For frequent flyers, noise-cancelling headphones are the ultimate travelling companion. But have you ever wondered how they actually work to cancel out noise? In this episode, aerospace engineer Hossein Seif Zadeh (a.k.a. hossein_au on the Australian Frequent Flyer forum) explains how noise-cancelling headphone technology works and the difference between a $100 and a $600 pair of headphones. A lot more science goes into creating the perfect pair of noise-cancelling headphones than you may realise! Also in this episode, found out how Australians may be able to benefit from the great deals available on U.S. credit cards, and how to easily earn Star Alliance Gold status via the Asiana Club frequent flyer program. And as always, we take a look at the biggest Australian airline & frequent flyer news from the past fortnight, including Qantas' brutal COVID-19 recovery plan and Virgin Australia finding a new owner.   Episode contents: 1:15 - Fortnightly news round-up 11:11 - Interview with Hossein Seif Zadeh: How noise-cancelling headphones work 28:10 - Interview with Hossein Seif Zadeh: How to get a U.S. credit card 43:38 - Why the Asiana Club program is good for earning Star Alliance status   Links: AFF on Air Discussion thread - a dedicated AFF thread to discuss the podcast and ask questions Podcast episode #11 - Star Alliance status via Asiana Club   Frequent Flyer Gazette articles referenced in the fortnightly news round-up: Qantas to Axe 6,000 Jobs, Raise $1.9b Equity Qantas Cancels Most International Flights until October Bain Capital to Buy Virgin Australia Qantas Forced to Offer Refunds for Cancelled Flights Qantas Extends Flight Credit Validity to December 2022 Velocity to Refund Cancelled Reward Seat Bookings Travel Agents in NSW Must Disclose Commissions, Incentives Australian International Flights Down 98% in April 2020