Australian Travel Hacking

#011 Qantas Points Club Shutdown & Strategy

Reward seat alerts, travel hacking tools and resources: https://www.skool.com/australiantravelhacking/about Qantas is shutting down Points Club in late 2026 — and most members don't realise what they're about to lose. In Part 1, I break down exactly what Points Club gives you, which benefit is the crown jewel (hint: it's not the ones Qantas advertises), and how to decide between Base and Plus tiers before the window closes. Part 2 covers the qualification playbook and your six-month action plan. 00:00 Points Club Ending Soon 01:06 Why Qantas Killed It 05:30 How Points Club Works 06:40 Timing Rules Matter 09:24 Grandfathering Window 10:19 Status Credits On Rewards 12:24 Eligible Flights And Traps 14:47 Other Points Club Perks 20:02 Base Vs Plus Decision 20:15 Is Plus Worth It 21:57 Three Factors Checklist 25:35 Wrap Up And Part Two 🇦🇺 Australian Travel Hacking Subscribe for points strategy that actually works.

#010 Qantas double status credits explained: rules, traps, and the $3,500 Platinum strategy

Reward seat alerts, travel hacking tools and resources: https://www.skool.com/australiantravelhacking/about [https://www.skool.com/australiantravelhacking/about] Learn how Qantas Double Status Credits (DSC) works, why it’s a key week for frequent flyers, and how to use it to reach Gold (700 SC) or Platinum (1400 SC) for far less than usual. Covers the 7-day booking window (Feb 24–Mar 2, 2026) and travel window (Mar 3, 2026–Feb 12, 2027), plus critical eligibility rules: Qantas metal/“operated by” checks, register before booking, and new bookings only. Explains status runs, sector stacking, Trans-Tasman business “sweet spots,” and high-yield domestic routes. Details loopholes: Points Club earning SC on reward flights, ABN double-dip, Qantas Holidays packages, lifetime status treatment for Feb 2026, and exclusions like Commonwealth government travel. Includes a step-by-step 7-day action plan and key traps (codeshares, Jetstar).

#009 The System To Get 200,000+ Points Fast. (While increasing your credit score.)

Free Community for Aussie Travel Hackers: https://skool.to/s/nqrdcn 💳 Want 200,000+ points in 6 months? Here's the system that actually works. Most Aussies are throwing away free Business Class flights every single day. 🤦‍♀️ Every time you pay for groceries, fuel, or bills with cash or debit, you're missing out on points that could fund your next overseas trip. Here's what you need to know: ✈️ Sign-up bonuses are HUGE - One card application can net you 120,000+ points (hello Business Class to LA!) 💡 Not all cards are equal - Some earn 3 points per dollar, others just 0.5. Many have caps that stop your earning. 🎯 The smart strategy - Use Amex for maximum earning where accepted, keep Visa/Mastercard as backup 💰 Annual fees aren't scary - A $400 fee card might give you $1,600 worth of flights on sign-up alone 🔄 Transfer don't book direct - Always transfer points to airline programs. Booking direct through your bank portal costs 40% more points! ⚠️ Protect your credit score - Space out applications, pay balances in full, close cards you don't use The biggest mistake? Choosing co-branded Qantas cards for "simplicity" - you're locked into one airline's availability and pricing. Consider Singapore KrisFlyer or Cathay Asia Miles instead. Better availability, lower costs, same routes! ✈️ Ready to turn your everyday spending into premium flights? Start by checking your credit score for free with WeMoney, then choose cards that match your spending patterns. WeMoney App: https://app.wemoney.com.au/signup/?pid=HVTY3865 [https://app.wemoney.com.au/signup/?pid=HVTY3865]

#008 The basics of Points, Status, Alliances and Partnerships

Free Community for Aussie Travel Hackers: https://www.skool.com/australiantravelhacking/about Unveiling the Secrets of Frequent Flyer Programs Discover the hidden world of airline rewards and learn how to turn everyday purchases into dream destinations! 🌟 Key Takeaways: Evolution of Frequent Flyer Programs * From loyalty programs for business elites to profit-generating machines * Programs now intertwined with third-party partners like banks and supermarkets How Frequent Flyer Programs Work * Earning and redeeming points for flights, upgrades, and other travel-related rewards * Achieving elite status for exclusive perks and benefits The Real Value of Frequent Flyer Points * Points can be worth up to 12x more for premium rewards compared to physical items or cash equivalents * Redeeming points for business or first-class seats offers the best value Calculating Point Value with the "Cents per Point" Method * Use the formula: ($ Cash Fare - Taxes & Fees) ÷ Points Required × 100 * Aim for a high cents per point value for maximum benefit Understanding Status Credits * Earned primarily by flying and determine your elite status tier * Elite status offers exclusive perks like lounge access, priority boarding, and upgrades Airline Alliances: Oneworld, Star Alliance, and SkyTeam * Global networks that allow you to earn and redeem points across member airlines * Each alliance has its own set of status tiers and benefits Airline Partnerships Beyond Alliances * Airlines form strategic partnerships to offer reciprocal benefits and earning opportunities * Examples include Virgin Australia's partnerships with Singapore Airlines, Etihad Airways, and United Airlines Avoiding Common Pitfalls * Points cannot be directly transferred between frequent flyer programs * Using points for upgrades on partner flights is generally not possible 🎧 Listen now to uncover the secrets of frequent flyer programs and start turning your everyday spending into unforgettable travel experiences!

#007 Travel News Wrap First Half Sep 2024

Free Community: https://www.skool.com/australiantravelhacking Maximising Travel with New Routes, Upgrades, and Partnerships - Episode 7 In Episode 7 of the Australian Travel Hacking Podcast, Harrison details a variety of recent travel news impacting the Australian market in early September 2024. Highlights include Turkish Airlines' new Sydney routes, Thai Airways considering a Brisbane comeback, and Virgin Australia's renewed partnership with Air New Zealand. Additionally, Brisbane Airport plans major terminal upgrades, Qantas reveals updates to its domestic cabins, and Emirates plans to withdraw from the Singapore-Melbourne route. The episode also explores how to convert PayRewards points to Marriott Bonvoy points for broader travel flexibility. 00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome 00:24 Latest Travel News: September 2024 00:44 Turkish Airlines Expands to Sydney 03:29 Thai Airways Considers Brisbane Return 05:39 Virgin Australia and Air New Zealand Partnership 07:08 Brisbane Airport Overhaul 09:29 Qantas Unveils New Cabins 13:32 Emirates Withdraws from Singapore-Melbourne Route 14:52 PayRewards Points Now Convertible to Marriott Bonvoy 18:29 Conclusion and Community Invitation