Travel Pointers

Matt Graham and Wilson McTaggart
  • 4.8 (37)
  • PLACES & TRAVEL
  • UPDATED MONTHLY
Travel Pointers

Join Australian Frequent Flyer editor Matt Graham and other experts from the travel industry for the latest frequent flyer news, tips and travel stories each month!

  1. 6 JULY

    Episode 14 - Flying Longhaul On Narrowbody Aircraft

    Join Matt Graham and Wilson McTaggart for episode 14 of Travel Pointers! Sorry we missed last month, but we're back to our regular schedule! In Travel Pointers Episode 14, Matt and Wilson discuss Qantas' new A321 XLR and what it's like flying long-haul on narrow-body aircraft. They also chat about the routes they took from Europe to Australia. Each episode begins with a discussion of some of the recent Australian travel and frequent flyer news. In this episode: Qantas gets hit with a cyber attack, compromising around 6 million people's data Oman Air joins Oneworld Qantas and Hawaiian Airlines launch new partnership Velocity re-opens redemptions on Hainan Airlines, Capital Airlines and Hong Kong Airlines Jetstar Asia will cease operations from 31 July 2025 LATAM removes Sydney-Auckland fifth-freedom route China Eastern announces Auckland-Buenos Aires fifth-freedom flights Here's where you can also find more information about other topics discussed in this episode: Upcoming webinar about fifth-freedom routes, on 15 July 2025 Matt's review of TAP Air Portugal A321neo LR Economy Class Thread: Would you fly at a less convenient time to get a nicer plane?

    26 min

  2. 1 JUNE

    Episode 13 - How to Use Avios

    Join Matt Graham and Wilson McTaggart for episode 13 of Travel Pointers! In this episode, Matt and Wilson talk all about Avios, the valuable points used by 7 different frequent flyer programs. They'll discuss what they are, how you can earn them in Australia – and most importantly, how to use them for maximum benefit. If you want to learn more about earning and redeeming Avios, you may also be interested in AFF's upcoming webinar on Thursday 12 June 2025. Each episode begins with a discussion of some of the recent Australian travel and frequent flyer news. In this episode: Cathay Pacific launches Adelaide-Hong Kong flights Qantas announces Adelaide-Auckland flights, opens new Domestic Business Class lounge in Adelaide Qantas to refurbish its Sydney International Business Class lounge Skytrans taking over Sydney-Lord Howe Island route from QantasLink Westpac changes earn rates on some cards, ANZ increases sign-up exclusion period Here's where you can also find more information about other topics discussed in this episode: Overview of Avios transfer partnerships Upcoming 12 June webinar on Avios Finnair A350 Premium Economy review Guide to AFF memberships

    26 min

  3. 18 MAY

    Episode 12 - Redeeming Qantas & Velocity Points on Partner Airlines

    Join Matt Graham and Wilson McTaggart for episode 12 of Travel Pointers! In Travel Pointers Episode 12, Matt and Wilson discuss how to use your Qantas and Velocity points on partner airlines. This can be a great option if you can’t find availability on Qantas or Virgin – or you want to travel somewhere that your own airline doesn’t fly to. They also chat about the unusual way that Wilson flew to Singapore last week.   Each episode begins with a discussion of some of the recent Australian travel and frequent flyer news. In this episode: Qantas launching Adelaide-Auckland from 31 Oct until 3 May  QF domestic Business Lounge now open in Adelaide  Jetstar will end flights to Hawaii in October after 19 years  FlyPelican will end its partnership with Velocity at the end of this month  Velocity’s offering 15% bonus on transfers from most Aussie credit card reward programs The Escape Lounges at Brisbane and Cairns are now open, and are accepting Priority Pass Cathay Pacific has reopened The Bridge Lounge in Hong Kong  US government has just implemented a new law about resort fees  Emirates’ surprising new First Class reward restriction  Here's where you can also find more information about other topics discussed in this episode: The upcoming webinar on how to find Business and First Class flights using points Want to be an AFF writer? Read more info and apply now! The full fifth-freedom route list Qantas' partner airlines (2005 vs 2025) Velocity ending partnership with Etihad and Hawaiian Airlines Wilson's Cathay Pacific A350 Premium Economy review Matt's Emirates Boeing 777 First Class review

    26 min

  4. 4 MAY

    Episode 11 - When Travel Goes Wrong

    Have you ever got yourself into a sticky situation while travelling? How did you get out of it, and what would you do differently next time?  In Travel Pointers Episode 11, join Matt Graham and Wilson McTaggart as they talk about their worst travel mistakes! Even the most experienced travellers have issues, so the pair discuss what's gone wrong on their travels and the ways you can avoid any problems.   Each episode begins with a discussion of some of the recent Australian travel and frequent flyer news. In this episode: Malaysia Airlines resumes Kuala Lumpur-Brisbane route Thailand now requires a digital arrivals card AMP Bank launches new Qantas Point-earning bank account Bankwest discontinues its existing Qantas transaction account Qantas begins renovations of its Auckland lounges Qantas changes to the Cathay Pacific lounge at Vancouver Bangkok airport lounge access changes Here's where you can also find more information about other topics discussed in this episode: The 'have you made any travel mistakes lately' thread Wilson's VietJet Air A330 review Matt's experience attempting to claim EU261 compensation from Iberia Credit card travel insurance comparison The AFF MasterClass (Sydney 6 September)

    36 min

  5. 13 APR

    Episode 10 - How to Find Cheap Flights

    In Travel Pointers Episode 10, Matt and Wilson chat about finding cheap flights! The pair talk about the strategies they use to save money and find cheaper flights to destinations including Asia, Europe and North America, for both Economy and premium cabins. The pair also discuss Virgin Australia's flights to Doha, and recent updates about the service. Each episode begins with a discussion of some of the recent Australian travel and frequent flyer news. In this episode: Fiji Airways joins Oneworld British Airways loyalty program rebrands to British Airways Club, changes status calculations Amex and PayRewards allow transfers to British Airways Club Avios Loganair now uses Avios Qatar Airways Privilege Club adds Garuda Indonesia United begin flights to Adelaide New information about the VA flights to Doha Here's where you can also find more information about other topics discussed in this episode: How to use Google Flights Strategies for cheap Business Class flights to Europe Finnair, Turkish and Lufthansa round-the-world fares Oneworld Explorer Guide Wilson's Vietjet review

    31 min

  6. 30 MAR

    Episode 9 - Travel Tips for Japan

    In Travel Pointers Episode 9, Matt and Wilson talk all things Japan! Find out why so many Aussies are going there, what we like about it the most, and which airlines you can fly to get there. The pair also chat about Velocity moving to spend-based status, and whether Qantas will follow suit. Each episode begins with a discussion of some of the recent Australian travel and frequent flyer news. In this episode: Qantas Auckland Lounge renovations Cathay Pacific award chart changes Southwest Airlines changes Velocity Status changes Here's where you can also find more information about other topics discussed in this episode: Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto hotel prices exploding Matt's review of All Nippon Airways (ANA) Economy Class

    26 min

  7. 16 MAR

    Episode 8 - How to Use Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Miles

    In Travel Pointers Episode 8, Matt and Wilson explain everything you need to know about redeeming Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer miles. It’s a great program with tons of Business Class award availability in and out of Australia, so it’s worth taking the time to get to know it! The pair discuss the quirks you need to be aware of when using Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, as well as certain sweet spots that can make your miles go further! Each episode begins with a discussion of some of the recent Australian travel and frequent flyer news. In this episode: Qantas reveals new Classic Reward charts Hawaiian Airlines ends Virgin Australia partnership Emirates brings "game-changer" First Class onto Melbourne-Dubai New alternative to Melbourne's Skybus begins service Qantas launch new March 2025 Double Status Credit promotion Here's where you can also find more information about other topics discussed in this episode: Transfer KrisFlyer miles to Velocity Matt's Singapore Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 Business Class review The best credit cards to earn KrisFlyer miles How to fly around the world with KrisFlyer miles KrisFlyer Spontaneous Escapes promotion Learn more about Frequent Flyer Concierge

    33 min

  8. 2 MAR

    Episode 7 - How to Find Reward Flight Availability in 2025

    In Travel Pointers Episode 7, Matt and Wilson explain how to find reward flight availability in 2025 - especially if you want to redeem your frequent flyer points for Business Class tickets. The pair discuss the latest reward flight trends, the airlines and routes which have the most reward seats, and the strategies you need to find them. Over recent years, airlines have drastically changed the way they release reward seats. So the approach you need to take has changed as well! Each episode begins with a discussion about recent Australian travel and frequent flyer news. In this episode: Qantas Relaunches Seasonal Sapporo Flights  Singapore Airlines Adds Garuda, Ends Virgin Atlantic Partnership  Hilton Honors Status Match Challenge  Here’s where you can find more information about other topics discussed in this episode: Australian Frequent Flyer webinars AFF member trip report: A super short and roundabout trip to Tokyo via the Middle East and Europe in (mostly) F Learn more about Frequent Flyer Concierge

    31 min
See All (14)

4.8
out of 5
37 Ratings

About

Join Australian Frequent Flyer editor Matt Graham and other experts from the travel industry for the latest frequent flyer news, tips and travel stories each month!

Information

  • Creator
    Matt Graham and Wilson McTaggart
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Travel Pointers

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