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

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!

Since SAS launched a promo last year offering a million frequent flyer points to members who flew with 15 SkyTeam partner airlines, many other airlines have launched copycat promos. Are these offers worthwhile, and would something similar work in Australia? Matt and Wilson discuss this, and lots more, in the latest episode of Travel Pointers!

Note: since this episode was recoreded, Velocity have announced extra benefits for Platinum Plus members.

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

• Velocity's changes to status
• Qantas' new A321 XLR
• Qantas announces new partnership with David Jones
• Chile removes visa requirements for Australians
• ALL Accor Plus rebrands as ALL Accor+ Explorer
• Qantas and Malaysia Airlines announce codeshare agreement
• Virgin Australia introduces neighbour-free seating

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

• AFF's 18th annual member gathering in Melbourne
• SAS 'Eurobonus Millionaire' promotion