Frequent Flyer Training Updates

Here are some of the recent changes to loyalty programs and new updates we’ve made to the Frequent Flyer Solutions training over the past month, as of October 2022.

As a reminder, Business & First Class members enjoy unlimited access to the Frequent Flyer Solutions training program. If you’re a Premium Economy or Economy member, you can access the first unit of every course for free or upgrade your membership to gain full access!

Changes to Velocity Frequent Flyer redemptions

Last month, Velocity introduced the ability to redeem points when shopping online with Myer (albeit at a redemption value of 0.515 cents per Velocity point).

However, as of 5 October 2022, Velocity is updating its award chart for travel on partner airlines and introducing carrier charges on Singapore Airlines reward seat bookings.

We’ve updated Unit 2.2.2 (Redeem Velocity Points).

Qantas ends Flexible Classic Flight Rewards

Qantas has ended its policy of waiving change & cancellation fees on domestic and international Classic Flight Reward bookings that it has previously introduced in 2020 due to COVID-19. The fee waivers ended for all domestic bookings on 30 September 2022. International reward flights booked using Qantas points up to 30 September 2022 can still be changed or cancelled for free until the end of 2022 (only).

We’ve updated Unit 2.1.2 (Redeem Qantas Points).

Changes to CommBank Awards point transfers

CommBank Awards has changed the rate at which points can be transferred to three of its partner loyalty programs – Cathay, Etihad Guest and Emirates Skywards. Updated Unit 3.2.2 (Complete Overview of Credit Card Programs).

As a matter of interest, CommBank Awards is also participating along with all other major Australian banks in this month’s bonus points offer on transfers to Velocity Frequent Flyer.

Deutsche Bahn joins Star Alliance

German railway company Deutsche Bahn has become a Star Alliance member as an “intermodal partner”. Updated Unit 1.1.3 (Airline Alliances).

Update to Qatar Airways award seat release times

Qatar Airways has altered the number of days before departure that award seats are released to book through different frequent flyer programs. Qatar Airways Privilege Club and British Airways Executive Club members can now redeem for seats up to 355 days in advance, while Velocity members gain access 330 days out. Meanwhile Qantas Frequent Flyer members, as well as members of some other Oneworld loyalty programs, are now getting access to Economy seats only 249 days in advance and Business/First seats 119 days ahead of the departure date.

We’ve updated the information on award seat release times in Unit 5.1.2 (Award Availability Search Techniques & Tricks).

Marriott Bonvoy update

Marriott Bonvoy points can no longer be converted to JetBlue TrueBlue points. Updated Unit 4.2.9 (Marriott Bonvoy).

(JetBlue also recently ended its partnership with Emirates Skywards.)

Updates to credit card sign-up offers

We continuously update the Credit Card Master List in Unit 3.2.4 (Choosing a Credit Card), as well as the current Australian credit card sign-up offers in Unit 3.3.1 (Bonus Sign-up Points), at the start of every month. This was last updated on 4 October 2022.