Author: Mark

Virgin Australia has made some changes to their luggage allowance in the Premium Economy cabin on  services between Australia and Los Angeles. By changes, I mean they have made cuts. The reason they have given for these changes is to align with partner airline Delta. The changes kick in for tickets purchased from 11 June 2019, and sees a 28% reduction in luggage allowance. While the number of bags you can take stays the same, you will be able to carry less in each bag. Basically, Virgin Australia are changing the allowance for each bag from 32Kg down to 23Kg.…

[Note: The David Jones American Express Platinum Card is no longer available to new customers] The David Jones American Express Platinum Card is the big brother of the David Jones American Express Card. Building on the benefits of that card, it can be a good choice for those that spend big in David Jones. You have the option of keeping your points in the Membership Rewards program, from where you can transfer to a range of airline and hotel programs. Alternatively, you can choose to have the points transferred to your Qantas Frequent Flyer account each month. American Express are…

[Note: The David Jones American Express  Card is no longer available to new customers] The David Jones American Express Card may not be an obvious choice for frequent flyer. However, a close look at the earning structure shows that it may be a good card for those that have large supermarket bills. You have the option of keeping your points in the Membership Rewards program, from where you can transfer to a range of airline and hotel programs. Alternatively, you can choose to have the points transferred to your Qantas Frequent Flyer account each month. American Express are offering a…

Right now you can earn up to 32,000 Qantas Points when taking out a subscription to the Economist. This is up from the usual maximum 25,000 Qantas Points that is on offer. The Economist comes in either a print or digital subscription, and it is possible to subscribe for either one or three years. You will receive a set number of points depending on the subscription offer you choose to take. If you take out a subscription by 30 June 2019, you will earn points as follows: Print & Digital Subscription: 1 year earns 20,000 points (instead of the standard…

Australians visiting the UK are now eligible to use automated ePassport gates (e-gates) at 15 airports across the country. It’s not just the airports either. Australians will also be able to use the e-gates at Eurostar terminals. The change came into effect on May 20. This was a bit of a surprise as it had been expected to become active in June. Even better – there is no need to register in advance for the service. It is open to all Australians, and there is no longer a need to join the Registered Traveller program. It’s also good news for…

The Aloft Perth opened close on two years ago, but until now I have not had the opportunity to stay there. I recently had a need for an overnight stay in the area, so thought I would check it out. While it started out life under the Starwood banner, following the takeove of Starwood by Marriott, it has come across into the Marriott stable. As such, it participates in the Marrott Bonvoy program. Aloft Perth Location The Aloft Perth is located in Rivervale, a Perth suburb. At first it sounds to be in an unusual location, but as the map…

Qantas has announced the first of a series of flights that will only be available to Qantas Frequent Flyers making point bookings. That’s right, Qantas will be operating a Points Plane, where everyone on board  will be a frequent flyer. And to be on the flight, you will need to redeem points. For the first flight in the new series, Qantas is offering members the opportunity to be aboard an A380 service from Melbourne to Tokyo on 21 October 2019. How to book the Points Plane? Qantas Frequent Flyers will be able to book seats from 7 am (AEST) 16…

Wilson Parking and Velocity Frequent Flyer are parting ways from May 30. From that date, Wilson Parking will no longer offer Velocity Points when parking in their car parks. As part of the exit from the program, the partners state that members with eligible bookings must park at the parking facility associated with their Book a Bay purchase on or before 30 May 2019 to be eligible to earn Points. For members on monthly invoicing, the May invoice will be the final invoice to accrue Velocity Points. Wilson also run a frequent parker program called Wilson One. This program gained…

Qantas has announced Sydney-San Francisco as the next route for its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. The 787 will replace the existing 747 service, and will mark the end of Qantas 747 services to the mainland USA. The equipment change is set to take place on 4 December 2019, offering Qantas customers travelling between Sydney and San Francisco the Dreamliner’s improved seating and more comfortable overall cabin environment. The Sydney-San Francisco Dreamliner service will operate daily and complements Qantas’ existing Dreamliner service between Melbourne and San Francisco which operates four times per week. San Francisco is one of five international destinations currently…

American Express is offering 55,000 bonus Qantas Points to new Card Members taking out a new Qantas American Express Ultimate card. To receive the 55,000 bonus Qantas Points, you need to apply online, be approved and spend $3,000 on your new Card within the first 3 months. This offer is available to new Card Members only. This is the top of the line card in the Qantas line up from American Express. It comes packed full of features, such as an annual $450 Qantas Travel Credit, two Qantas Club lounge invitations, and a range of insurances. Qantas American Express Ultimate…