Author: Matt Graham

Matt Graham

Matt was the editor of Australian Frequent Flyer from 2015 until 2025. His passion for travel has taken him to more than 100 countries - with a lot of help along the way from frequent flyer points! Matt's favourite destinations (so far) are Germany, Brazil, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. His interests include aviation, economics & foreign languages, and he has a soft spot for good food and red wine. You can connect with Matt by posting on the Australian Frequent Flyer community forum and tagging @Mattg.

Immigration and passport control at the airport, passport stamp

International Travel Totally Relies on Physical Passports: Is There a Better Way?

It's 2026. We can send astronauts into space. And yet, international travel still relies completely on a single, physical paper booklet - causing big problems for travellers whose passports are lost are stolen. Surely there's a better digital solution.

Royal Brunei Economy Class seats

How I Made Red-Eye Economy Class Bearable Without Upgrading

Rather than paying $650 to upgrade to a lie-flat Business Class seat, Matt booked a $119 day-use hotel room to sleep after landing on his short overnight flight.

Etihad Airbus A350 at Madrid Airport

Amex Removing Etihad Guest Transfers: I Have Mixed Feelings

From 23 June 2026, you'll no longer be able to transfer Amex Membership Rewards Points into Etihad Guest. Although it's sad to lose a transfer partner, Etihad's loyalty program is now just so much less appealing than it used to be, anyway.

Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-200 takes off from Singapore Changi Airport

KrisFlyer Spontaneous Escapes Deals for June 2026

Get 30% off last-minute Singapore Airlines award flights, for travel in July 2026 including between seven Australian cities and Singapore.

Royal Brunei Boeing 787 Economy cabin

Royal Brunei Airlines Boeing 787-8 Economy Class Review

"Goodbye Qantas", the passenger behind me said when we landed in Melbourne. Royal Brunei's Boeing 787 Economy Class is not only cheaper, but also more spacious.

Virgin Atlantic is part of the SkyTeam alliance

How (And Why) to Buy Virgin Atlantic Points for SkyTeam Flights

Buying points from Virgin Atlantic Flying Club and redeeming them for award travel across Virgin Atlantic's partner airline network, including the SkyTeam alliance, can be great value! Plus, right now you can get up to 70% bonus points on purchases.

Afternoon tea including a scone with jam and cream in British Airways Club Europe short-haul business class

The Challenge of Business Class Service on Very Short Flights

Many airlines sell Business Class even on very short flights with less than half an hour in the air. Providing a premium service in such limited time is a challenge - which only some airlines rise to.

Automatic boarding gate at an airport in Europe

Qantas Trials Automated Boarding Gates

Qantas has begun using automated boarding gates as a trial at Sydney Airport Terminal 3. The smart gates allow passengers to board without a staff member to scan them onto the flight.

Q-streaming entertainment on QantasLink's A220 business class

How to Upgrade Flights with Qantas Points

Our guide explains how to upgrade with Qantas Points, including strategies to maximise your chances of a successful upgrade request.