Podcasts
Travel Pointers Ep 4 – Major Velocity Frequent Flyer Changes & Lord Howe Island
There's a change in the air, quite literally. We talk about what it means for travellers.

This month brings the fourth episode of Travel Pointers. Join Point Hacks News Editor Chris Chamberlin and Australian Frequent Flyer Editor Matt Graham for this month’s chat: ‘Major Velocity Frequent Flyer Changes & Lord Howe Island’.
Travel Pointers is a brand-new podcast for frequent flyers. In this fourth episode, Chris and Matt share the latest news and dive extensively into the upcoming changes to Velocity Frequent Flyer. The changes are the most significant to the program since it relaunched as part of the airline’s rebrand from Virgin Blue to Virgin Australia many years ago.
The pair also chat about Lord Howe Island. Specifically, why it’s one of the very best uses of Qantas Points, even though you’re flying Economy.

Show notes: Major Velocity Frequent Flyer Changes & Lord Howe Island
Every episode starts with a segment discussing a selection of recent news relevant to Australian travellers. In this episode, Chris and Matt discuss:
- Velocity’s major changes: new status tiers and points reshuffles
- Velocity reduces Status Credits on partner airline flights
- How will Velocity’s Status Credit changes affect you?
- Qatar Airways eyes 25% stake in Virgin Australia
- Australia’s incoming passenger card is finally on the way out
- Qantas adds reward seats with Oman Air
- Qantas boosts capacity on Johannesburg route with A380
- QantasLink Boeing 717 retirement
- Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines unlocks miles transfers
- Welcome change to Qantas flight credits
- Qantas adds Airlink codeshares
To learn more about the other topics discussed in this episode, you can also read:
- Opinion: Is Velocity Status still worth it after 2025?
- Fast track to Gold Status with the HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card
- Grab the best domestic redemption from just $88 with points to Lord Howe Island
- Subscribe to the Point Hacks reward seat availability alerts newsletter
- Learn more about Australian Frequent Flyer memberships
- Learn more about Australian Frequent Flyer webinars
Qantas American Express Ultimate
- Sign-up Bonus: 100,000 bonus Qantas Points
- Rewards Earn Rate: 1.25 Qantas Points earned per $1 on eligible everyday purchases. 2.25 Qantas Points per $1 spent on selected Qantas products and services in Australia. 0.5 Qantas Point per $1 at government bodies in Australia. After a total of 100,000 Qantas Points is earned in a calendar year, the everyday earn rate will change from 1.25 to 1 Qantas Point per $1 spent..
- Annual Fee: $450 p.a.
- Offer expires: 18 March 2025
The Qantas American Express Ultimate Card has 100,000 bonus Qantas Points on offer for new American Express Card Members who apply by 18 March 2025. It’s one of the highest-earning Qantas Point cards and comes with a $450 Qantas Travel Credit each year plus a range of premium travel benefits. Eligibility criteria, minimum spend and T&Cs apply. New Card Members only.
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You can also read more about Travel Pointers, and access newer episodes of the podcast when they are published.
HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card
- Sign-up Bonus: Fast Track to Star Alliance Gold Status
- Rewards Earn Rate: Earn 1 Star Alliance Point per $1 on eligible purchases, up to $3,000 per statement period and 0.5 Star Alliance Points per $1 spent on eligible purchases thereafter, uncapped.
- Annual Fee: $0 in the first year, $499 p.a. thereafter
Fast track your way to Star Alliance Gold Status when you apply for the HSBC Star Alliance Credit Card and spend $4,000 or more on eligible purchases in the first 90 days from account opening. Includes $0 annual fee in the first year ($499 p.a. thereafter) and uncapped Star Alliance points earn on spend. Fee, charges and T&C's apply. Offer may end anytime.
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