Author: Matt Graham
How to Fly Ahead with Virgin Australia
Virgin Australia now offers Fly Ahead to Economy Flex passengers, in addition to Velocity Gold, Platinum & Platinum Plus members, allowing more people to change to an earlier same-day flight at no cost.
How I Maintained Velocity Platinum Status in 2026
Despite last year's changes to the Velocity Frequent Flyer program, Matt managed to renew his Virgin Australia Platinum status in 2026 - but not without some hiccups along the way. Here's how he did it.
Qantas to Raise Airfares to Recover Lost Card Surcharge Revenue
With card payment surcharges being banned from 1 October 2026, airlines including Qantas are expected to raise airfares to recover the revenue they won't be able to collect from payment fees.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.