Which Frequent Flyer Programs Should You Join?

Almost every airline will offer some form of frequent flyer scheme, but which one is the best for Australian travellers?

Nowadays, most airlines will offer some sort of frequent flyer program with the hope of persuading passenger loyalty. These loyalty schemes allow members to earn points or miles that can be redeemed for free flights, upgrades, hotel stays, shopping and more.

Interest in frequent flyer programs has grown exponentially, with the vast expanse of Australia often leaving air travel as the only realistic option. That combined with our overwhelming desire to explore beyond our island, in light of recent years. While signing up to a loyalty program like Qantas Frequent Flyer or Velocity Frequent Flyer is a key to avoid missing out, most travellers don’t take full advantage of their program’s benefits.

But with the myriad of loyalty clubs out there, not everyone has time to delve into the nitty-gritty of each airline’s program. In this guide, we explore some of the best frequent flyer programs for Australian travellers, so you can make an informed choice and start earning your way to first-class travel perks.

Should I bother joining a frequent flyer program?

If you’re going to get on a plane at some point, you might as well join a frequent flyer program. Even if you don’t plan to travel enough to enjoy benefits like priority boarding, airport lounge access and free upgrades, you’ll at least begin to build a points balance. After all, it’s not going to cost you anything to add your loyalty number to a booking.

Once you’ve racked up enough points or miles, you’ll have the option to trade them for discounted flights, business class upgrades, hotel stays and more.

Qantas Frequent Flyer

As well as running Australia’s largest airline, Qantas also operates Australia’s largest loyalty scheme. Membership normally attracts a $99.50 joining fee, although there are many ways to join for free .

the Qantas plane ready for take off — Qantas is Australia’s largest airline. (Image: Josh Withers)

Qantas Frequent Flyer makes it easy to earn points on your everyday spending, in addition to flying with the red roo and its airline partners. Members are also in for an impressive array of perks as they ascend through the elite status tiers of silver, gold, platinum and platinum one. You’ll also have the chance to unlock even more benefits with Qantas’ unique points club and green tier initiatives.

plane window seat on a Qantas flight — Qantas Frequent Flyer makes it easy to earn points. (Image: Joseph Bobadilla)

Why join Qantas Frequent Flyer?

Qantas is more than likely to have a domestic or international route to get you wherever you need to be. The airline also operates Australia’s largest lounge network, making it more than likely you’ll find somewhere to relax before boarding. Plus, as part of the oneworld airline alliance , Qantas members can earn and redeem points, as well as use their loyalty benefits with a myriad of global airlines.

a Qantas plane flying — Qantas can get you wherever you want to be. (Image: Troy Mortier)

Qantas points are perhaps the easiest airline loyalty points to earn in Australia, with a huge number of banking partners, as well as Woolworths, BP and other large businesses.

a Qantas plane on the ground — Qantas is part of the OneWorld airline alliance. (Image: Josh Withers)

What’s not so good about Qantas Frequent Flyer?

Booking flights with your Qantas points is becoming increasingly harder. The challenge is amplified on popular routes or during peak travel times when it’s nearly impossible to use your hard-earned points. As well as booking difficulties, Qantas is known to press high fuel and carrier surcharges on redemptions, especially for travel with airline partners.

Virgin Australia Velocity Frequent Flyer

Virgin Australia wants to be Australia’s most loved airline, and they are well on their way with one of the best frequent flyer programs available today. The familiar status tiers of silver, gold and platinum exist with Velocity , who add some useful perks like free wi-fi and the ability to move to an earlier flight for free with elite status.

the tail of the Virgin Australia plane — Velocity Frequent Flyer is one of the best programs. (Image: Joseph Bobadilla)

Why join Velocity Frequent Flyer?

Velocity has an excellent family pooling feature that allows members to earn points and/or status credits in a single account with family members living at the same address. This makes it easier to reach rewards faster and unlock the benefits of elite status.

It is relatively easy to earn Velocity points on the ground, with Flybuys points easily transferred, as well as partnerships with 7/11 and other outlets. Reward seats are also typically easier to find than other programs.

the Virgin Australia plane flying — Earn Velocity points on a Virgin Australia flight. (Image: Nathan Dumlao)

What’s not so good about Velocity Frequent Flyer?

Virgin Australia isn’t part of a major airline alliance, meaning elite perks like lounge access will differ between airline partners.

the Virgin Australia plane about to land at sunset — It’s easy to book with Velocity points. (Image: Nick Sarvari)

Regional Express Rex Flyer

Regional Express has also launched its own frequent flyer program, Rex Flyer . While only new, it’s still a contender worthy of your loyalty. For frequent regional travellers, Rex Flyer is the ideal choice with a number of flights to and from Australia’s most remote towns.

Why join Rex Flyer?

Rex Flyer offers those with status complimentary upgrades to business class, as well as extra legroom seating when travelling in economy. For last-minute redemptions, Rex is best, with nearly every seat on the flight available for booking with points, between 24 and 48 hours before take-off.

What’s not so good about Rex Flyer?

Rex Flyer lacks any way to earn points apart from taking Rex flights. On 30 July 2024, the Rex Group entered voluntary administration, with all Rex domestic flights between major cities cancelled. All regional planes are still flying as scheduled. They have zero international flights. Their lounge network is also in desperate need of repair.

the Regional Express plane on the ground — Rex Flyer is the newest frequent flyer program. (Image: Josh Withers)

Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer

Singapore Airlines operates a significant worldwide network, connecting Australia to Asia and beyond. The airline is synonymous with excellent service, even in economy class.

a Singapore Airlines plane flying — Singapore Airlines provides flights connecting Australia to Asia. (Image: Saif Zaman)

Why join Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer?

KrisFlyer is one of the easier overseas programs for earning in Australia. As well as a host of credit card transfer options, you can earn KrisFlyer miles for shopping online, on Virgin Australia flights as well as with other partners. They’re also a part of the Star Alliance network, giving even further access to perks, earning and redemption across some of the best global carriers.

the Singapore Airlines plane on the ground — You can earn KrisFlyer miles for shopping online. (Image: Goh Rhy Yan)

What’s not so good about KrisFlyer?

Remember to keep an eye on your KrisFlyer balance, as miles expire three years after they’re earned, rather than a rolling expiry period like other airlines adopt.

Cathay Pacific Asia Miles/Marco Polo

Explore the world via Hong Kong with Cathay Pacific, which offers some of the best long-haul seating worldwide. The carrier operates in several Australian cities, with an enormous worldwide reach from a single connection.

Why join Cathay Pacific Asia Miles?

Asia Miles offers some of the best redemption rates in the industry, including for round-the-world bookings using points. Members can also readily earn miles in Australia, with several banking and hotel partners, as well as onboard Qantas Flights.

Cathay Pacific is also a oneworld alliance member, opening up redemption opportunities across the globe. Elite status members can also benefit from priority perks when travelling with oneworld airlines.

Cathay Pacific planes lined up on the runway — Fly via Hong Kong with Cathay Pacific. (Image: Al Reile Dela Torre)

What’s not so good about Asia Miles?

If you want to unlock elite perks through Cathay Pacific, you will need to link up a separate Asia Miles and Marco Polo Club account, to earn both miles and status on each flight. This is unnecessarily complex for the everyday traveller.

a plane window view, Cathay Pacific — Unlock elite perks through Cathay Pacific. (Image: Kevin Bosc)

Warmer days call for slowing down and relaxing in nature. Discover why The Tweed is the ultimate destination to do just that.

As the end of the year draws near, the need for rest and restoration grows ever more prominent. For many, that means heading into nature – and there’s plenty of science to back up the benefits of doing so. It quite literally makes us happier as it reduces stress hormones, lowers our blood pressure and more. And what better place to lean into this feel-good effect than during summer in The Tweed (in the Northern Rivers region of NSW)? Blending sparkling beaches, riverside towns and hinterland villages, this area has nature covered, while also offering top activities and dining options.

And of course, pack your SPF. We Are Feel Good Inc’s Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is a lightweight and fast-absorbing formula that keeps your skin hydrated and shielded, thanks to nourishing Coconut Oil and Vitamin E. But it’s also helping preserve the natural beauty around you on your Tweed vacation, thanks to 30 per cent ocean waste packaging.

Discover eight experiences that make The Tweed the perfect place for summer.

1. Underwater worlds

two people swimming after turtle on the tweed — Get a chance to swim with the locals.

There’s something about the ocean that calls to us as humans, and what’s below the surface is even more magical.

Green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles (not to mention an abundance of other marine life) all use the protected waters around Cook Island, near Fingal Head, as their foraging ground, making it the perfect place to dive and snorkel to spot these adorable creatures.

Join Cooly Eco Adventures on a guided snorkelling tour that combines unforgettable turtle encounters with an inspiring look into marine conservation.

2. Farm-to-table dining

table spread at Potager restaurant — Treat your taste buds at Potager. (Image: Cara Sophie)

Respecting the land and nature also means appreciating its abundance of food. From farm-to-table cafes and boutique breweries to river cruises and restaurants championing local produce, dining around The Tweed often means engaging with the best local producers.

The award-winning Potager Restaurant , part of The Hinterland Collection , is the perfect example; beginning life as a kitchen garden, the passion to champion local producers is woven into every dish. Vegetables, fruit and herbs are picked from the garden or sourced from other local producers, the seafood comes from the Northern Rivers, and meat is sourced from ethical local producers. Even the cocktail list features local distillers.

Extend your stay with a night (or several) at boutique on-site accommodation, Potager House . This French-inspired country four-bedroom retreat boasts stunning views of the surrounding hills and nearby ocean, as well as a large pool, outdoor entertaining area and infrared sauna.

3. Water wellness

Waterguru Mindfulness in the Mangroves summer on the tweed — Find mindfulness in mangroves. (Image: Matt Johnson)

You’ll find mindfulness while floating around the mangroves of Kingscliff’s Cudgen Creek at any time, but Watersports Guru offers an immersive experience to help guests do so with more intent. Join a 90-minute guided session on a stand-up paddleboard to reconnect with nature and relax through breathwork, gentle movement and sensory awareness.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, Watersports Guru also offer Kayak fishing adventures or join a Sea Turtle Odyssey experience.

4. Restorative seaside stays

woman relaxing in spa at Halcyon Wellness, halcyon house — Unwind at Halcyon Wellness.

The Tweed encourages locals and visitors alike to slow down. To really indulge, a seaside stay is a must. Halcyon House has understood the assignment, blending a wellness philosophy centred on balance and self-discovery with luxurious surrounds. Stay in one of 22 rooms and suites (each individually designed by eclectic interior designer Anna Spiro) right on the beachfront. Book restorative treatments at the onsite spa, Halcyon Wellness, relax by the pool, dine at the hatted Paper Daisy restaurant and just let The Tweed work its magic.

While Blue Water Motel offers a relaxed coastal escape, just steps from Kingscliff Beach. Settle in stylish rooms, recently restyled by Jason Grant, nodding to the cool of Kingscliff with a fun retro vibe. Hire a bike from reception to explore the surrounding area.

5. Tasty drops

The owners at Husk Farm Distillery aren’t just about creating high-quality rum: they’re also farmers themselves. In fact, they create one of the world’s only single estate, farm-to-bottle spirits. Join a Farm to Bottle tour to discover the sustainable ‘full circle’ distilling practices used here, and even get hands-on with your own cane knife to help harvest and juice your own stalk of cane. And, of course, a welcome drink plus complimentary tastings along the way.

6. Rail trail adventures

Exploring the rolling green slopes and historic towns of the 24-kilometre Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is one of the best ways to connect with the region’s lush hinterland and interesting heritage. In this section of the trail, discover the area’s railway history at heritage-listed Murwillumbah Railway Station, and traverse by 18 railway bridges and through two railway tunnels.

Linking vibrant towns and villages with the larger hub of Murwillumbah, this section of the trail is covered in asphalt or compacted gravel, making it accessible for all ages and abilities, from prams to adaptive bikes.

7. Linger longer

surfer at fingal heads the tweed — Enjoy beachside locations, like Fingal Heads.

Linger longer at one of the seven idyllic beach, river and creekside locations of Tweed Holiday Parks – including at Tweed Heads, Kingscliff Beach, Hastings Point and Pottsville South. All just steps from the water’s edge, they make the ideal base to unwind, or head out for exploration of The Tweed. Choose from luxury waterfront cabins, accessible cabins, surfari tents (yes, they are basically glamping tents) or spacious sites for caravans, motorhomes and campervans or tents.

Find your feel-good summer in The Tweed at visitthetweed.com.au .

Which frequent flyer programs should you join in Australia?