AFF on AIR Podcast

After more than 100 episodes, we’re calling time on the AFF on Air podcast. But it’s not all bad news!

Australian Frequent Flyer editor Matt Graham will now co-host a brand new Australian travel podcast called Travel Pointers. He’ll be joined on this brand new podcast by Point Hacks news editor Chris Chamberlin. (The first episode of Travel Pointers was released today.)

In this final episode of AFF on Air, Matt provides an update of what’s happening with AFF’s podcasts, and on the Australian Frequent Flyer website more generally. He also takes the opportunity to address the many loyal listeners who’ve been tuning in to AFF on Air since 2019.

See here for details about the new Travel Pointers podcast: https://www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au/introducing-travel-pointers-podcast/

Do you have a favourite episode of AFF on Air? Let us know in the AFF on Air discussion thread!

Finally, thank you so much for listening and for your support of AFF on Air over the years. If you enjoyed this podcast, we’re sure you’ll love Travel Pointers. Go and check it out now! 🙂

Have you ever wondered how airline alliances or hotel loyalty programs work behind the scenes?

In this episode, Matt is joined by an expert in loyalty programs, former Malaysia Airlines Enrich CEO and current StatusMatch.com CEO Mark Ross-Smith for a chat about the world of airline alliances.

Find out what airlines need to do in order to join an airline alliance such as Oneworld, Star Alliance or SkyTeam, the pros & cons for airlines, and what happens if an airline wants to leave an alliance.

The discussion also covers priority boarding, Qantas lifetime status, the strange relationship between Qantas and Qatar Airways, the latest airline status matching trends, and more!

Episode contents:

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Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up:

Matt sits down for an extended interview by Silva McLeod, Tonga’s first ever female airline pilot. After flying for Royal Tongan Airlines, Silva went on to fly in Auatralia for Aeropelican, the Royal Flying Doctor Service and ultimately Virgin Blue, which became Virgin Australia. But the journey from island girl to airline pilot, as Silva tells in her new book, wasn’t an easy one.

Also in this episode, it’s become easier to get to Hawaii with Velocity Frequent Flyer points.

Episode contents:

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Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up:

It’s our 100th episode! To celebrate, we’re taking a look back at the history of Australian Frequent Flyer forum, which this year will turn 25 years old.

This episode features interviews with AFF’s founder Clifford Reichlin and one of the original forum moderators, Lindsay Wilson (QF WP). Today, AFF has over 60,000 members – but Lindsay was the third person to ever join.

Episode contents:

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Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up:

The AFF on Air podcast is back! While we were taking a summer break, a brand new airline called Bonza launched flights in the Australian market.

In this episode, Matt chats to the CEO of Bonza Tim Jordan to find out what’s involved in starting a new airline in Australia, how the launch has been going, why the airline doesn’t offer website bookings and what’s next for Bonza’s route network.

Also in this episode: Qantas has released a new Double Status Credits offer, and how to be notified when airlines release new reward seats.

Episode contents:

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Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up:

Struggling to redeem your frequent flyer points for flights? Matt chats to James Green from Award Flight Assist about the current situation with Qantas, Virgin Australia and Singapore Airlines award availability out of Australia.

If you want to redeem your frequent flyer points to book an overseas trip, find out where to look for seats in this podcast.

Episode contents:

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Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up:

In this episode, find out why Air Canada’s Aeroplan program deserves more attention from Australian frequent flyers! Plus, learn how to supercharge your Coles Flybuys and Woolworths Everyday Rewards points.

Episode contents:

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Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up:

In the episode, Matt chats to Ron Haack, a recently retired pilot. Ron began his career in the Royal Australian Air Force and then flew for Qantas for 24 years, flying Airbus A330s and Boeing 747-400s.

Episode contents:

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Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up:

British Airways Executive Club recently began selling subscriptions to receive a monthly allotment of Avios (the airline’s loyalty program currency) at discounted prices. This could offer surprisingly good value to Australians when using those Avios to book Qantas domestic flights or Qatar Airways Business Class flights to Europe!

Also in this episode, Matt sits down with AFF forum moderator JessicaTam to talk about Qatar Airways Qsuites, airline lounges, travelling without checked baggage, gifts for the cabin crew, and lots more.

Episode contents:

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Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up:

Learn why airline award charts are the key to maximising your frequent flyer points, as Matt shares some of the most incredible frequent flyer redemptions he’s seen during his years of covering and using points.

Plus, COVID-19 travel restrictions are coming down across northern Asia as Japan, Taiwan and Hong Kong reopen their borders to tourists.

Episode contents:

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Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: