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Just thought I’d start this thread as I am getting into the practice of buying expensive wine for cheap flights on Qantas Wine. Consequently between this and my stays at various Accor properties I am starting to build up a stockpile. One far larger than a bachelor or couple could consume (especially when we’re talking about 20 bottles of the same thing) Hence, I thought I’d check with fellow points collectors how they handle the build up of wine? Do you just bring a bottle to every...

Received a speeding fine in the mail this morning from when I hired a rental car in Italy three months ago. Anyone else had a speeding fine from overseas turn up in the mail? Clocked at 78kmh in a 70 zone by a camera apparently - considering that it was winter and night time and I was struggling to get google maps to work properly I'm not too surprised that I might have missed seeing a speed sign!

Hi All I currently have Hilton Diamond status, but I will lose this by March 2023 as I have not stayed enough nights this year. If I'm able to obtain Velocity Platinum in the next few months (for the first time), I understand that Hilton Diamond is one of the benefits. Would I still be eligible for Diamond through this perk if I have already been diamond previously? Secondly, if I activate the perk anytime after Jan 1 2023, I should have Hilton Diamond till march 2025 - is this correct?

Would you like to write for AFF? Australian Frequent Flyer is looking for a skilled writer with a passion for travel and loyalty programs to join our growing team! This role requires you to write engaging and informative content including news articles, guides and relevant opinion pieces which would appear on our home page, social media channels and in the Frequent Flyer Gazette. You may also need to liaise with airline representatives and attend industry events. While you would have the...

So, your suitcase is approaching the end of its life. After years of trusty service, it's battered and bruised, the wheels aren't what they used to be and the handle's starting to come off. It's time to get a new suitcase. What do you do with the old one? I suspect many people just throw their old luggage away. That's what I've mostly done in the past, but it's not particularly sustainable. Is there a better option? Do you take the suitcase back to the store and ask for it to be replaced...

Hi to all, I understand it is a topic which has been repeatedly covered here in the past, however I am just seeking a more 'current' update please: Early next year I am flying from SYD to Mexico via LAX. In order to travel 'on the cheap' I have already booked my Australia-LAX return tickets and are now looking to purchase the LAX-Mexico return tickets. Can I ask what the process will be at LAX, when flying both directions to and from Australia in terms of customs, immigration and baggage...

If you're looking for a new credit card that earns American Express Membership Rewards Points, we have some good news. You can earn an extra 20,000 bonus points - in addition to the regular sign-up bonus points - when you apply through AFF by 27 May 2025. This is a partner offer that isn't available directly through American Express. The eligible cards are: American Express Platinum Business: 250,000 Membership Rewards Points + 20,000 bonus (270,000 points in total) American Express...

When travelling for more than just a few days, one of the most important items on the checklist along CarPark View, Room Upgrade, Executive Lounge Freebies, is the Laundry. I would put Laundry as the number one amenity, It is often a make or break for me. I hate Hotel Laundries which charge by the piece. Self service Laundry onsite is a plus as is an easily accessible offsite laundromat. And sometimes even a pickup/drop off service. Increasingly short stay apartments have been my go to...

AFF is thrilled to announce that our inaugural in-person MasterClass will take place in Sydney on Saturday, 6 September 2025! This ticketed event will take place at Crowne Plaza Sydney Airport from 11am until 5pm. Throughout the day, you’ll hear directly from three frequent flyer program and travel experts, with practical sessions designed to give you real-world strategies you can apply immediately. You'll also have an opportunity to quiz our experts in a Q&A session. The guest speakers...

Yes they mentioned they were happy to take whatever was left unused of amenities kits eg lip balms, eye shades, hair brush etc. So I’m gathering those up as well to donate.

Does anyone know if it’s possible to buy hotel quality bed sheets? We need a few fitted sheets ect… and when thinking back we liked the sheets in most luxury / 5 star hotels we stayed at.

I guess most people would think I'm a bit odd (!), but I just booked a trip on the basis of getting access to the OneWorld lounges (BA,CX, QF) in LHR T3. I also wanted to go to somewhere in Italy, but had no particular preference (apart from not Northern Italy). So, looking at BA's destinations in Italy from T3 I chose PEG (Perugia), as I'd never been there before and it seems quite interesting, and it was also quite inexpensive (AUD$114). I'd previously panned to spend the time in London...

I guess the other concern with travelling to the U.S. is how long before the peaceful protests that took place last weekend become "less peaceful" as people start to rebel against the regime because their next iPhone suddenly became 30%+ more expensive? At the moment I think that there are a lot of Americans who are still believing the "its the foreign countries that pay the tariffs" line that is being sold over there - and they have a huge shock coming to them very shortly.

Most people keep a collection of something, besides their superannuation / nest egg and family heirlooms of course. While travel instantly brings about the notion of souvenirs, what kinds of things do you keep a collection of at home from your travels? These can be things that you just get in the course of travels, other times you might make an effort to find and purchase these things. I know a bunch of us don't collect anything at all, in the interests of keeping a lean home and less...

I'd been asked by a few AFFers for an update on house things, and I just haven't had the energy to keep that thread up to date. Sorry. But, you're also keen on news of the library which you knew I wanted. Well please feast your eyes on this beauty! The wheels for the ladder come in February, but I was still able to move it in order to put books up the top. So in honour of my new library, I'd thought I'd start a new thread to discuss books and what you're all reading right now. I...

Today we received this email. The cruise has had its balcony plus sold out for a year. Some haven't been assigned their guarantee and it's through a very large US TA so they have to be honoured. And no one is posting the same on either Cruise Critic roll call or our FB group. We have the best stateroom below the suite category so much valued. Hmm. We might consider one of the options.....I'm hunting down YouTube for options. Some seem nice, others not so much. Dear Guest, We can't...

I just got the following email offer: No matter how you choose to reward yourself, points make it possible. And for a limited time only, you can unlock even more possibilities when you purchase Top-up Points: Get 25% more Qantas Points when you top-up with 15,000 - 55,000 points Get 50% more Qantas Points when you top-up with 60,000 - 150,000 points With your choice of millions of reward seats when and where you want to fly, where will you go? Hurry, offer ends 6 April 2025. See...

Mrs Aplmac and I were flying back from CBR to SYD yesterday evening in Y, after a long weekend to a) do my qualifying status run, and b) celebrate her birthday ;):rolleyes:. As we disembark, the CM says "Happy Birthday Mrs Aplmac, would you like a bottle of wine to go?" Totally unexpected, but very welcome, as it was actually her birthday day. She's LTG, btw.

Interested by a recent post in the SkyBus discussion, I've just spent too long looking at transport to/from airports. Arguably Adelaide has the easiest/cheapest service at $3.70 and a direct bus to the CBD. Brisbane also takes the cake for cheapest parking with Sydney parking being more than some return flights for a Jetstar/Tiger weekend away. Below are the results: Comparison of Fastest and Cheapest Public Transport services to/from major Australian airports. The services must be...

Due to a fire nearby LHR has electricity issues and will be closed all Friday. https://news.sky.com/story/amp/large-fire-at-electrical-substation-in-west-london-causes-power-outages-13332920