quietly devalues Classic Plus redemptions
    • Cashrewards suddenly closes down
    • Lufthansa City Airlines joins Star Alliance
    • Jetstar getting Business Class on its A321XLRs

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

    • AFF's Meetings & Social Events forum
    • Updates to the Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer program
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    36 mins
  • Episode 18 - What Makes a Good Hotel Loyalty Program?
    Aug 31 2025

    Join Matt Graham and Wilson McTaggart for episode 18 of Travel Pointers!

    In Travel Pointers Episode 18, Matt and Wilson discuss what makes a good hotel loyalty program. The pair talk about our favourite programs, why they like them, and how you can make the most of them.

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

    • Qantas removing points option from loyalty bonus from 15 September
    • Qantas extending flights to Palau for another year
    • Qantas has resumed giving free upgrades to Platinum members
    • KrisFlyer award chart changes

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

    • AFF's webinars
    • My IHG One Rewards status strategy
    • My excellent experience with Radisson Rewards status
    • Accor Plus guide

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    36 mins
  • Episode 17 - Premium Economy on Emirates
    Aug 18 2025

    In Travel Pointers Episode 17, Matt and Wilson chat about Emirates' Premium Economy cabin, and their experience onboard. It looks really nice in photos, but what is it really like?

    The pair also chat about Premium Economy more broadly, and why airlines are more and more keen to add a Premium Economy cabin.

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

    • Air Canada Aeroplan moves to spend-based status
    • KrisFlyer introduces a fixed award chart for Scoot
    • Qantas has been fined an extra $90 million for illegally sacking ground staff during the pandemic
    • QantasLink will fly from Perth to Christmas and Cocos (Keeling) Islands, taking over from Virgin Australia
    • Commbank cuts the vast majority of its transfer partners
    • You can now use Qantas Points to upgrade on American Airlines
    • Accor Plus is rebranding to Accor+ Explorer, with changes

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

    • Matt's article on footnets
    • Cheap strategies for Business Class to Europe
    • AFF Melbourne 2025 Gathering

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    31 mins
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