Thank you to our loyal listeners + introducing the new Travel Pointers podcast! – AIR103
After more than 100 episodes, we're calling time on the AFF on Air podcast. But it's not all bad news!
Australian Frequent Flyer editor Matt Graham will now co-host a brand new Australian travel podcast called Travel Pointers. He'll be joined on this brand new podcast by Point Hacks news editor Chris Chamberlin. (The first episode of Travel Pointers was released today.)
In this final episode of AFF on Air, Matt provides an update of what's happening with AFF's podcasts, and on the Australian Frequent Flyer website more generally. He also takes the opportunity to address the many loyal listeners who've been tuning in to AFF on Air since 2019.
See here for details about the new Travel Pointers podcast: https://www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au/introducing-travel-pointers-podcast/
Do you have a favourite episode of AFF on Air? Let us know in the AFF on Air discussion thread!
Finally, thank you so much for listening and for your support of AFF on Air over the years. If you enjoyed this podcast, we're sure you'll love Travel Pointers. Go and check it out now! :)
10 Jun 2023
Airline Alliances with Mark Ross-Smith – AIR102
Have you ever wondered how airline alliances or hotel loyalty programs work behind the scenes?
In this episode, Matt is joined by an expert in loyalty programs, former Malaysia Airlines Enrich CEO and current StatusMatch.com CEO Mark Ross-Smith for a chat about the world of airline alliances.
Find out what airlines need to do in order to join an airline alliance such as Oneworld, Star Alliance or SkyTeam, the pros & cons for airlines, and what happens if an airline wants to leave an alliance.
The discussion also covers priority boarding, Qantas lifetime status, the strange relationship between Qantas and Qatar Airways, the latest airline status matching trends, and more!
Episode contents:
1:29 - Fortnightly news round-up
11:41 - Interview with Mark Ross-Smith
Links:
AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions
Frequent Flyer Solutions webinars
Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up:
Qantas Tightens Lounge Guest Eligibility
Velocity’s New Peak & Off-Peak Reward Seat Pricing
Ola Waves Goodbye to Velocity Partnership
Qantas to Introduce Boarding Groups
Qantas Launches Free Wifi on Select International Flights
Virgin Australia Introduces Real-Time Baggage Tracking
Rex Expands Jet Network to Hobart
ACCC Backs Flight Delay Compensation Scheme in Australia
Woolworths Devalues Everyday Extra
Great BA Premium & Business Award Availability to Singapore
Huge Qantas International Network Expansion in 2023
Qantas to Lease Finnair A330s for Singapore, Bangkok Flights
Batik Air Malaysia to Fly Perth-Auckland
Virgin to Fly Boeing 737-700s to Tokyo
5 May 2023
Tonga’s First Female Airline Pilot – AIR101
Matt sits down for an extended interview by Silva McLeod, Tonga’s first ever female airline pilot. After flying for Royal Tongan Airlines, Silva went on to fly in Auatralia for Aeropelican, the Royal Flying Doctor Service and ultimately Virgin Blue, which became Virgin Australia. But the journey from island girl to airline pilot, as Silva tells in her new book, wasn't an easy one.
Also in this episode, it's become easier to get to Hawaii with Velocity Frequent Flyer points.
Episode contents:
1:22 - Fortnightly news round-up
7:22 - Interview with Silva McLeod
52:12 - Redeeming Velocity points for Hawaiian Airlines flights
54:58 - Why Avios are useful for Australians
Links:
AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions
Book: 'Island Girl to Airline Pilot' by Silva McLeod
Upcoming Frequent Flyer Solutions webinar - Avios for Aussies (8pm AEST on 25 May 2023)
Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up:
United Expands Service to Australia & New Zealand
How to Fly Emirates Premium Economy in 2023
Free Singapore Transit Tours Are Back
ING Bank Removes Overseas ATM Fee Rebates
British Airways Increasing Avios Subscription Prices
Qantas’ Melbourne First Class Check-in Suite to Reopen
Transfer Points to Velocity for a 15% Bonus (May 2023)
Virgin Australia Extends Middle Seat Lottery
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.5 / 5
2 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
9 ratings
Contact AFF on AIR Podcast
Guest appearances
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