Since SAS launched a promo last year offering a million frequent flyer points to members who flew with 15 SkyTeam partner airlines, many other airlines have launched copycat promos. Are these offers worthwhile, and would something similar work in Australia? Matt and Wilson discuss this, and lots more, in the latest episode of Travel Pointers!

Note: since this episode was recoreded, Velocity have announced extra benefits for Platinum Plus members.

Each episode begins with a discussion of some of the recent Australian travel and frequent flyer news. In this episode:

• Velocity's changes to status
• Qantas' new A321 XLR
• Qantas announces new partnership with David Jones
• Chile removes visa requirements for Australians
• ALL Accor Plus rebrands as ALL Accor+ Explorer
• Qantas and Malaysia Airlines announce codeshare agreement
• Virgin Australia introduces neighbour-free seating

Here's where you can also find more information about other topics discussed in this episode:

• AFF's 18th annual member gathering in Melbourne
• SAS 'Eurobonus Millionaire' promotion

Join Matt Graham and special guest Udhara de Silva, the head of Loyalty Marketing & Strategy for Singapore Airlines in Australia, for episode 19 of Travel Pointers!

In this podcast episode, Matt and Udhara discuss how Singapore Airlines and KrisFlyer manage to compete in Australia against two very dominant local players. They also talk about the upcoming KrisFlyer program changes, Kris+, KrisFlyer's hard three-year mileage expiration policy, and some of the ways you can earn bonus KrisFlyer miles in Australia right now.

Finally, later in this episode, Matt follows up on some AFF member feedback from our last episode on hotel loyalty programs.

Each episode begins with a discussion of some of the recent Australian travel and frequent flyer news. In this episode:

• Amex Membership Rewards program devaluation
• Qantas quietly devalues Classic Plus redemptions
• Cashrewards suddenly closes down
• Lufthansa City Airlines joins Star Alliance
• Jetstar getting Business Class on its A321XLRs

Here's where you can also find more information about other topics discussed in this episode:

• AFF's Meetings & Social Events forum
• Updates to the Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer program

Join Matt Graham and Wilson McTaggart for episode 18 of Travel Pointers!

In Travel Pointers Episode 18, Matt and Wilson discuss what makes a good hotel loyalty program. The pair talk about our favourite programs, why they like them, and how you can make the most of them.

Each episode begins with a discussion of some of the recent Australian travel and frequent flyer news. In this episode:

• Qantas removing points option from loyalty bonus from 15 September
• Qantas extending flights to Palau for another year
• Qantas has resumed giving free upgrades to Platinum members
• KrisFlyer award chart changes

Here's where you can also find more information about other topics discussed in this episode:

• AFF's webinars
• My IHG One Rewards status strategy
• My excellent experience with Radisson Rewards status
• Accor Plus guide