On the AFF on Air podcast, we often talk about the frequent flyer programs of airlines. But hotels are an equally important part of the travel experience, and hotel loyalty programs can offer some great perks (as well as free nights) to frequent guests. In this episode, James Green from Frequent Flyer Solutions explains how loyalty programs work – from earning and redeeming points, to gaining elite status with major hotel chains including Hilton Honors, IHG Rewards Club, Marriott Bonvoy and Accor ALL. You’ll also learn how to achieve elite hotel loyalty status without even spending a night in a hotel!

Also in this episode, how to earn 20,000 Qantas Frequent Flyer points (plus get a very nice case of wine) for under $400.

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Earlier this month, Qantas reopened international flight bookings for July 2021. But then, this week, Australia’s current and former Chief Medical Officers both said they didn’t expect regular international travel to Australia to resume until 2022. So, when can we expect some level of meaningful international travel to resume?

Also in this episode, Matt discusses the current state border arrangements, the impact of the recent reduction to Australia’s international arrival caps and how you can claim your share of free Velocity Frequent Flyer points.

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As 2020 draws to a close, there’s finally some good news. Australian state borders are reopening, planes are back in the air, and more pilots are returning to work. One of them is Virgin Australia 737 pilot Chris Bournelis (a.k.a. AviatorInsight on AFF) who is now doing simulator training and flight checks ahead of returning to the skies later this month. Chris joins Matt on this episode to reflect on the year and explain the process of returning to the sky after a long period on the ground.

And Virgin Australia has matched Qantas’ recent status match offer, meaning both Qantas & Velocity members now have an opportunity to switch. If you’re eligible, why not take advantage of this offer and put your eggs in two baskets?

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In 2009, the Australian Tax Office (ATO) began accepting payments by credit card. Many Australians have to pay tax anyway, so they took the opportunity to pay by card and earn frequent flyer points in the process. Since then, the banks have slowly but surely removed this loophole by excluding government payments from earning points. Next week, St George Bank will become the final major Australian bank to stop awarding points for tax payments.

But Australians have made hay while the sun was shining – and few more so than the AFF member who goes by the username “cove”. Cove estimates his family has earned 100 million points by paying taxes with credit cards since 2009. In this episode, Matt finds out how he did it! You’ll also learn how to continue earning points for tax payments, even after St George closes this loophole.

Also in this episode, Qantas has launched a status match and Virgin Australia is now finally out of voluntary administration.

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On 16 November 1920, Queensland And Northern Territory Aerial Services (or QANTAS for short) was incoporated. This makes next Monday, 16 November 2020, the airline’s 100th birthday!

But the story of the birth of Qantas goes far beyond the signing of a piece of paper in 1920. In this episode, Qantas Founders Museum curator Tom Harwood joins Matt to tell the full story of how Qantas was founded and grew to become Australia’s beloved national carrier.

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Many Australians have used the travel downturn to work on projects around the house. Canberra-based Andrew Newnham, whose AFF handle is harvyk, is no exception. But instead of reseeding his lawn, installing a new kitchen or painting the house, Andrew decided to build a life-size Boeing 747 flight simulator in his garage!

In this episode, Andrew tells Matt all about the project and what it takes to build a full-scale flight simulator at home.

Also in this episode, find out where all the grounded Qantas & Virgin planes are parked and why the Boeing 737 MAX could soon return to the skies.

You can see pictures of Andrew’s flight simulator here: Podcast #48: 747 Enthusiast Builds Flight Simulator in Garage

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Flybuys Chief Operating Officer Phil Hawkins knows a thing or two about loyalty. He was with Flybuys right back when the Australian loyalty program launched in 1994! In this episode of AFF on AIR, Phil joins Matt to discuss all aspects of the Flybuys program including its partnership with Velocity Frequent Flyer and why targeted offers are so critical to the program’s success.

In the news round-up, Matt also talks about the current woes beleaguering Virgin Australia. The airline has just lost its CEO, the unions don’t trust the new owner and staff are taking sick leave because they’re sick of dealing with Business class passengers unhappy over receiving two-minute noodles as an in-flight meal. What will Bain Capital do next?

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Ever wondered what it’s like being an Air Traffic Controller? In this episode Ian Robinson (a.k.a. iRobbo on AFF), who has been an Air Traffic Controller for almost 30 years, talks to Matt about what the job involves, the training required and what it’s like dealing with a mid-air emergency from on the ground.

Also in this episode, Matt discusses Rex’s ambitious plan to compete head-on with Qantas and Virgin Australia and domestic capital city routes. And over 1,000 former Qantas 747 galley carts are now being delivered to homes across Australia.

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Next week, the Australian government will increase the number of Australians that can arrive each week from 4,000 to around 6,000 people. This is a welcome step forward and will definitely help to clear the backlog of Australians stranded overseas. But with at least 24,000 Australians currently registered as stranded – and perhaps closer to 100,000 by airline estimates – is it enough?

In this episode, Matt shares the stories of Australians stuck in the Netherlands. The arrival caps, it seems, are only part of the problem. The more immediate issue is that those Australians in the most vulnerable positions, who can least afford to remain overseas, are the same people that can least afford to pay an extortionate ticket price to get home. Buying an Economy class ticket is not an option with many airlines indefinitely bumping Economy class passengers off flights in favour of those who paid more for a premium ticket. Some airlines have stopped selling Economy tickets altogether.

Also in this episode, Norfolk Island is open for tourism from five Australian states, and will also reopen next month for travel from NSW and ACT! If you’re keen for an overseas holiday, a trip to Norfolk Island is one way to do this without technically leaving the country.

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On 4 September 2020, Virgin Australia creditors voted to approve the airline’s sale to U.S. private equity firm Bain Capital for $3.5 billion. This was the final major hurdle in bringing Virgin Australia out of voluntary administration and avoiding liquidation. The sale is expected to be completed by the end of October. So, how did Virgin Australia get to this point and where is it going from here?

After launching as a low-cost carrier in 2000 (Virgin celebrated its 20th anniversary this week with no fanfare), then relaunching as a full-service airline in 2011, it’s now planning to reinvent itself a second time as a “value” carrier. Is this a Goldilocks moment or does Virgin 3.0 risk getting squeezed out of the market?

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