Cherry blossom season in Japan is one of the most popular travel experiences for Australians. In this episode, we cover where to go, when to book and how to use points effectively. Tobias also recounts his previous (and somewhat disastrous) visit to chase cherry blossoms in 2025.

We also answer a listener question about points expiry. Learn why transferring points doesn’t extend expiry in most cases, plus the simple ways to keep your balance active with Qantas and Velocity.

🎬 Credits:

💌 Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest reward seat alerts and holiday inspiration - https://phk.ing/4skBGt3

✈️ Follow PointHacks 👇

#pointhacks #frequentflyer #JapanTravel

Qantas has announced the biggest overhaul of its Frequent Flyer program in years, and it’s going to change how Australians earn status, redeem points and engage with the airline.

In this episode Brandon and Tobias break down everything we know about the upcoming changes rolling out between 2026 and 2027.

We also answer a listener question about how to use Qantas lounge passes properly, including where you’ll get the most value and the simple mistakes that could get you turned away at the door.

If you collect Qantas Points or chase frequent flyer status, this episode will help you understand what’s changing and how to prepare.

💌 Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest reward seat alerts and holiday inspiration - https://phk.ing/3P3aaCk

✈️ Follow PointHacks 👇

🎬 Credits:

#pointhacks #frequentflyer #qantas

Qantas Double Status Credits are back — and this is your fast track to Gold or Platinum.

In this emergency episode of the Point Hacks Podcast, we break down the newly announced Double Status Credits promotion and show you exactly how to turn it into elite status.

We explain how the offer works and the smartest ways to plan a status run — whether you’re paying cash, using points, or leveraging Qantas Points Club.

We also walk through real strategies that have previously taken us all the way to Platinum, including how to use connections, distance bands and reward tables to your advantage — plus why this promo can unlock hard-to-find reward seats (hello, Japan).

If you’ve ever wanted lounge access, better upgrade chances and priority treatment across the Qantas and oneworld network, this is the promotion to pay attention to.

Got questions about your own status run? Drop them in the comments.

🎬 Credits:

💌 Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest reward seat alerts and holiday inspiration - https://phk.ing/3MmHfZ2

 ✈️ Qantas Earning Tables

✈️ Follow PointHacks 👇

#pointhacks #frequentflyer #qantas

In this episode of the Point Hacks Podcast, we’re answering one of the biggest questions for Velocity members:

Brandon joins Toby to break down the top reward flight redemptions, from long-haul Business Class sweet spots to clever partner airline hacks that unlock outsized value. We cover real-world availability, fees, recent program changes and which options are actually worth your hard-earned points.

You’ll learn how to turn a six-figure points balance into experiences like Qatar Airways Qsuites to Doha and Europe, ANA Business Class to Tokyo, United Polaris to the USA, Singapore Airlines premium cabins via KrisFlyer and more.

We also answer a listener question on why reward seats need to be booked so far in advance, and share practical strategies for finding them — whether you’re planning a year ahead or hunting last-minute availability.

And if you’re still building your balance, we run through the fastest ways to earn Velocity Points in Australia right now, from sign-up bonuses to everyday partner hacks.

Whether you’re new to Velocity or sitting on a big points stash, this episode will help you extract maximum value from your next redemption.

💌 Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest reward seat alerts and holiday inspiration - https://phk.ing/3ZFGayw

#pointhacks #frequentflyer #velocityfrequentflyer

Looking for a Velocity Points-earning credit card but overwhelmed by bonus offers, lounge perks and confusing earn rates?

In this episode of the Point Hacks Podcast, Tobias and Brandon break down seven of the top Velocity Point earning credit cards available right now, comparing:

• Bonus point offers

If you’re trying to decide which Velocity card gives you the most value for your spending habits, this episode will save you hours of research.

⚠️ As always: this is general information only — not financial advice.

💌 Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest reward seat alerts and holiday inspiration - https://phk.ing/4rfGYWp

🎬 Credits:

✈️ Follow PointHacks 👇

#pointhacks #frequentflyer #velocitypoints

Which Qantas domestic business lounge is actually the best in Australia and which one really needs some love?

In this episode of the Point Hacks Podcast, Tobias Venus is joined by frequent flyer expert Chris Chamberlin to rank every Qantas domestic business lounge from worst to best. Between them, they’ve visited every lounge multiple times and break down what really matters: food, space, power points, views, service, and what makes a lounge actually feel premium.

We also explain exactly how to get access to Qantas Business Lounges, including eligibility via status, cabin class, partner airlines, and guest access rules.

Whether you’re chasing better lounge experiences, planning a status run, or just want to know if business lounge access is worth it, this one’s for you.

Subscribe for more conversations about earning and spending Qantas Points and Velocity Points, lounge access, and smarter travel strategies.

🎬 Credits:

💌 Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest reward seat alerts and holiday inspiration - https://phk.ing/4rfGYWp

✈️ Follow PointHacks 👇

#pointhacks #frequentflyer #businessclass

Most travellers think about frequent flyer programs first but if you stay in hotels regularly, you might be leaving huge value on the table. In this episode, Tobias and Brandon discuss Accor hotel's range of loyalty programs, including how to maximise perks such as free nights, Qantas double-dipping, elite status, lounge access and more. If you’ve ever wondered how Accor hotel loyalty works, what points you can actually earn, or how to squeeze the most value out of status benefits, this episode is your guide.

💌 Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest reward seat alerts and holiday inspiration - https://phk.ing/4sEtuFl

✈️ Follow PointHacks 👇

#pointhacks #frequentflyer #qantaspoints

First Class flights look outrageous on Instagram. Private suites, showers in the sky and champagne worth more than your weekly shop. But are they actually worth the points?

From Singapore Airlines Suites to Emirates’ “Game Changer” First Class, we rank the top options, explain how to find reward availability, and share real strategies for booking First Class with points — even if you don’t have elite status.

🎬 Credits:

💌 Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest reward seat alerts and holiday inspiration - https://phk.ing/4peBQk2

✈️ Follow PointHacks 👇

#pointhacks #frequentflyer #firstclass

Choosing a Qantas credit card can feel overwhelming but at Point Hacks we're thinking about this stuff every day! 

🎬 Credits:

💌 Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest reward seat alerts and holiday inspiration - https://phk.ing/3XQ2apq

✈️ Follow PointHacks 👇

#pointhacks #frequentflyer #qantaspoints

Finance expert, author, and media personality Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon joins Tobias to unpack one of the biggest questions in money and travel:

As a finance expert, is collecting frequent flyer points actually worth it?

In this episode, you’ll learn:

✈️ How Nicole flew herself and her kids to Disneyland for $600 total

🎬 Credits:

💌 Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest reward seat alerts and holiday inspiration - https://phk.ing/43WVg53

✈️ Follow PointHacks 👇

#pointhacks #frequentflyer #personalfinance