In episode 5 of the Travel Pointers podcast, Velocity Frequent Flyer CEO Nick Rohrlach joins Matt and Chris to talk about the recent changes to Virgin Australia's loyalty program.

In this interview, find out why Velocity is making status harder to earn, why Velocity is launching a Forever Gold tier, what the enhanced partnership with Qatar Airways means for frequent flyers, and lots more!

Also in this episode, find out why next year could be the ideal time to visit Mongolia. It's not a country many people really consider travelling to, but it's an up-and-coming destination with lots to offer tourists. Plus, until the end of 2025, Australians don't need a visa to travel there.

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

• Virgin Australia slashes Economy Flex airfares
• Virgin and Etihad are ending their partnership in 2025
• Etihad status match for Australian Velocity members
• Qantas status match for New Zealand residents
• You can now transfer Altitude and Amplify points to Everyday Rewards (and then Qantas)
• Fiji Airways will fly to Cairns

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

• Learn more about AFF memberships
• Subscribe to the Point Hacks reward seat alerts newsletter
• Read a review of Matt's flight on a MIAT Mongolian Airlines Boeing 767

In Travel Pointers Episode 4, Matt and Chris share their thoughts and opinions about the changes Virgin Australia is making to its Velocity Frequent Flyer program over the next year. These include changes to the way flyers earn and redeem points, the introduction of Platinum Plus and Forever Gold status, and Virgin making status much harder for most people to earn.

With Qantas just retiring its last Boeing 717, Chris and Matt reflect on the iconic plane that's graced Australian skies for almost 25 years.

The pair also discuss the what the recent news regarding air service to Lord Howe Island means for frequent flyers. Qantas currently flies to this island paradise between Australia and New Zealand, and this flight is one of the best uses of Qantas Points. But with Qantas soon retiring the only plane in its fleet capable of operating this service, it's doing some succession planning.

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

• Qatar Airways eyes 25% stake in Virgin Australia
• Qantas adds reward seats with Oman Air
• Qantas Adds Airlink Codeshares
• Australia's Incoming Passenger Card Finally on the Way Out
• QantasLink Retires Its Last Boeing 717
• Qantas Adds Flights to Palau
• Welcome Change to Qantas Flight Credits
• You Can Now Convert Amex Points to Alaska Miles (via HawaiianMiles)

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

• Compare credit cards on Point Hacks
• Summary of the changes to Velocity Frequent Flyer
• AFF discussion thread about the Velocity program changes
• AFF's Meetings & Social Events forum
• Qantas Retreating from Lord Howe Island in 2026

In Travel Pointers Episode 3, Matt and Chris discuss how they earn Qantas and Velocity Points in ways other than the obvious methods of flying and through credit cards. This includes several ways to earn frequent flyer points in Australia for free.

Your hosts also talk about the first time they each flew internationally in First Class. They weren't rich nor famous, but they did have enough Qantas Points to book seats on (different) Emirates flights!

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

• Turkish Airlines Will Fly to Sydney via Kuala Lumpur
• Emirates set to withdraw from Singapore-Melbourne
• Qantas to Replace Jetstar on Melbourne-Honolulu
• Qatar Airways Increases “Reward Fees”
• Qantas Offers Status Renewals with Points

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

• Subscribe to the Point Hacks reward seat alerts newsletter
• How Point Hacks writer Brandon Loo easily earned 10,000 bonus points with gift cards
• The latest Everyday Rewards gift card bonus point offers
• The latest Flybuys gift card bonus point offers
• Learn more about AFF memberships
• How to transfer Velocity Points to KrisFlyer miles
• More information about the AFF Brisbane gathering (18-20 October 2024)