Podcast appearances and mentions of alan lam

  The Star Alliance Round-the-World Award offered by Singapore Airlines' KrisFlyer program is a great deal. For just 280,000 KrisFlyer miles, plus taxes of course, you could fly around the world with up to 7 stopovers across the Star Alliance network! But booking one of these does take a bit of work and there are some catches. In this episode, Matt speaks to someone who's booked 3 of these awards this year using his KrisFlyer miles.   Episode contents: 1:26 - Fortnightly news round-up 8:40 - Interview with Alan Lam about the KrisFlyer Star Alliance RTW Award   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions How to Book a KrisFlyer Star Alliance Round The World Award   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: Qantas to Fly Sydney-New York via Auckland New Qantas Business Lounge for Adelaide Qantas Status Extensions & Gifts Offered as Apology Virgin Reopens Premium Lounge Entry in Brisbane Velocity Gold & Platinum Members Gain Air Canada Lounge Access Finnair Raises Business Class Round-the-World Airfares Optus Offer: 60,000 Qantas Points for $396 Berlin Airport Now Offers Timed Security Line Reservations

  If you've been looking at international airfares recently, you've probably noticed that they're getting quite expensive at the moment. But if you're planning to visit multiple countries or continents on the same trip, there are some great value round-the-world airfares offered by specific airlines. These not only offer great flexibility, but are often also cheaper than just booking a point-to-point Qantas flight to North America or Europe. In this episode, Matt is joined by travel agent and regular podcast guest Alan Lam to talk about how you can take advantage of these special RTW airfare deals.   Episode contents: 1:15 - Fortnightly news round-up 11:54 - Interview with Alan Lam 39:13 - Feedback from last episode   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions Great Value Round-the-World Tickets with Finnair & Lufthansa   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: Major Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Award Devaluation (2022) Qantas Flights to Rome Selling Extremely Well Virgin Australia's Flights to Bali Selling Fast United Airlines Will Fly to Brisbane Qantas Opens New Call Centre in Manila Qantas Trials New Self-Service Kiosks Rex Filling Business Class with Free Upgrades Earn Status Credits on Velocity Reward Flights Qantas Flexible Classic Rewards Extended to September 2022 Qantas Unlocks Exit Row Seats on Long-Haul Flights Comair (Kulula & British Airways in South Africa) in Liquidation Last Chance to Redeem Velocity Points for Delta Flights

  Yesterday, NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet announced some big news: From 1 November 2021, vaccinated Australians will finally be allowed to leave the country, and return from overseas into NSW without having to quarantine. There's a lot to unpack from this announcement. Joining Matt to do so on this episode of AFF on AIR is travel agent and regular podcast guest Alan Lam from Netwave Travel. If you're wondering which airlines are now flying to Australia, what requirements are in place to enter and transit through other countries, how travel insurance will work, and lots more, you won't want to miss this interview! Also in this episode, how to leverage your airline status to get a status match with another airline.   Episode contents: 1:14 - Fortnightly news round-up 13:33 - Interview with Alan Lam: NSW reopens for international travel 40:30 - How to get an airline status match 47:35 - Ask Matt: What would it take for Qantas to bring back the A380s? 50:34 - Ask Matt: Is Award Flight Assist open?   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions Upcoming Frequent Flyer Solutions webinar: Elite Status Matches & Challenges in 2021 (27 October 2021)   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: NSW Scraps Quarantine for Vaccinated Australians Qantas Flies Non-Stop from Buenos Aires to Darwin Singapore Airlines to Operate Repatriation Flights to Darwin Desperate Australians Using Private Jet Loophole to Get Home Virgin Launches 6 New Routes, Brings Forward Fiji Bonza: Australia's Next Low-Cost Airline Qantas & Emirates Seek Approval to Extend Partnership Velocity Formally Ends Alitalia Partnership

  Returning to Australia over the coming few months is likely to be as hard as it's ever been during this pandemic. But there is light at the end of the tunnel! Australia is on track to ease some international travel restrictions and introduce home quarantine for some vaccinated travellers by the end of this year. This episode features an interview with travel agent Alan Lam about international travel to & from Australia over the coming months, and beyond. Also in this episode, key takeaways from Qantas' huge annual loss for the 2020-21 financial year and how to stop your points expiring while you're stuck at home.   Episode contents: 1:34 - Fortnightly news round-up 9:23 - Interview with Alan Lam: Returning to Australia under the reduced arrival caps over the coming months 20:05 - Interview with Alan Lam: Will Australia's international travel restrictions be relaxed before the end of 2021? 31:15 - Highlights from the Qantas 2021 annual financial results 41:00 - How to prevent your frequent flyer points from expiring   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions Australia Extends Halved Arrival Caps Until October 2021 NSW Halves Overseas Arrivals Yet Again Qantas Plans December 2021 International Restart Upcoming Frequent Flyer Solutions webinar: Preserve Your Points During COVID-19 (15 September 2021)   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: How to Claim Your Qantas COVID-19 Vaccination Reward Virgin Australia's COVID-19 “VA-X & Win” Competition Qantas Club Gives Another 7-Month Extension Overview of Australian State Border Restrictions Bankwest Caps Points on Qantas Transaction Account Jetstar to Reduce Wait Time for Qantas Points Claim 1,500 Free Etihad Guest Miles

  Departing Australia in 2021 is unfortunately not as simple as booking a ticket and going to the airport. If you're an Australian citizen or permanent resident who normally lives in Australia, you'll firstly need to apply for an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs to even be allowed to exit Australia. You'll then need to navigate complex COVID-19 testing requirements and entry requirements for your destination (and any transit) countries. The previous episode of AFF on Air included Part One of an interview with travel agent Alan Lam about travelling during COVID-19. This episode includes Part Two of this interview, which is all about leaving Australia. You can contact Alan by emailing alan[at]netwavetravel[dot]com or find him on the Australian Frequent Flyer forum posting under the username “madrooster”.   Episode contents: 1:30 - Fortnightly news round-up 8:33 - Interview with Alan Lam: Getting an exemption to leave Australia 15:52 - Interview with Alan Lam: COVID-19 testing requirements when travelling overseas 22:45 - Interview with Alan Lam: Things to consider when booking international flights via a third/transit country 25:14 - Interview with Alan Lam: COVID-19 travel insurance 31:16 - Decommissioned airports that have been creatively repurposed   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions Travelling to Australia During COVID-19 (Guide) Travelling to Australia During COVID-19 (Discussion) Hong Kong's Kai Tak Sky Garden   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: Overview of Australian State & NZ Border Restrictions Qantas & Virgin to Give Prizes for COVID-19 Vaccination Last Chance to Fly to Norfolk Island with Qantas Points! Emirates Restricts First Class Awards, Upgrades Air Canada Fined $34 Million for Extreme Refund Delays

  With Australia's international border still closed (except to New Zealand), and restrictive international arrival caps still in place, flying to Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic sadly remains a huge challenge. In this episode, travel agent Alan Lam from Netwave Travel returns to the podcast to give an update on how to maximise your chances of successfully booking a flight to Australia during COVID-19. The discussion includes detailed information about what type of ticket to book, how much you can expect to pay, where to fly to in Australia, DFAT repatriation flights, common travel agent scams and more. This episode includes Part One of our extended interview with Alan on international travel during the pandemic. Part One is all about inbound travel to Australia. The next episode of AFF on Air will include Part Two of the interview, which will be about outbound travel from Australia. You can contact Alan by emailing alan[at]netwavetravel[dot]com or find him on the Australian Frequent Flyer forum posting under the username "madrooster".   Episode contents: 2:09 - Fortnightly news round-up 11:02 - Interview with Alan Lam: Update on COVID-19 airline schedules & when to book flights to Australia 14:50 - Interview: Which fare types give you the best chance of flying to Australia without getting bumped in June 2021, and which is the best Australian city to fly into? 21:00 - Interview: Some strategies for booking with frequent flyer points to Australia (particularly from the USA) 24:01 - Interview: DFAT Qantas repatriation flights 27:50 - Interview: Common travel agent scams   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions Travelling to Australia During COVID-19 (Guide) Travelling to Australia During COVID-19 (Discussion)   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: Overseas Travel for Vaccinated Australians Within 6 Weeks? Which Countries Ban Their Citizens From Leaving? Taxi Credit Card Surcharge Rip-Off

  The trans-Tasman travel bubble between Australia and New Zealand is now well and truly open, and thousands of Aussies have already flocked to New Zealand to take advantage of it. In this episode, Matt chats to Alan Lam from Netwave Travel (a.k.a. madrooster on the Australian Frequent Flyer forum) about the bubble and what you need to know before travelling to New Zealand right now. You can contact Alan by emailing alan[at]netwavetravel[dot]com. Also in this episode, how you can claim back the GST on items you’ve bought in Australia before leaving the country through the Tourist Refund Scheme. And what happens to your frequent flyer points after you die? Plus, as always, get a round-up of the most important Australian airline & loyalty program news from the past fortnight.   Episode contents: 1:10 - Fortnightly news round-up 11:55 - Interview with Alan Lam - New Zealand travel bubble 21:38 - Interview with Alan Lam - Australia's Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) 27:46 - Interview with Alan Lam - Australia bans flights from India 32:10 - What happens to frequent flyer points after you pass away?   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions Information about CoverMore's COVID-19 travel insurance coverage Information on the Tourist Refund Scheme from Australian Border Force What Happens to Frequent Flyer Points After You Die?   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: Qantas Customers Short-Changed on Refunds Overview of Australian State Border Restrictions Qantas Reports Strong Forward Bookings to UK, USA Qantas Centenary Celebrations Continue with New Museum Exhibit, Gin Singapore KrisFlyer Miles Will Not Expire Until April 2022 How to Book a Jetstar Business Class Seat for $62

  With the Australian government's international arrival caps still in place, getting back to Australia from overseas remains a huge challenge. In this episode, travel agent Alan Lam (a.k.a. madrooster on the Australian Frequent Flyer forum) shares his tips and advice for Australians trying to return home without getting bumped from their flight. Also in this episode, how to earn full points while paying tax with an American Express credit card and the latest frequent flyer & airline news.   Episode contents: 1:30 - Fortnightly news round-up 11:25 - Interview with Alan Lam about flying back to Australia during COVID-19 38:14 - How to earn full points for ATO payments with an American Express credit card   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions Alan's helpful AFF thread - Travelling to Australia During COVID-19 AFF thread - Sniip accepting Amex at same rate as Visa/Mastercard Subscribe to the Frequent Flyer Gazette Become an AFF Supporter   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: Price War: Virgin, Rex Sell $49 Sydney-Melbourne Flights Qantas Catering Now Miles Ahead of Virgin Australia Qantas & Virgin Add New Routes to Beach Destinations Can You Get a Refund for Cancelled Domestic Flights? Air Namibia Enters Liquidation Air New Zealand Says It Doesn’t Have to Refund Cancelled Flights Save up to 30,000 Qantas Points off The Ghan Journeys The Epic 70-Day Bus Tour from Delhi to London

At Canada’s National Academy of Dance Education we believe strongly in providing our dance educators with access to experts in the field of dance science and medicine. Dance injury diagnosis, assessment and rehab is best left to the experts who have devoted their life, education and research to the study of dance science and medicine, which is why today we are beyond excited to welcome one of Canada’s top physiotherapists specializing in dance injuries. We are beyond ecstatic to welcome Mr. Alan Lam to our program today. Alan has been awarded some of the most prestigious and most highly regarded honours in his field including becoming a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Physiotherapy and earning the title of certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist in Canada, becoming one of only a handful of physiotherapist to earn. He has earned a certification from the North American Institute of Orthopaedic Manual Therapy and is currently in the process of completing the prestigious Doctorate of Science in Physical Therapy (DScPT) program at Andrews University. https://renewphysio.ca/

  It has been a tumultuous few weeks for the airline, tourism and hospitality industries. As the coronavirus outbreak spreads exponentially, many airlines have stopped flying and international borders are being closed at unprecedented rates. In this extended episode, Matt looks at the implications of the past few weeks on travellers and the airline industry. This episode includes interviews with travel agent Alan Lam, and Henrique Pereira from Draper Startup House in Lisbon - a hostel that unfortunately had to close due to coronavirus after just two days.   Episode contents: 1:40 - Fortnightly news round-up 7:50 - Interview with Alan Lam: How to change or cancel bookings affected by coronavirus 22:45 - Interview with Alan Lam: Changes to Finnair Business class fares 25:03 - Matt's story 31:32 - Interview with Henrique Pereira 48:00 - Ask Matt: Award availability, frequent flyer points and aircraft maintenance during the COVID-19 shutdown   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions Draper Startup House   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: Qantas Extends Everyone’s Status for 12 Months Virgin Australia Status Extensions & Status Credit Gifts COVID-19 Travel Update: 20 March 2020 Qantas Points Club Has Launched

  Qantas Frequent Flyer surprised everybody this week by releasing a new Qantas Double Status Credits offer! In this episode, travel agent extraordinaire Alan Lam from Netwave Travel (a.k.a. "madrooster" on AFF) joins Matt to discuss the best Qantas status credit runs, as well as recent changes to the popular Finnair Business class round-the-world fares. You can contact Alan by email: alan [at] netwavetravel [dot] com.   Episode contents: 0:44 - Fortnightly news round-up 7:53 - Interview with Alan Lam - Qantas Double Status Credits offer 27:15 - Interview with Alan Lam - Finnair Business Class fares to Europe 38:36 - Interview with Alan Lam - flight changes & cancellations due to coronavirus   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions Qantas Double Status Credits Offer – February 2020 The Ultimate Guide to Qantas Double Status Credit Runs Finnair Business Class Sale from Australia to Europe   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: Alaska Airlines to Join Oneworld Alliance Qantas Frequent Flyers Retain LATAM Benefits Rex Complains to ACCC as QantasLink Adds Regional Flights Qantas Group Cuts More Flights in Response to Coronavirus Cathay Pacific Cuts Service to Australia in March 2020 South African Airways Slashes Routes in Fight for Survival

  Airlines seem to love married segments, but for frequent flyers and travel agents they can be extremely frustrating. Sometimes you'll find an award seat on a flight you want to book, only to find that it's not actually available if you add on a connecting flight to your final destination. Married segments are also why airlines will sometimes charge a higher amount if you remove one or more flights from a booking! In this episode, Alan Lam (a.k.a. madrooster) joins Matt to explain what travellers need to know about married segments, as well as a wide range of other topics including an unusual way to fly to London with Qantas that could be cheaper than flying via Perth or Singapore.   Episode contents: 0:45 - Fortnightly news round-up 6:32 - Interview with Alan Lam: About fare classes 11:02 - Interview with Alan Lam: Recent changes to earn rates with Qantas, American Airlines, Japan Airlines & Alaska Airlines 19:12 - Interview with Alan Lam: Everything you need to know about married segments 31:12 - Interview with Alan Lam: Booking a Qantas ticket to Europe via South Africa 35:51 - Interview with Alan Lam: United MileagePlus program changes   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions Join Australian Frequent Flyer for free What are Married Segments?   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: Qantas Commits to Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050 Earn Velocity Frequent Flyer Points with Optus Pick Up Your Coles Shopping at Melbourne Airport Virgin Australia Suspends Melbourne-Hong Kong Route Qantas Axes Sydney-Beijing Flights (Again) Qantas Reduces A380 Flights to Hong Kong

  Premium Economy is a great compromise if you want a more comfortable experience than Economy, without paying for Business or First class airfares! In this episode, AFF's favourite travel agent Alan Lam (a.k.a. madrooster on AFF) joins Matt to discuss the pros & cons of Premium Economy and which airlines to use when flying Premium Economy to Europe or North America. Matt and Alan also discuss the upcoming British Airways Executive Club program changes.   Episode contents: 0:49 - Fortnightly news round-up 4:35 - Interview with Alan Lam about Premium Economy 27:49 - The interview continues with discussion on British Airways Avios changes   Links: Got a question for Matt? Ask in our dedicated "Ask Matt" thread AFF on Air Discussion thread - this is the place to discuss anything in this episode Frequent Flyer Solutions training program   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: Cathay Pacific to Cut Cairns Connection Up to 25% Bonus Velocity Points on Transfers – May 2019 British Airways Partner Award Price Increase

  Matt discusses the Qantas double status credits promotion, online tools for finding award availability and the current Finnair round-the-world sale in Business class. This episode features interviews with travel agent Alan Lam (a.k.a. madrooster) and Chris Lopinto, the founder of Expert Flyer.   Episode contents: 0:51 - Fortnightly news round-up 5:14 - Interview with travel agent Alan Lam (a.k.a. madrooster) about Finnair's Business class round-the-world sale 17:32 - Qantas Double Status Credits offer 21:52 - Interview with Chris Lopinto, founder of Expert Flyer 26:47 - Ask Matt: Online tools for finding award availability 33:06 - Ask Matt: Australian domestic flights departing from international terminals   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - this is the place to discuss anything in this episode Got a question for Matt? Ask in our dedicated "Ask Matt" thread Discounted Finnair Round-the-World Business Fares Maximise Double Qantas Status Credits – February 2019 Award Flight Assist AFF Gold member benefits (including Expert Flyer discount) Upcoming webinar - "Must-Have Online Tools for Frequent Flyers" (27 February)   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: Credit Card Retention Offers Are Dead Qantas, Emirates Chauffeur Drive Cutbacks United Reduces Flights to Sydney Qantas’ New Credit Card Has a $1,200 Annual Fee Airlines Fight Back Against Hidden-City Ticketing The Latest KrisFlyer Spontaneous Escapes Deals

Fresh off the back of the Binary:Codes album release - Alan Lam aka Stranjah, one of the albums featuring artists nominated himself to host this edition of the Critical podcast. Showcasing the Binary:Codes LP in the mix as well as displaying some of the talents of his local hometown of Toronto. A perfect way to end Critical in 2016. Thanks for all the support this year from everyone at the label. Keep it Critical!