Travel Pointers

Episode 13 - How to Use Avios

Join Matt Graham and Wilson McTaggart for episode 13 of Travel Pointers!
In this episode, Matt and Wilson talk all about Avios, the valuable points used by 7 different frequent flyer programs. They'll discuss what they are, how you can earn them in Australia – and most importantly, how to use them for maximum benefit.
If you want to learn more about earning and redeeming Avios, you may also be interested in AFF's upcoming webinar on Thursday 12 June 2025.
Each episode begins with a discussion of some of the recent Australian travel and frequent flyer news. In this episode:
Cathay Pacific launches Adelaide-Hong Kong flights
Qantas announces Adelaide-Auckland flights, opens new Domestic Business Class lounge in Adelaide
Qantas to refurbish its Sydney International Business Class lounge
Skytrans taking over Sydney-Lord Howe Island route from QantasLink
Westpac changes earn rates on some cards, ANZ increases sign-up exclusion period
Here's where you can also find more information about other topics discussed in this episode:
Overview of Avios transfer partnerships
Upcoming 12 June webinar on Avios
Finnair A350 Premium Economy review
Guide to AFF memberships

Episode 12 - Redeeming Qantas & Velocity Points on Partner Airlines

Join Matt Graham and Wilson McTaggart for episode 12 of Travel Pointers!
In Travel Pointers Episode 12, Matt and Wilson discuss how to use your Qantas and Velocity points on partner airlines. This can be a great option if you can’t find availability on Qantas or Virgin – or you want to travel somewhere that your own airline doesn’t fly to.
They also chat about the unusual way that Wilson flew to Singapore last week.
 
Each episode begins with a discussion of some of the recent Australian travel and frequent flyer news. In this episode:
Qantas launching Adelaide-Auckland from 31 Oct until 3 May 
QF domestic Business Lounge now open in Adelaide 
Jetstar will end flights to Hawaii in October after 19 years 
FlyPelican will end its partnership with Velocity at the end of this month 
Velocity’s offering 15% bonus on transfers from most Aussie credit card reward programs
The Escape Lounges at Brisbane and Cairns are now open, and are accepting Priority Pass
Cathay Pacific has reopened The Bridge Lounge in Hong Kong 
US government has just implemented a new law about resort fees 
Emirates’ surprising new First Class reward restriction 
Here's where you can also find more information about other topics discussed in this episode:
The upcoming webinar on how to find Business and First Class flights using points
Want to be an AFF writer? Read more info and apply now!
The full fifth-freedom route list
Qantas' partner airlines (2005 vs 2025)
Velocity ending partnership with Etihad and Hawaiian Airlines
Wilson's Cathay Pacific A350 Premium Economy review
Matt's Emirates Boeing 777 First Class review
 

Episode 11 - When Travel Goes Wrong

Have you ever got yourself into a sticky situation while travelling? How did you get out of it, and what would you do differently next time? 
In Travel Pointers Episode 11, join Matt Graham and Wilson McTaggart as they talk about their worst travel mistakes! Even the most experienced travellers have issues, so the pair discuss what's gone wrong on their travels and the ways you can avoid any problems.
 
Each episode begins with a discussion of some of the recent Australian travel and frequent flyer news. In this episode:
Malaysia Airlines resumes Kuala Lumpur-Brisbane route
Thailand now requires a digital arrivals card
AMP Bank launches new Qantas Point-earning bank account
Bankwest discontinues its existing Qantas transaction account
Qantas begins renovations of its Auckland lounges
Qantas changes to the Cathay Pacific lounge at Vancouver
Bangkok airport lounge access changes
Here's where you can also find more information about other topics discussed in this episode:
The 'have you made any travel mistakes lately' thread
Wilson's VietJet Air A330 review
Matt's experience attempting to claim EU261 compensation from Iberia
Credit card travel insurance comparison
The AFF MasterClass (Sydney 6 September)

Episode 10 - How to Find Cheap Flights

In Travel Pointers Episode 10, Matt and Wilson chat about finding cheap flights! The pair talk about the strategies they use to save money and find cheaper flights to destinations including Asia, Europe and North America, for both Economy and premium cabins.
The pair also discuss Virgin Australia's flights to Doha, and recent updates about the service.
Each episode begins with a discussion of some of the recent Australian travel and frequent flyer news. In this episode:
Fiji Airways joins Oneworld
British Airways loyalty program rebrands to British Airways Club, changes status calculations
Amex and PayRewards allow transfers to British Airways Club Avios
Loganair now uses Avios
Qatar Airways Privilege Club adds Garuda Indonesia
United begin flights to Adelaide
New information about the VA flights to Doha
Here's where you can also find more information about other topics discussed in this episode:
How to use Google Flights
Strategies for cheap Business Class flights to Europe
Finnair, Turkish and Lufthansa round-the-world fares
Oneworld Explorer Guide
Wilson's Vietjet review

Episode 9 - Travel Tips for Japan

In Travel Pointers Episode 9, Matt and Wilson talk all things Japan! Find out why so many Aussies are going there, what we like about it the most, and which airlines you can fly to get there.
The pair also chat about Velocity moving to spend-based status, and whether Qantas will follow suit.
Each episode begins with a discussion of some of the recent Australian travel and frequent flyer news. In this episode:
Qantas Auckland Lounge renovations
Cathay Pacific award chart changes
Southwest Airlines changes
Velocity Status changes
Here's where you can also find more information about other topics discussed in this episode:
Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto hotel prices exploding
Matt's review of All Nippon Airways (ANA) Economy Class

Episode 8 - How to Use Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Miles

In Travel Pointers Episode 8, Matt and Wilson explain everything you need to know about redeeming Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer miles. It’s a great program with tons of Business Class award availability in and out of Australia, so it’s worth taking the time to get to know it!
The pair discuss the quirks you need to be aware of when using Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, as well as certain sweet spots that can make your miles go further!
Each episode begins with a discussion of some of the recent Australian travel and frequent flyer news. In this episode:
Qantas reveals new Classic Reward charts
Hawaiian Airlines ends Virgin Australia partnership
Emirates brings "game-changer" First Class onto Melbourne-Dubai
New alternative to Melbourne's Skybus begins service
Qantas launch new March 2025 Double Status Credit promotion
Here's where you can also find more information about other topics discussed in this episode:
Transfer KrisFlyer miles to Velocity
Matt's Singapore Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 Business Class review
The best credit cards to earn KrisFlyer miles
How to fly around the world with KrisFlyer miles
KrisFlyer Spontaneous Escapes promotion
Learn more about Frequent Flyer Concierge

Episode 7 - How to Find Reward Flight Availability in 2025

In Travel Pointers Episode 7, Matt and Wilson explain how to find reward flight availability in 2025 - especially if you want to redeem your frequent flyer points for Business Class tickets. The pair discuss the latest reward flight trends, the airlines and routes which have the most reward seats, and the strategies you need to find them.
Over recent years, airlines have drastically changed the way they release reward seats. So the approach you need to take has changed as well!
Each episode begins with a discussion about recent Australian travel and frequent flyer news. In this episode:
Qantas Relaunches Seasonal Sapporo Flights 
Singapore Airlines Adds Garuda, Ends Virgin Atlantic Partnership 
Hilton Honors Status Match Challenge 
Here’s where you can find more information about other topics discussed in this episode:
Australian Frequent Flyer webinars
AFF member trip report: A super short and roundabout trip to Tokyo via the Middle East and Europe in (mostly) F
Learn more about Frequent Flyer Concierge

Episode 6 - Qantas Frequent Flyer Changes & A Deep Dive Into Qatar Airways

Welcome to a new year of the Travel Pointers podcast! After a break over the summer holidays, we’re back with not just a new episode, but also a new format.
From 2025, Travel Pointers is becoming an Australian Frequent Flyer (AFF) podcast. Of course, we’ll still share lots of tips to help you make the most of your frequent flyer points, tell lots of entertaining travel stories, and interview guests from the travel industry.
With the change of format also comes a new co-host. From this episode, AFF Editor Matt Graham will be joined by AFF content writer and senior Frequent Flyer Concierge consultant Wilson McTaggart. Wilson shares Matt’s passion for travel and is an expert in frequent flyer programs.
In Episode 6 of the Travel Pointers podcast, Matt and Wilson discuss their thoughts on the recent changes announced to the Qantas Frequent Flyer program.
They also talk in depth about Qatar Airways, from the history of the “World’s Best Airline”, to its fight for more traffic rights into Australia, to its on-board products and services. Both Matt and Wilson have recently flown with Qatar Airways. They talk about the unusual ways they each booked their tickets, as well as their (excellent) experiences on board.
Finally, you'll hear about the epic delivery flights from Canada to Australia of QantasLink’s newest Dash 8 planes.
Here’s where you can find more information about other topics discussed in this episode:
Overview of the 2025 Qantas Frequent Flyer program changes
Australian Frequent Flyer Training courses
Qantas receives first of 14 Dash 8s from WestJet
The AFF 2025 annual member gathering in Melbourne (21-23 November 2025)
Virgin Australia launching flights to Doha
Wilson’s Qatar Airways Boeing 777 Qsuite review (Doha-Manila)

Episode 5 - Interview with Velocity Frequent Flyer CEO Nick Rohrlach

In episode 5 of the Travel Pointers podcast, Velocity Frequent Flyer CEO Nick Rohrlach joins Matt and Chris to talk about the recent changes to Virgin Australia's loyalty program.
In this interview, find out why Velocity is making status harder to earn, why Velocity is launching a Forever Gold tier, what the enhanced partnership with Qatar Airways means for frequent flyers, and lots more!
Also in this episode, find out why next year could be the ideal time to visit Mongolia. It's not a country many people really consider travelling to, but it's an up-and-coming destination with lots to offer tourists. Plus, until the end of 2025, Australians don't need a visa to travel there.
Each episode begins with a discussion about recent Australian travel and frequent flyer news. In this episode:
Virgin Australia slashes Economy Flex airfares
Virgin and Etihad are ending their partnership in 2025
Etihad status match for Australian Velocity members
Qantas status match for New Zealand residents
You can now transfer Altitude and Amplify points to Everyday Rewards (and then Qantas)
Fiji Airways will fly to Cairns
Here’s where you can also find more information about other topics discussed in this episode:
Learn more about AFF memberships
Subscribe to the Point Hacks reward seat alerts newsletter
Read a review of Matt's flight on a MIAT Mongolian Airlines Boeing 767

Episode 4 - Major Velocity Frequent Flyer Changes & Lord Howe Island

In Travel Pointers Episode 4, Matt and Chris share their thoughts and opinions about the changes Virgin Australia is making to its Velocity Frequent Flyer program over the next year. These include changes to the way flyers earn and redeem points, the introduction of Platinum Plus and Forever Gold status, and Virgin making status much harder for most people to earn.
With Qantas just retiring its last Boeing 717, Chris and Matt reflect on the iconic plane that's graced Australian skies for almost 25 years.
The pair also discuss the what the recent news regarding air service to Lord Howe Island means for frequent flyers. Qantas currently flies to this island paradise between Australia and New Zealand, and this flight is one of the best uses of Qantas Points. But with Qantas soon retiring the only plane in its fleet capable of operating this service, it's doing some succession planning.
Each episode begins with a discussion about recent Australian travel and frequent flyer news. In this episode:
Qatar Airways eyes 25% stake in Virgin Australia
Qantas adds reward seats with Oman Air
Qantas Adds Airlink Codeshares
Australia's Incoming Passenger Card Finally on the Way Out
QantasLink Retires Its Last Boeing 717
Qantas Adds Flights to Palau
Welcome Change to Qantas Flight Credits
You Can Now Convert Amex Points to Alaska Miles (via HawaiianMiles)
Here’s where you can also find more information about other topics discussed in this episode:
Compare credit cards on Point Hacks
Summary of the changes to Velocity Frequent Flyer
AFF discussion thread about the Velocity program changes
AFF's Meetings & Social Events forum
Qantas Retreating from Lord Howe Island in 2026