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.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

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)

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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)

A true hidden gem, the picturesque Moorabool Valley makes for a relaxing and rewarding long weekend escape.

With its undulating hills and vineyards, the Moorabool Valley is both a beautiful sight and a generous mix of things to do and discover. Expect boutique wineries, farm-to-table eateries, charming accommodation and stunning natural scenery.

The best part? Despite its many drawcards, the region is peaceful and uncrowded, allowing you to truly switch off. It’s also only 90 minutes from Melbourne and just west of Geelong, making it an easy and accessible getaway when you’ve only got a few days to spare.

If you’re after a ready-made long weekend itinerary, the Moorabool Valley and Geelong make an ideal pairing.

Day 1

Morning

Blend your own signature scent from a table of fragrances. — Create your own signature scent. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Start your day in central Geelong, in one of the city’s most cosmopolitan locales. The inner suburb of Newtown is leafy and vibrant, with a host of cafes, boutiques, galleries and specialty stores.

Aysha Hansen Fine Fragrances is a must-visit if you’re a fragrance enthusiast. The artisan perfumer hosts hands-on workshops on weekends, when you can create your own signature scent from a selection of botanical and exotic essences. Beyond being a unique experience, the perfume is a personalised memento of your escape.

Afternoon

A stroll through Austin’s Wines, lined with bottles and warm dining spaces. — Head to Austin’s Wines for a relaxed, seasonal lunch.

Now it’s time to head to the Moorabool Valley for a weekend of tasting, wandering and unwinding.

Stop into Austin’s Wines for a light and seasonal lunch. The family-run winery offers a casual menu filled with locally sourced foods for snacking and pairing with their cool-climate wines – think grazing and cheese boards, flatbreads and small plates. Make sure to pick up a bottle of Austin’s signature pinot noir to take home.

While boutique accommodation abounds, Blame Mabel is a favourite – and for good reason. Check in after lunch for sweeping views over the surrounding hills, a collection of thoughtfully designed accommodation and a distinctly rustic charm. It offers a genuine country stay that allows you to really slow down. If you’re not sampling at the onsite cellar door, you’ll be spending your downtime exploring the property and your evenings warming up around a crackling open fire.

Night

A scrumptious plate of food and a beer. — Settle in for a memorable dinner. (Image: Batesford Hotel)

Dinner at the historic Batesford Hotel is a must. This welcoming venue offers country character and refined elegance in equal measure, and the food is a standout.

Order a round of share plates or pizzas with creative toppings, or go for hearty mains like slow-cooked lamb rump with ancient grains and ricotta gnocchi that melts in your mouth. If you’re travelling with little ones, the kids’ menu is surprisingly considered, with options to suit even the pickiest eaters.

Day 2

Morning

A person slicing food from a plate at the Meredith Farm Store. — Dig into a homestyle feast. (Image: Meredith Farm Store)

It’s almost guaranteed that you’ll wake up at Blame Mabel feeling rested and recharged – and very ready for a proper breakfast.

The Meredith Farm Store is a go-to for a homestyle feast. The morning menu is simple but seriously delicious, with classics like smashed avo, Turkish eggs and breakfast muffins given a Meredith twist. Many of the dishes incorporate the farm’s famed dairy products (including the iconic goat cheese) and seasonal produce.

Pick up some sweet and savoury treats and a few drinks from the shop to fuel the rest of your day – you’re about to explore on foot.

Afternoon

Hikers exploring the scenic trails of Brisbane Ranges National Park. — Hit the trails and explore rugged beauty.

Your afternoon is best spent in the rugged Brisbane Ranges National Park, a sprawling bushland reserve with Victoria’s most significant habitat for wildflowers. Choose from a network of walks and hikes that range from relatively flat trails to more challenging terrain.

You can expect plenty of gorgeous scenery whichever path you opt for, with eucalypt forests, rocky outcrops and panoramic lookouts throughout the park. There are also several scenic picnic spots where you can savour your Meredith Farm bounty.

Night

A cosy charcuterie spread by the fireplace. — Cosy up by the fireplace with a charcuterie board. (Image: Sarah Miles)

A busy day of exploring calls for a relaxed evening in, and Blame Mabel delivers. Whether you’re staying in the restored farmhouse, the cosy self-contained cabin or the communal lodge, you’ll have access to ample cooking facilities and plenty of cosy corners to unwind in after dark.

Finish the evening with a round of board games, cosying up with a good book from the well-stocked bookshelf or a soak in the outdoor tub under a sky thick with stars.

Day 3

Morning

On your third and final day, you’ll want to soak up the quiet beauty of your surrounds. After being woken by the soft glow of morning sunlight, enjoy a lazy breakfast of freshly collected and cooked eggs or build-your-own muesli and creamy yoghurt, paired with seasonal produce from the garden.

Once you’ve packed, ease back towards Geelong for a relaxed afternoon.

Afternoon

Paddock Bakery glowing on a bright, sunny day. — Take home freshly baked treats. (Image: Paddock Bakery)

Pop by the Geelong Vintage Market to wander rows upon rows of collectable retro treasures, from furniture and home decor to books and vinyl.

To wrap up your long weekend adventure, wander through the surrounding Federal Mills precinct, which houses a mix of businesses, retailers and eateries. The precinct itself is a historic and character-filled space with large-scale hand-painted murals, making it a great spot for a leisurely stroll. Grab some freshly baked pastries from Paddock Bakery for the drive home.

Plan your Moorabool Valley adventure now at visitgeelongbellarine.com.au.

Which frequent flyer programs should you join in Australia?

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

Should I bother joining a frequent flyer program?