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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 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
  • Episode 22 - Amex Membership Rewards Changes
    Nov 19 2025

    Join Matt Graham and Wilson McTaggart for episode 22 of Travel Pointers!

    Next month, American Express will make big changes to its Membership Rewards program. The transfer rates to many overseas airline programs will get devalued, and there are also a couple of changes to transfer partners that are available.

    In this episode, we’ll discuss what’s changing and the best ways to use your Amex points, especially if you want to transfer them out before the upcoming devaluation.

    Even if you don’t have Amex points, you might find this discussion useful as we’ll talk about the ways Australians can redeem points with overseas frequent flyer programs.

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

    • Qantas introducing Economy Plus
    • Qantas announces Sydney International Business Lounge upgrade plans
    • The price of Qantas Club membership is increasing - get a discount with Gold and Platinum AFF memberships
    • Air New Zealand renaming Airpoints to Koru, introducing a new Black tier
    • Qatar Airways now charges seat selection fees on reward tickets

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

    • American Express Membership Rewards changes
    • Qantas vs Velocity status comparison
    • AFF's membership changes

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    37 mins
  • Episode 21 - Travel Pointers Episode 21 - What Makes a Great Airport + Our Favourites
    Nov 2 2025

    What makes a great airport? In Travel Pointers Episode 21, Matt and Wilson chat about their favourite airports around Australia and the world, why they like them, and some of the best features of different airports that you might not have even known existed.

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

    • Velocity members can no longer book United long-haul (including trans-Pacific) Business Class awards
    • You can now earn Qantas points and status credits on eligible Oman Air flights
    • Jetstar is moving to Singapore Airport Terminal 2
    • KrisFlyer has adjusted its award chart on November 1
    • You can now earn 110 Qantas status credits on the ground, if you registered by 31 October 2025.

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

    • Sign up to the Australian Frequent Flyer Gazette
    • Share your favourite airport and the reasons why!

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    43 mins
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