Listen "Episode 4 - Major Velocity Frequent Flyer Changes & Lord Howe Island"
Episode Synopsis
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
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
More episodes of the podcast Travel Pointers
Episode 20 - The Million Mile Craze
06/10/2025
Episode 17 - Premium Economy on Emirates
19/08/2025
Episode 16 - AFF Point Valuations
04/08/2025
Episode 13 - How to Use Avios
02/06/2025
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