Seven tricks of savvy frequent flyers

The more you do something, the better you get at it. That includes travel.

Frequent flyers quickly learn how to make the most of their many trips and their precious points, along with picking up scores of of other 'insider tips'.

And at Australian Business Traveller, we're all about the sharing. So here are seven tricks of Australia's savvy frequent flyers.

1. The best (and worst) ways to spend your Qantas Frequent Flyer points

It's easy to rack up Qantas Frequent Flyer points. Every time you take a flight, stay at a hotel and swipe your credit card, more points are added to that ever-growing pile.

But making the most of those hard-earned points isn't quite so simple. Here are four  ways to maximise your Qantas Frequent Flyer points.

Read: The best (and worst) ways to spend your Qantas Frequent Flyer points

2. Earn maximum Qantas Frequent Flyers points on Emirates flights

The partnership between Qantas and Emirates not only opens up dozens of new routes and one-stop flights into Europe, it also delivers new ways for Qantas Frequent Flyers to earn and burn their points.

But there are some traps for unwary travellers. Did you know that you could earn twice as many Qantas points depending on how you book a Qantas or Emirates flight?

Read: Earn maximum Qantas Frequent Flyers points on Emirates flights

3. How to fly Jetstar's Boeing 787 business class at economy prices 

Jetstar's Boeing 787 Dreamliner begins flights between Melbourne and Auckland this month, and due to a loophole in Jetstar's booking system you can book a business class seat on this route for around the same price as an economy ticket.

That's a double treat for trans-Tasman travellers. Not only do you get to fly in the very modern Dreamliner instead of a regular Airbus A320, you'll travel in a lot more comfort.

Here's a step-by-step guide to getting a business class seat on Jetstar's Melbourne-Auckland Boeing 787 flights for little more than the cost of an economy ticket.

Read: How to fly Jetstar's Boeing 787 business class at economy price 

4. How to get into the Qantas First Class Lounge on domestic flights

Did you know that you can enjoy Qantas' award-winning international first class lounges in Sydney and Melbourne even when you're travelling on domestic flights?

All you need to do is choose one of the handful of domestic Jetstar flights which depart from the international terminal at Sydney and Melbourne airports, and be a Platinum-grade Qantas Frequent Flyer.

Read: How to get into the Qantas First Class Lounge on domestic flights

5. Expert tips to make the most of the Qantas First Class Lounge

After plenty of business travel you've finally reached Platinum status in the Qantas Frequent Flyer scheme! Now it's time to make the most of one of the best first class lounges in the world.

We've put together these insider tips on how the lounge works, when you can get in, the best things to eat and drink -- and much more. Think of them as The Seven Habits of First Class Lounge Lizards!

Read: Expert tips to make the most of the Qantas First Class Lounge

6. The fast track to VIP airline status

Here's an incredibly simple way to score top-tier Gold status with dozens of airlines – including Air New Zealand, Asiana, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, Thai and United Airlines – with as little as one flight.

That means airport lounge access, additional checked luggage, priority baggage plus first shot at upgrades. 

Read: How to get Gold frequent flyer status with just one flight

7. How to 'status match' your frequent flyer card to a new airline

Carrying a Platinum or Gold airline card in your pocket is your passport to plenty of VIP perks.

You'll be able to use the business class or first class check-in desk, even when you're flying in economy; you'll enjoy access to the best airport lounges, with the increased chance of a free upgrade on board.

Fortunately, the getting of status doesn't have to mean flying thousands of bum-numbing miles. As with so much else in the world of travel, there are some canny shortcuts to climbing the status ladder.

Read: How to 'status match' your frequent flyer card to a new airline 

Bonus tip: sign up for the free Australian Business Traveller newsletter

The easiest way to stay in touch with the latest news and tips for frequent flyers is with our free newsletter.

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David Flynn

David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.