Demand for air travel has soared, but trying to find seats using points is impossible. Here’s the best way to make use of your points
The cost of flying has soared as we all rush to get back into the air. The experts call it “revenge travel”, but we all make up for two years of restrictions.
But now airfares to popular international destinations have soared to more than double pre-pandemic levels. And if you’re trying to use your points to pay for flights, you’re probably finding it hard to book any seats.
So with all this unprecedented demand, what’s the best way to get the most from your points and get you back in the air?
If you’re organised, flexible and determined, you’ll do well. Steve Hui, from iFlyFlat has some ideas.
Singapore Airlines has more seats available than other airlines
The frequent flyer expert noted a common misconception around redemption rates right now, amid claims rates have quadrupled in some cases.
“The number of points for flights is still the same, it’s just that you can’t find seats right now,” says Steve Hui, from iFlyFlat.
What the airlines say
It’s worth noting how far in advance airlines release their rewards flights.
A Virgin Australia Group spokesperson said: “Velocity members can be savvy by taking advantage of discounted fares during sales and booking ahead with reward seats available more than 300 days in advance.”
The two main Australian frequent flyer schemes, Velocity and Qantas Frequent Flyer, have recently reported record points redemption rates.
Qantas CEO Alan Joyce has acknowledged airfare price hikes.
“Fuel prices have spiked and our fuel bill next year will be $1.8 billion more than it was before COVID,” said Joyce.
“At the same time, there’s still unbelievably low airfares out there. Jetstar had a $29 airfare sale yesterday [June 15], so you still can get very low air fares, but air fares will have to go up with the oil prices.”
Ahron Young is an award winning journalist who has covered major news events around the world. Ahron is the Managing Editor and Founder of TICKER NEWS.
Disney has outplayed Ron DeSantis by leaning on a decades-old royal clause
In February, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis moved to take over Disney World’s governing body.
It was all in retaliation to the company’s public stance against the state’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill.
But now, new reports suggest this whole plan may have backfired.
Members of the new governor-appointed board argue the previous members stripped the board of its power before they left.
It was all part of an agreement, which was approved a day before DeSantis assumed more control of the land around Disney’s theme park.
Disney is leaning on a property law which essentially makes the company the government of the area.
New board member Ron Peri says the board has lost the majority of its ability to do anything beyond maintain the roads and basic infrastructure.
For just under six decades, Disney has operated its expansive theme park and resort in Florida under a specially designated district.
A board oversaw the area and had free reign of development processes.
Disney also had the authority to appoint district board members.
But this special status came under threat when Disney clashed with DeSantis and his “Don’t Say Gay” law.
Florida lawmakers the passed a bill in February to end Disney’s self-governing status and give the governor the authority to appoint new board members to the district.
DeSantis appointed five supervisors, including a parents’ rights activist and three Republican donors.
But the new supervisors say previous board members entered an agreement before they left their positions – effectively stripping them of any powers. #trending #featured
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