Latest news about airlines & their loyalty programs

Qatar Airways expands its strategic partnership with Malaysia Airlines
18 May

Qatar Airways and Malaysia Airlines today unveiled details of the next phase of their strategic partnership, following Malaysia Airlines’ announcement to launch a non-stop service from Kuala Lumpur to Doha from 25 May. The two partners will significantly expand their codeshare cooperation, allowing passengers to travel the world and enjoy seamless connectivity via their leading hubs in Kuala Lumpur and Doha.

The codeshare expansion, which adds 34 destinations to the existing 62 codeshare destinations, marks another milestone in the long-standing relationship between the two countries’ national carriers and Oneworld partners.

In linking their route networks, the partners are striving to develop Kuala Lumpur as a leading aviation hub in the Southeast Asia Region connecting Malaysia, Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand with the Middle East, Europe, the Americas, and Africa.

We would expect Singapore Airlines and Singapore's Changi Airport to have a different view, so developments in this space will be interesting.

ACCC grants interim Authorisation for Virgin Australia/United code-sharing
12 May

On May 12th, the Australian ACCC granted authorisation for Virgin Australia to operate a "virtual global network" of routes using partnerships with other airlines, the first of which is United Airlines, but now subsequently Qatar Airways.

Virgin Australia intends to align with other “former and new partners” to expand its reach beyond short-haul routes, to which it is limited due to its existing fleet of narrowbody aircraft. Virgin Australia ceased all long-haul international flights and ended its lease agreements for its wide-body fleet during the pandemic. It has recently restarted flights to Nadi, Fiji and is planning to resume Bali, Indonesia flights in mid-June 2022.

The codesharing arrangements with United and Qatar airlines will provide Virgin Australia access to long-haul routes to Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the Americas.

Qatar Airways currently operates daily flights into Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth as well as three weekly flights into Adelaide continuing into Auckland, New Zealand. The codeshare agreement will enable Qatar Airways’ passengers to travel seamlessly to 35 destinations on Virgin Australia’s extensive domestic network on a single booking. QR’s passengers will also have access to Virgin Australia’s recently relaunched short-haul international markets, including Fiji and Queenstown, New Zealand. 

United Airlines is flying the SYD - LAX and SYD - SFO routes and is keen to return to the Sydney - Houston (IAH) sector later this year. It recently confirmed the restart of its Melbourne (MEL) - San Francisco (SFO) flights from June 5, making it the only US carrier flying direct Mebourne to the US. 

UA60 will take 15 hours and 45 minutes to make its way down to Melbourne, while the return flight UA61 will take 14 and a half hours to fly back to San Francisco. United is eyeing resuming the MEL - LAX flights later this year. United's 787-9 Dreamliner will operate the Melbourne flights, which for the 48 passengers in business class will have the latest United lie-flat Polaris seats, which considerably reduce the pain of long-haul flying.

Virgin Australia confirms start date for United Airlines partnership
10 May

Further to the announcement made on December 14th, Virgin Australia today confirmed that its new strategic frequent flyer and codeshare partnership with United Airlines will commence in two weeks on Tuesday 24 May 2022.

Velocity members will be able to earn Velocity Points and Status Credits, and eligible members will receive tier benefits when travelling with United. Reward Seat availability is another significant benefit of the partnership, as members will be able to use Velocity Points to redeem seats on United’s vast domestic and international network.

United offer the most flights between Australia and North America out of all US-based carriers. The partnership with United will triple Virgin Australia's network reach into the Americas, which means that Velocity members (and other Virgin Australia customers) will have access to new destinations when flying from Australia to the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean and South America.

Virgin Australia's surprise partnership with Qatar Airways | Velocity members easy access to Q-suites?
10 May

Virgin Australia today announced a new partnership with Qatar Airways, which will commence later this year.  More details, including a commencement date, are expected to be released soon.

Qatar Airways currently operates daily flights from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth as well as three weekly flights from Adelaide with one-stop connectivity from these ports to over 140 worldwide destinations, including 54 cities in Europe.

Once the partnership starts, Virgin Velocity members will be able to earn Points and Status Credits whenever flying Qatar Airways. Eligible members will receive their status benefits such as lounge access, higher checked baggage allowances and priority boarding.

Reward Seat availability will be another benefit of this new partnership, as Velocity members will be able to use their Velocity Points to book Economy, Business and First Class seats, including Qatar’s renowned Q-Suite (available on select flights).

This could prove very attractive to Australians, by combining the ease of earning Velocity points and using them for Q-suite bookings (depending on the awards table, when released).
For others, Avios earned on Qatar flights (or transferred from BA and Iberia, which also use Avios as their rewards currency), could be redeemed for connections using short-haul or domestic Virgin Australia flights.

Qatar joins Virgin Australia's global family of international airline partnerships, including Virgin Atlantic, Air Canada, Etihad Airways, Hawaiian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways and United Airlines. 

Air Canada, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways and United are members of Star Alliance, while Hawaiian Airlines and Virgin Atlantic are unaligned and have individually agreed partnerships. Qatar is the only OneWorld alliance member that has a partnership with Virgin Australia. So Virgin Austalia's Velocity could be a bridge between Star Alliance members and Qatar Airways.

Also interesting is the fact that Virgin Australia has a partnership with 2 of the 3 large Middle East airlines (Etihad and now Qatar).  Is this strategic?  - Rhetorical question...

Qantas and Qatar are both members of OneWorld, yet Qantas chooses to have a codeshare agreement with Emirates (the 3rd of the "ME3")...just saying...

Qantas confirms ultra-long haul flights from 2025
2 May

Qantas confirmed that an order for 12 new aircraft (Airbus) will enable it to operate the world's longest flights, linking Australia's east-coast cities to both London and New York commencing late-2025.

This means that any city in the world will be just one flight away from Australia.

The ageing domestic fleet of Boeing 737's will also be replaced by Airbus AA321XLR's and A220's from late 2023.

Virgin Australia permanently slashes premium class fares + limited time boost to status earning
31 Mar

On Thursday March 31st, Virgin Australia announced that it has permanently slashed its domestic business class fares by up to 60% across Australia which is expected to prompt a premium class fare war.

Importantly, Virgin Australia insists that its business class will continue to include all of the usual amenities including lounge access, priority check-in and boarding, higher checked baggage allowances, priority overhead luggage, in-flight entertainment, plated meals and Australian beer, wine and spirits, plus priority baggage delivery. So no cost-cutting from reduced benefits, genuine savings.

To promote the initiative and reward Velocity members, they will also earn 45 per cent more status credits on eligible Virgin Australia business class flights for travel by June 30, 2022, as part of an extended loyalty promotion.

Virgin Australia has also made significant reductions to fares on its short-haul international network with business class fares from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane to Bali, Fiji and Queenstown currently available to book for travel later in 2022 with fares on these routes 30% to 50% per cent lower than pre-COVID.

Australia seems to be 6 - 12 months behind the US in terms of recovery in travel, where travel bookings have surged, especially for luxury and bucket-list travel.  

Perhaps Virgin Australia is anticipating the same here for 2H2022.

If they are right, now may be the time to lock in flights and accommodation to ensure you get the trip you have dreampt about...

Our associated travel agency Rewarding Travel would be delighted to assist you.

Qatar Airways Shock Move - Replacing Qmiles by Avios
23 Feb

In a surprise move, Qatar Airways and IAG Loyalty announced overnight that effective from late March, Qatar's mileage currency will be Avios, replacing Qmiles. 

Qatar will join BA, Iberia,  Aer Lingus and Vueling, but will be the first airline not owned by IAG using Avios. Qatar will be no stranger to Avios though, as it a key shareholder of IAG with approx 25% ownership.

While more details are to be provided in early March, key points revealed so far are:

• Qpoints (used to determine tier status) and Qcredits (offering free upgrades on Qatar Airways flights for elite Gold and Platinum tier members)  will remain unchanged.
• Existing Qmiles will transfer 1:1 into Avios in your Qatar Airways Privilege account “by the end of March” 2022.
• Qatar Airways promises that the number of Qmiles/Avios you need to redeem for flights will remain the same - no devaluation (at least for now).
• Rules for expiration of Qatar Avios will remain the same as for Qmiles, as will those for attaining tier status. The tier validity of all Silver, Gold and Platinum members due for renewal this calendar year was recently extended to 31 December 2022.
• For Qatar Privilege members, it opens the possibility of earning Avios in far more many ways, which can be then redeemed for flights on not only Qatar Airways flights, but also BA, Iberia etc (or other OneWorld members).
• While not explicitly stated, there are hints that Qatar Avios will be able to be transferred to other Avios programs on a 1:1 basis without cost. This would open up the potential to earn Avios on (say) BA and redeem them on a Qatar flight (or vice versa).
• Privilege Club allows for sharing miles with your family, and, British Airways allows for points pooling, so if we see the ability to pool Avios together and then transfer them to other programs, this could make the programs very flexible.

Initial Thoughts:

• If Avios can be pooled, or transferred freely, then potentially a member could select whichever carrier best suits their redemption goals.  BA’s distance-based redemption table is known to favour short-haul flights, while Qatar’s redemption table offers greater opportunities for (surcharge-free) travel between say UK and Asia or Australia.
• For Australians, Avios earned on the more plentiful Qatar routes could be redeemed (as BA  Avios) for domestic Qantas flights, for approx 2/3 the number of Avios vs Qantas points.
• The greater options to earn Avios (say from spending or credit-cards sign-up bonuses or transfers) will provide more travellers with access to redemptions for Qatar’s famed Q-suites.
• Could this be the start of Avios becoming the mileage currency for all OneWorld alliance members?  Imagine the possibilities !

As always, the devil is in the detail.  More will be revealed in the next few weeks...

Don't Show This To Any Nervous Flyers
22 Feb

A video of Captain Khalifa Al Thani landing his Boeing 777 at Heathrow during Storm Eunice on 19 February 2022.

It makes one appreciate how skilled Commercial Pilots are !

Kudos to Captain Al Thani of Qatar Airways and all the pilots whose skills keep us safe.

My moment of pause to respect  

Wishing to all pilots, skies like the picture rather than the video... Read More…

Alaska Airlines latest innovation - ‘Flight Pass’ Subscription Guarantees Cheaper Flights on US West Coast
17 Feb

Alaska Airlines launched its latest innovation on 16 February 2022 - a subscription model for people who fly regularly (not necessarily frequently).

By committing to one year of a monthly subscription, passengers will get credits to put toward roundtrip flights on eligible daily routes within the selected west coast region, which includes California airports in Sacramento, Sonoma,  San Francisco, San Jose, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, Fresno, Santa Barbara, Burbank, Los Angeles, Orange County, Palm Springs, and San Diego.  There are also flights to nearby Reno, Las Vegas, and Phoenix.

Under the program savings average approx 20% to 30% across the 100 daily flights between the 16 airports.

The way it works is that travellers who agree to pay a monthly fee will receive credits to fly a fixed number of round-trips through the subscription year. A basic subscription starts at $49 a month and requires booking tickets at least two weeks before travel. A more flexible subscription starts at $199 a month and allows booking up to two hours before flight departure time. Both plans allow flight selection as early as 90 days ahead of the travel date. Once travellers have selected a plan, they can choose their volume of flights, such as six, 12, or 24 a year. A basic plan with six flights typically costs $763 a year — after taxes and fees.

Two caveats are that:
(1) you can only subscribe through the Alaska Airlines website and
(2) that the booking credits do expire and must be booked for a flight within 90 days before the next set of credits will be deposited. If the credits haven't been used at the time the next credits are added, then they’ll be forfeited.

Once the booking process is complete, Flight Pass passengers will receive the same class of service Alaska Airlines normally provides, including main cabin seat selection, no change fees, and earned miles on every flight.

To ensure passenger safety, the airline continues to enact its Next-Level Care program, that includes 100 pandemic-era health and safety checks, including a hospital-grade air filters and a partnership with Clorox.

I am sure we will see many more post-covid era changes to the ways we travel. Read More…

Qantas slashes points required for Qantas Hotels & Holiday bookings
4 Feb

Qantas today announced that it is permanently cutting the points required when booking Qantas Hotels by 30% and for Qantas Holidays by 45%.

Both are significant reductions for Qantas Frequent Flyer members.

Further, to celebrate the announcement Qantas is also offering for a limited time, 20% off Points Plus Pay flights.

Get on board!

For further details... Read More…

2022 Sustainability Awards announced by S&P Global
4 Feb

S&P Global's Sustainability Yearbook 2022 considered over 7,500 companies across 61 industries around the world and selected 716 companies for this year’s edition based on their S&P Global ESG Scores using this Yearbook Methodology. Prize winners in the 2022 edition included:

Airlines
Gold:  ANA     Silver:  China Airlines, EVA     Bronze:  LATAM Airlines      Honourable Mention:  Air France-KLM, JAL, American Airlines

Hotels, Resorts & Cruise Lines
Gold:  Hilton Wordwide      Silver:  Melia Hotels    Bronze:  NH Hotels

Interestingly, both Melia Hotels and NH Hotels are Spanish companies.  Of the total 716 companies selected this year, 26 ( 3.6%) are Spanish companies - a strong showing.

Congratulations and thanks to all whose efforts made the grade for this year’s yearbook !

For more information... Read More…

AirAsia X to resume flights between KL & Australia
1 Feb

Following a restructure, AirAsia X is resuming its full commercial service post-pandemic between Kuala Lumpur and Sydney commencing from February 14.

The airline said it will prioritize full redemptions for its passengers affected by the restructuring with passengers able to reinstate their flight booking and utilize their credit account to book the flights.

Flights will initially be operated weekly on Mondays from Kuala Lumpur to Sydney and returning on Tuesdays, starting February 14, 2022, to March 22, 2022.

Schedules for the autumn/winter session will be announced in mid-February.

It is understood that a resumption of flights to other Australian destinations including Perth will be reviewed over the coming months.

AirAsia X is a low-cost affiliate of the AirAsia Group operating an all wide body A330-300 fleet.

Vueling launches new routes from/into UK
30 Jan

Vueling, the low-cost sister airline of British Airways (BA) and Iberia, has announced an expansion of routes as part of its summer 2022 flying program.

The Spanish carrier plans to operate 12 short-haul routes from London Gatwick (LGW), five of which are new additions. Three of its aircraft will be based at Gatwick from April.

The latest expansion will see Vueling begin flying to Granada (GRX), La Coruña (LCG), Malaga (AGP), Menorca (MAH) and Seville (SVQ).

These new routes are in addition to the 28 services from Paris Orly it ANNOUNCED LATE IN 2021 following approval by the European Commission for 18 slots as part of the recapitalisation of Air France. Six UK airports—Belfast (BFS), Birmingham (BHX), Cardiff (CWL), Edinburgh (EDI), Glasgow (GLA) and Newcastle (NCL)—were among the destinations to receive new routes.

Learn more about the new Vueling routes. Some may suit you very well.

Vueling is one of our advertisers. Using our link may provide us with a small remuneration.

Qantas & Accor - up to 10,000 bonus Qantas points for business owners
15 Jan

Similar to the crossover program between Accor Live Limitless and Qantas Frequent Flyers, there is now a similar offer specifically for business owners.

Benefits include discounted flights and Qantas Club membership with Qantas and for Accor, discounted rooms, food & beverages at participating Accor properties in the APAC region.

Better yet, for a limited time there is a promotional offer where you can receive 5,000 bonus Qantas points when you join Accor Business Plus and Qantas Business Rewards. You can receive a further 5,000 Qantas points by making purchases.

You must purchase an Accor Business Plus between 17 January and 13 March 2022 to receive the bonus Qantas points. Other T&C's also apply.

This is a very attractive promotion if relevant to you. Like to learn more?  Read More…

Qatar Airways Outstanding 25th Birthday Sale | Hurry - Limited Time
13 Jan

Qatar Airways (advertiser)  is celebrating its 25th birthday with a host of special offers for the next 7 days (book before 18 January). The Global Sale 25th Anniversary Campaign is valid on all Qatar Airways flights for travel until October 31, 2022.

There are great savings on flight tickets (economy and business), seat selection, extra baggage allowance, hotel bookings, and car rental.

If not already a member, join Privilege Club using the enrolment promo code FLYQR22 to instantly earn an additional 2,500 bonus Qmiles.

To take advantage of this offer, travellers must book on qatarairways.com/25Years or visit their preferred travel agents.

Qatar Airways has won numerous awards during its 25 year history, including Skytrax 2021 Airline of the Year (the sixth time),  Skytrax 2021 World's Best Business Class, Skytrax 2021 World's Best Business Class Seat, as well as AirlineRatings.com Airline of the Year for 2021.

Congratulations Qatar Airways !
Read More…

Emirates Skywards Miles - 35% off flash sale
12 Jan

Until 20 January, Skywards members can buy miles at a 35% discount to their usual price, when purchasing 5,000 miles or more.

Members can buy up to 100,000 miles per calendar year (200,000 for Gold and Platinum elites).

This is a very useful discount if you have a particular redemption in mind. Just be aware of the fixed expiration of Skywards miles (3 years from date of purchase - which should provide flexibility). Read More…

Virgin Australia suspends 10 routes due to covid-19
11 Jan

Virgin Australia will suspend 10 routes from Jan. 24 through at least the end of February citing high COVID-19 case numbers. 

Together with reducing the frequency of flights on other routes, it is expected to lower capacity by 25%.

Routes affected are:

From Sydney (SYD) flights to Fiji (NAN) will be dropped, the lone international route that will be shelved. Also from SYD, domestic flights to Townsville (TSV) will be paused.

From Melbourne (MEL), Virgin will also suspend routes to TSV, together with Coffs Harbour (CFS), Hamilton Island (HTI) and TSV.

From Adelaide (ADL), the airline will pause routes to Cairns (CNS), Darwin (DRW) and Sunshine Coast (MCY).

From Gold Coast (OOL), Virgin will suspend routes to Hobart (HBA) and Launceston (LST). 

It appears that Virgin Australia is targetting the period immediately after many schools will have returned for this year. If you are planning to travel during February, you may need to adjust your planned flights...

Top 20 Safest Airlines for 2022
7 Jan

Airline Ratings has announced its 2022 rankings of the Top 20 Safest Airlines, taken from the list of 385 different airlines it monitors.

Qantas lost its long-held spot at number 1. This year, the winner's prize travels across the Tasman sea to Air New Zealand. 

When announcing the results, Airline Ratings noted that “there is very little between the top 20, they are all standouts.”  So all of these 20 are excellent choices from a safety perspective.

Two of the ME3 were in the top 5 with Singapore Airlines and TAP.

Qantas dropped to 7th spot. The Virgin cousins ranked 10th.

The full list of rankings are:

• Air New Zealand
• Etihad Airways
• Qatar Airways
• Singapore Airlines
• TAP Air Portugal
• SAS,
• Qantas
• Alaska Airlines
• EVA Air
• Virgin Australia/Atlantic
• Cathay Pacific Airways
• Hawaiian Airlines
• American Airlines
• Lufthansa/Swiss Group
• Finnair
• Air France/KLM Group
• British Airways
• Delta Air Lines
• United Airlines; and
• Emirates.

Congratulations (and thanks) to all these airlines for their ongoing commitment to safety !

Alaska Airlines Extemds Status | Status Challenge to Requalify in 2022
31 Dec '21

Alaska Airlines has extended the status of its elite tier members. Current tier status will now expire on 30 April 2022 (rather than tomorrow) - a 4 month extension.

Not as good as the 12 month extension given by some other airlines, but there is also a status challenge to help elite tier members re-qualify for their current tier (nb you can't move up tiers).

If you earn the following amounts of base miles between January 1 and April 30, 2022, you will retain your 2021 status through the end of 2022:

• MVP members: 5,000 miles
• MVP Gold members: 10,000 miles
• MVP Gold 75K members: 20,000 miles

These amounts are roughly 25% of what you would normally need, meaning you must earn 1/4 of the usual requirements in 1/3 of a year.  

On the face of it, this looks to be a more relaxed pace than usual. It is if your flying patterns are spread evenly through a year, but if it is concentrated in say the summer months, you may miss out.

T&C's apply.  The next 4 months are ok, but beyond then you may need to plan ahead. Read More…

Qantas Airbus A380's | early return to commercial service in January
30 Dec '21

Qantas’ flagship the Airbus A380 superjumbo will return to service in January, three months ahead of schedule and almost two years since last flying commercially.

The service provides the flexibility now needed to replace flying that was scheduled to be performed by the airline’s Boeing 787s.  About 70 Qantas 787 pilots are Queensland-based and are required to undertake 14 days isolation after each international service, reducing their availability to operate.

The Queensland Government has indicated it will relax restrictions on international travel when 90 percent of the state is double vaccinated, currently estimated to occur in late January, enabling 787 flying to normalize from then.

From January 11 the Sydney-Los Angeles service will be reduced from a daily 787 service to three weekly A380 services and one weekly 787 service.

The changes will commencing from January 11 will be

* Qantas Sydney-Los Angeles service will be reduced from a daily 787 service to three weekly A380 services and one weekly 787 service.

* Qantas Melbourne-London route will be reduced from daily 787 services to up to four weekly services

* Qantas Melbourne-Los Angeles service reduced from four weekly 787 services to three.

Additional A380 aircraft will progressively return to Australia in early 2022 for maintenance checks and crew training before being returned to service.

A great step forward - I much prefer the A380 for the long-haul flights needed to get almost anywhere from Australia.

Singapore Airlines Supporting its Corporate Customers with Carbon Offsets
28 Dec '21

Singapore Airlines continues to be invested in conducting business responsibly and integrating sustainability in its operations.

To help its corporate customers (through its HighFlyer loyalty program) it has launched a program where In partnership with Tasman Environmental Markets (TEM) and its BlueHalo® digital solution, businesses can calculate and offset carbon emissions associated with the travel of their employees.

Perhaps not as good as SIA offsetting it themselves, but a step in the right direction and every little bit helps.

Once you have calculated the amount to offset, businesses can offset them using Paying.Green's CarbonEasy program. (advertiser)

Virgin Atlantic returns to Saint Lucia
26 Dec '21

Saint Lucia has celebrated the return of Virgin Atlantic flights to Hewanorra Airport (UVF).

The airline first started flying to Saint Lucia in 1999.

Following an 18-month break, the service is back with three weekly direct flights from London Heathrow. This takes direct flights from the UK up to 11 per week.

Investment in UK marketing steps up this winter with consumer advertising planned for a new winter campaign called ‘Let Her In’ starting today and running through mid-February. This includes TV, digital and social media.

Sant Lucia Tourism Authority is also working with 15 tour operators to provide offers to travellers from their main website.

The Tourism Authority will also participate in VS & other airline partner campaigns.

Search for or book flights via Virgin Atlantic (advertiser), or to check current travel restrictions for Saint Lucia,... Read More…

Taj Inner Circle members | 25% off for a stay in a palace!
23 Dec '21

Taj Hotels is inviting members of its Inner Circle loyalty program to "Toast to the season with special stay packages and celebrations curated exclusively for you at the resplendent The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai."

The #ToastToTomorrow offer is a very attractive package and something to celebrate:

• 25% savings on room rates at Palace Wing

• breakfast and set meal for two at a designated venue

• special savings on signature treatments at Jiva spa

• Special in-room festive amenities.

Built in 1903, the beautifully ornate & historic Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai is India's first luxury hotel. Offering panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and the Gateway of India (pictured), is a near neighbour. The hotel offers a total of 543 rooms including 54 suites, each adorned with original paintings and period furniture that exude an aura of old-world charm and elegance.

The Palace wing is the more upmarket section, consisting of 285 rooms and suites. Palace Services in the Palace Wing of the hotel add to the experience, where the butler plays the all-important role of guide and assistant (think – your own personal Concierge).

Taj Inner Circle members should snap up this offer for a mesmerising experience - so much more than only a stay.

If you're not a member, it's free to join (hint). Select Inher Circle from the drop down "membership" menu near the top of the page when you read on for more details.

Bookings must be made by January 5th and stays completed by 31 March 2022.
Other T&C's also  apply.

When looking to book your flight, Etihad (advertiser) are also offering a promotion to Explore India - well worth a look.
Read More…

Vueling Flash Sale | Fares from only €2 / £2 for a limited time !!
22 Dec '21

Vueling has a flash sale, where fares are only €2 or £2. Valid for international outbound or return flights in 2022 operated by Vueling.

The fare includes Vueling's Flex Pack service which means that you can cancel your booking and get back the amount as Flight Credit, or change your flight with no change fee.

This is a special promotional offer and is only available until 31 December. 

We have access to this special offer because Vueling is one of our advertisers.  If you make a purchase using our link, at no additional cost to you we may earn a small compensation. 

T&C's apply, but are very flexible.

This is a great offer.  Make sure you get on board. Read More…

Buy Qmiles with up to 30% off
20 Dec '21

Qatar Airways is running a promotion through 24 December, offering Qmiles with up to 30% off their usual price.

This equates to USD 21 / thousand.

Not the cheapest of deals, but ok if you need to top-up a few miles for a targetted redemption. 

T&C's apply.

Aer Lingus partners with Emerald Airlines | regional UK links to USA
18 Dec '21

Aer Lingus and Emerald Airlines have announced details of the commencement of Aer Lingus Regional flights, with tickets on sale now for flights commencing 17 March 2022.

The flights operated under a franchise agreement by Emerald Airlines will be for more than 340 flights per week across 11 routes.

High-frequency routes, including Dublin-Edinburgh and Dublin-Glasgow, will be served up to four times daily.

The announcement sees the re-establishment of services to regional points across the UK including Newquay Cornwall, Exeter and Isle of Man.

The arrangement adds over 60 UK – US routes on the Aer Lingus network, including connecting UK regional airports via Dublin to New York, Los Angeles, Boston and Seattle.

BA and Qatar Airways combining to offer more routes
17 Dec '21

British Airways and Qatar Airways have unveiled plans to extend their joint business partnership.

The news follows British Airways’ relaunch of daily services to Doha, with the airline’s first flight taking off from Gatwick last week.

This winter, the airlines will jointly operate up to six daily flights between London and Doha - five from London Heathrow and one from London Gatwick.

The two airlines also announced that they intend to further expand their joint business and offer customers access to more destinations on their respective networks.

The proposed expansion will give customers enhanced access from Europe to popular destinations in the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Australasia, such as Singapore, Sydney, Colombo and Nairobi.

It will also improve access to destinations within Europe such as Amsterdam, Madrid or Dublin.

The expansion of routes will provide more options to connect onto popular holiday hotspots such as the Maldives and Seychelles.

The airlines expect to receive news of any relevant regulatory approvals of their expanded proposition in the first half of 2022.

Vueling announces new routes to Paris
16 Dec '21

Vueling recently announced a swag of new routes to Paris, operating for the next few months.

They include many European cities but notably ones all over the UK - London, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Newcastle, Glasgow, Dublin & Cork.

Do you like the sound of London - Paris return for less than EUR 61 on the Skytrax “Best Low-Cost Airline in Europe 2021” ?

Note that Vueling is one of our advertisers and at no additional cost to you, we may earn a small compensation from our link.

T&C's apply, but there are plenty of options available.  

Like to see what best suits you? Read More…

Virgin Australia switches partners | United Airlines replacing Delta
14 Dec '21

Virgin Australia today announced  a long term strategic frequent flyer and codeshare partnership with United Airlines which will be phased into the Virgin Australia family from April next year.

Velocity members will earn Velocity Points and Status Credits, and eligible members will receive tier benefits when travelling with United. Reward Seat availability is another significant benefit of the partnership, as members will be able to use Velocity Points to redeem seats on United’s vast domestic and international network.

United offer the most flights between Australia and North America out of all US-based carriers. The partnership with United will triple Virgin Australia's network reach into the Americas, which means that Velocity members (and other Virgin Australia customers) will have access to new destinations when flying from Australia to the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean and South America.

This strategic partnership will replace a long-term one held with Delta Air Lines and will be phased-in before it fully launches in April 2022 to minimise disruption to Virgin Austalia and Delta customers. 

Final Call | Activate offer NOW for bonus Points & Status Credits
10 Dec '21

Velocity has an offer of up to 6,000 bonus Points and 60 Status Credits when you book and fly with one of its partner airlines departing Australia.

An Eligible Flight is a flight marketed and operated by Delta Air Lines, Singapore Airlines, Etihad Airways, Air Canada or Hawaiian Airlines departing from an Australian city for travel to or via Los Angeles, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, Vancouver, Honolulu between December 2021 and 30 June 2022 inclusive.

Bonus Points and Status Credits are a one-time bonus and awarded only on the first international flight segment out of an Australian city.

While you can book and fly through 30 June 2022, you must activate the offer in your Velocity account by the end of 12 December - only 2 more days.

Other T&C's also apply, which you can read when you register. Read More…