The Frequent Flyer Gazette
Thursday, 28 March 2019
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| Big Airline Changes from Next Weekend |
There are some significant changes to airline routes and schedules coming up this weekend. Among the many changes, Qantas is launching three new routes and Emirates, United and Air China are all reducing flights to Australia. Many other flights are being re-timed or switching aircraft types. All of the changes take effect from Sunday 31 March 2019.
It's no coincidence that these changes all take place on the same day. The global aviation industry revolves around the northern summer and winter cycles, and 31 March marks the beginning of summer in the northern hemisphere this year. |
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| Major Thai Airways Program Devaluation |
| Thai Airways has announced a significant devaluation to its Royal Orchid Plus frequent flyer program. The airline is selling the changes as rewarding customers with "more miles" and "more award flexibility". But, make no mistake - the value in this frequent flyer program is being gutted. The changes will take effect from 1 October 2019, so at least Thai Airways has given more... |
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| Targeted Qantas Status Credit Offers |
| If you're a Qantas Frequent Flyer member, you may wish to keep an eye on your email inbox! Over recent days, Qantas has been sending out several different types of bonus status credit offers to members. Some AFF members have received offers of 50% bonus status credits on Qantas flights to the United States. Others have been offered 25% bonus more... |
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Upcoming Webinar:
SkyTeam for Australians |
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7 of 19 SkyTeam airlines fly to Australia. There is even a dedicated SkyTeam Lounge at Sydney Airport. Yet, the SkyTeam alliance is totally overlooked by Australians.
Don't be deterred... this is precisely the reason that SkyTeam frequent flyer programs can work to your advantage! If you've ever tried to redeem Qantas points for international flights out of Australia, you've probably come across the lack of award availability. But you'll have a far greater choice of flights with SkyTeam airlines.
New to the SkyTeam alliance? No worries - earning status is not too difficult either! In fact, you can even get a free status match if you already hold status with a non-SkyTeam airline. It is also possible to earn SkyTeam miles in Australia (including from credit card spend) and SkyTeam airlines have their own redemption sweet spots.
The upcoming Frequent Flyer Solutions webinar will show you exactly how you can benefit from the SkyTeam alliance. Be sure to join Matt at 8pm (AEST) on Wednesday, 10 April 2019 to learn more!
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| 3x Velocity Points on Virgin Australia Flights |
| Virgin Australia is currently offering 3x Velocity points on new Virgin flight bookings! This offer is running until Monday, 1 April 2019. Triple Velocity points apply to flights marketed and operated by Virgin Australia, for travel any time until 18 February 2020. This includes domestic and international Virgin flights in all classes of travel, but the triple points do not more... |
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| New American Airlines AAdvantage Partner |
| Last week, American Airlines' AAdvantage program announced a surprising new partner in China Southern. As of 20 March 2019, you can now earn and redeem AAdvantage miles for China Southern flights. This presents some interesting new opportunities. |
| Click here for full details |
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