In episode 24 of the Travel Pointers podcast, Matt Graham chats to LoungePair CEO Daniel Kinnoch for a behind-the-scenes look at the world of airport lounges!

Everyone loves to start off their trip with a visit to a great airport lounge - and if you don't already have access through airline status, a lounge membership or your credit card, LoungePair can make that possible. Some airport lounges even over swimming pools!

Plus, Air New Zealand's loyalty program often gets a bad rap on the Australian Frequent Flyer forum. But in this episode, find out why there is some decent value to be found in Airpoints (soon to be renamed as "Koru") after all - especially if you live in New Zealand.

Here’s where you can find more information the topics discussed in this episode:

• Qantas Introduces Dine on Demand in First Class
• A Boyhood Dream Fulfilled: Space-Geek Tour of the USA (AFF Trip Report of the Year)
• LoungePair Guide: Access Airport Lounges for Less
• Complimentary LoungePair+ for AFF Platinum Members
• Swim, Gym, Sauna & Shower at Melbourne Airport for $25

Join Matt Graham and Wilson McTaggart for episode 23 of Travel Pointers! The pair discuss which are the world's best airlines, as well as their favourite picks - do you agree with their list?

Also, Australians often focus their attention on two of the three alliances: Oneworld and Star Alliance. Many people seem to forget that the SkyTeam alliance exists – but it’s for exactly that reason that it could be worth your while to learn about it.

Each episode begins with a discussion of some of the recent Australian travel and frequent flyer news. In this episode:

• Qantas and Virgin Australia banning use of power banks
• Last chance to transfer Amex points at current rates (15 Dec)
• Earn Velocity status credits on distance flown with Virgin Australia Holidays
• Virgin Australia closing Sydney premium lounge entry
• Burgers are now served in the Qantas Business lounge in Sydney
• Jetstar flyers can earn more Qantas Points and bonus status credits each year with a Qantas Frequent Flyer Extra subscription
• Qantas will improve downgrade compensation policy for customers on Classic Reward tickets
• Cathay banning changes to frequent flyer numbers online or over the phone

Here's where you can also find more information about other topics discussed in this episode:

• What are your favourite airlines? Let us know in this thread!
• Matt's 5 favourite airlines
• Stephen's 5 favourite airlines
• How to access the AFF discount on Qantas Club memberships

Join Matt Graham and Wilson McTaggart for episode 22 of Travel Pointers!

Next month, American Express will make big changes to its Membership Rewards program. The transfer rates to many overseas airline programs will get devalued, and there are also a couple of changes to transfer partners that are available.

In this episode, we’ll discuss what’s changing and the best ways to use your Amex points, especially if you want to transfer them out before the upcoming devaluation.

Even if you don’t have Amex points, you might find this discussion useful as we’ll talk about the ways Australians can redeem points with overseas frequent flyer programs.

Each episode begins with a discussion of some of the recent Australian travel and frequent flyer news. In this episode:

• Qantas introducing Economy Plus
• Qantas announces Sydney International Business Lounge upgrade plans
• The price of Qantas Club membership is increasing - get a discount with Gold and Platinum AFF memberships
• Air New Zealand renaming Airpoints to Koru, introducing a new Black tier
• Qatar Airways now charges seat selection fees on reward tickets

Here's where you can also find more information about other topics discussed in this episode:

• American Express Membership Rewards changes
• Qantas vs Velocity status comparison
• AFF's membership changes