This beginner’s guide goes through our top picks on frequent flyer programs you should get started with first, plus many more you can join later on.

AA gets the basics right, and that goes a long way to creating a solid inflight experience. Things get even better if you have Qantas status, with even Silver members getting free checked baggage and priority boarding.

I test out Fiji Airways long-haul Economy to Dallas – a twelve-hour flight in the modern Airbus A350 with spacious seats and effortlessly warm service.

You’ve been busy building up your points balance and planning a fancy holiday. So when can you get first dibs on those reward seats?

With Qantas Points to spend, this hop costs all of US$5.60 on top. For eligible frequent flyers, that even includes checked baggage and lounge access. It’s a sweet deal.

This is the same aircraft and seat as you’ll also find on AA’s Sydney-Los Angeles flights. But flying LA-London comes with an extra perk for top-tier frequent flyers.

A Qantas Platinum frequent flyer card can get you into a lounge when you touch down in London… but interestingly, not when you fly Qantas itself.

American Airlines has launched the first iteration of oneworld alliance-wide upgrades, though only Qantas flights can be upgraded at this stage.

This certainly isn’t Heathrow’s fanciest First Class Lounge, but the à la carte dining hits the spot. It’s also one of the many options available to Qantas Platinum members flying from Terminal 3.