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

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

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)