2PAXfly
WEEKLY REVIEW: Sunday, 15 February, 2026
Hope your weekend and Valentine’s Day celebrations have been as satisfying as mine. Below is a summary of the stories that appeared in the 2PAXfly blog over the last week. ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES: Launches flights to Melbourne, Australia in 2028 By 2paxfly on 14 Feb 2026 11:00 amEthiopian Airlines, a Star...
2PAXfly
ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES: Launches flights to Melbourne, Australia in 2028
Ethiopian Airlines, Star Alliance member and Africa’s largest airline, is reported as having confirmed it is targeting 2028 for its Australian debut. Group CEO Mesfin Tasew says the carrier will need roughly two years to secure the wide-body aircraft required for the ultra-long-haul mission to Australia’s east coast. “We will...
Wild About Travel
Chasing Frequent Flyer Status in a Stacked System
For context: I’m a frequent flyer who maintains status across multiple programs: primarily Virgin Australia Platinum, Qantas Platinum, and Star Alliance Gold. This isn’t unique. Many frequent flyers play multiple programs to maximise coverage and benefits. Are you one of them? Virgin Australia has been one of my “main homes”...
2PAXfly
WESTERN SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL: Preparing of passenger takeoff in October 2026
After years of construction, political debate and plenty of scepticism, Western Sydney International (WSI) is preparing to open for passengers later this year. Cargo flights are expected to commence mid-year The airport, built at Badgerys Creek and designed to operate 24 hours a day without a curfew, is positioning itself...
Also on BoardingArea
Your Mileage May Vary
How To Send Amex Points To a Family Member’s Airline or Hotel Account (The Legal Workaround)
When it comes to using credit cards to pay for travel, earning points is the easy part. Booking award travel is where the process gets complicated. This post is about…
View from the Wing
Southwest Airlines Has Become America’s Most ‘Uptight’ Airline—Flight Attendants And Passengers Say Management Killed the Fun
Southwest Airlines has long been known for a fun, relaxed flying experience—but customers and flight attendants now describe the carrier as “America’s most uptight airline.” The airline has tightly enforced assigned seating, introduced new fees, and even grounded the once‑free‑wheeling culture that defined Southwest for decades. This shift in priorities...
Economy Class & Beyond
Brussels Airlines unveils its newest Belgian Icon – Welcome Tintin in Space
Brussels Airlines is once again celebrating its Belgian Icons – this time Tintin in Space. Brussels Airlines Tintin in Space – Image, © Brussels Airlines / Hergé / Tintinimaginatio 2026 The airline revealed its freshly painted aircraft (A320 – OO‑SNJ), inspired by Hergé’s universe and the famous adventures on the...
One Mile at a Time
Malaysia Airlines 737 Business Class: Basic, Friendly, Fine For Short Flights
Hello from Vietnam, as I just flew Malaysia Airlines Boeing 737-800 business class on the 1hr55min flight from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) — it should’ve been around 15 minutes shorter, but a fun go around gave us a free tour of the city.
Le Chic Geek
A Frequent Flyer Needs Our Help
This community has always been more than points, upgrades, and lounge access. Over the years, we’ve shared advice, opportunities, and sometimes even hard-earned lessons. But every once in a while, one of our own faces something that has nothing to do with travel and everything to do with real life....
The Bulkhead Seat
Lounge Review: The Centurion® Lounge by American Express (MIA)
While traveling to Punta Cana this weekend, we had around five hours before our… The post Lounge Review: The Centurion® Lounge by American Express (MIA) appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
Live and Let’s Fly
Day Trip: Cannes (Nice) To Monaco
With an extra day after a conference I decided to travel from Nice to Monaco for the day. It was a perfect exploration.  I was in Nice, France for the International Luxury Travel Market, the world’s largest travel trade show and had a free day before heading back to the...
Pointalize
Hidden City Ticketing Risks
Skiplagging is riskier than ever. Discover why airlines like American Airlines are banning accounts, the real cost of hidden city ticketing, safe alternatives.
Paddle Your Own Kanoo
Israeli Soldier Made An Amputee In 2014 Gaza War Sues United Airlines After Airport Staff Failed To Provide Assistance
An Israel Defense Forces veteran who was severely and permanently injured in a 2014 conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip has filed a lawsuit against United Airlines after airport staff allegedly failed to provide him with any necessary assistance to get to the plane safely. The lawsuit,...
One Mile at a Time
Airplane Double Bed Etiquette: Same Sex Couple In Qatar Airways Qsuites?
Premium cabin airline seats have come a long way over the years. We’ve gone from recliners, to fully flat beds, to seats with doors, and now we even see some products that have double beds (or at least that’s how they’re marketed). That brings me to a question that a...
View from the Wing
Passenger Says Anyone Reclining Seats ‘Should Immediately Be Sent to Prison’—Gets Absolutely Destroyed Online
A passenger's angry rant demanding jail time for anyone who reclines their airplane seat has gone viral—sparking brutal responses from fellow travelers who insist: "Stop complaining or buy a better seat!"
The Gate with Brian Cohen
Kayaks in Antarctica. Sunday Morning Photograph.
I observed kayaks in Antarctica from the balcony of our stateroom aboard the Swan Hellenic SH Minerva ship not long after awakening, as members of the crew were preparing them for those guests who chose to watch whales in Charlotte Bay later that day from kayaks. The way the kayaks were...
The Bulkhead Seat
Rewriting History: Chicago Makes Navy Pier the New Starting Point of Historic Route 66
As Route 66 approaches its 100th anniversary, the City of Chicago is preparing to… The post Rewriting History: Chicago Makes Navy Pier the New Starting Point of Historic Route 66 appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
One Mile at a Time
Marriott Bonvoy Rewards: How To Redeem Points For The Best Value
I write a lot about the value of hotel loyalty programs, and in this post, I’d like to specifically look at the best ways to go about redeeming points issued by Marriott Bonvoy, and share how I typically go about redeeming my points to maximize value. Separately, I’ve written guides to...
View from the Wing
Passenger Brings Own Caviar Onboard American Airlines First Class—Calls It “Premium GenPop” [Roundup]
An American Airlines passenger decided to create their own premium experience. A new transfer bonus has launched from Chase. United is launching even more O'Hare flights in its fierce battle to drive out American, and more.
Eye of the Flyer
Free* Southwest Flights Through February 2027, Air France Business Class Reviews, Travel Lovers Ideas, and More!
A stunning promotion was announced this week — and can save you a lot of money on airfare if you travel with a companion throughout the year. Plus, we have a pair of Air France business class reviews. Finally, there are several Valentine’s Day travel ideas that don’t necessarily have to...
One Mile at a Time
12 Features That Make A Business Class Experience Great… Or Not
I sometimes share what I consider to be the world’s best business class seats, and also what I view as the world’s best business class airlines. In this post, I’d like to talk more broadly about the amenities, services, and features, that make a business class product great.
Live and Let’s Fly
LA’s “Hottest” Coffee Shop Is Found Inside Someone’s Home
A viral LA coffee counter runs from a private home, and it raises big questions about safety, access, and whether this model can travel. Los Angeles has never been shy about eating (or drinking) in unconventional places. Taco trucks are better than anything with a reservation. Pop-ups are incredibly transitory...
man shares passport application process (l) US passport on hand (r)
BoardingArea
‘I got scammed’: Man applies for a passport. But he’s going to Alaska?
'They’ve been getting a lot of people with that scam.'
PointsMath
Promotion Weekly February 2026 Second Edition
Here are the latest promotion weekly for the February 2026 Second Edition, covering airline miles and hotel points promotions, including opportunities to buy miles and points with bonuses & discount, book award flights for fewer miles, earn bonus miles and points, save on stays at major hotel chains, earn points...
PointsMath
Buy Flying Blue Miles with up to 45% discount [1.68¢/Mile]
Flying Blue is the miles currency of Air France and KLM, a SkyTeam Alliance member. If you’re short of miles, buying them can make sense. Buying Flying Blue Miles until 5 March 2026 can get you up to a 45% discount. These miles can also be used to book flying...
PointsMath
Virgin Atlantic Status Match Promotion for British Airways Members
Virgin Atlantic has a regular status match year-round and has now launched the “Save your tiers” promotion for British Airways elite members. Virgin Atlantic Status Match Promotion for British Airways Members Until 23 February, members of The British Airways Club can level up with an enhanced status match: However, at...
Live and Let’s Fly
United Airlines Adds Laurent-Perrier Rosé Champagne…But Only For One Day
Update: If You’re flying United Airlines in Polaris Business Class today, you can once again enjoy Laurent-Perrier Rosé Champagne in honor of Valentine’s Day. It’s nice to see United bring this back in 2026. Last year, United introduced Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée Champagne onboard its Polaris business class cabins, representing a...
Plane ‘n Simple
Delta Returns to Boeing Widebodies: Orders Up to 60 Dreamliners in Fleet Transformation
Delta Air Lines announced a major fleet expansion this week, placing its first ever direct order for Boeing 787 Dreamliners a strategic move that marks the airline’s return to Boeing for widebody aircraft after nearly two decades. Order Details: 30 Firm, 30 Options On January 13, 2026, Delta formalized an...
Wild About Travel
Terrific Turku, Finland’s Historical Capital. All You Need to Know
Turku is a low-key river city known for its university life and as a gateway to medieval Finland and the beautiful Turku Archipelago. Turku has tens of thousands of students across multiple universities and this creates a fun, youthful atmosphere. Quality‑of‑life index scores Turku slightly higher than Helsinki overall (Turku...
2PAXfly
QANTAS: I know when the next double status promotion is going to start.
Let’s start by confessing that the headline is a lie. No one knows when the promo will drop, except a small group within the Qantas promo team! What I am about to present is just speculation, some of which is my own, and some is drawn from the knowledge and...
2PAXfly
AUSTRALIA: Airlines claim passenger protections ‘unworkable’. Surprise!
Australia’s airlines are pushing back hard against the federal government’s proposed aviation consumer protections, warning the reforms are “unworkable”, confusing, and will push up airfares. Not very imaginative arguments, and ones that every consumer protection initiative has faced. What’s the government proposing? The government, led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese,...
Wild About Travel
A Moomin Pilgrimage Through 80 Years of Finnish Magic
I just spent two amazing weeks in Finland, which remains one of my favourite countries in the world. This trip: Helsinki, Rovaniemi, and Turku. I’m still processing everything I experienced. The timber architecture of Rovaniemi, the frozen Baltic where ships should be, and now this: my Moomin pilgrimage across 80...
2PAXfly
WEEKLY REVIEW: Sunday, 8 February 2026
Hope your weekend has been as good as mine. Below is a summary of stories that appeared in the blog over the last week. QANTAS: Gets A321XLR configuration very wrong. Too few loos. By 2paxfly on 06 Feb 2026 12:17 pmWhen Qantas began introducing its new Airbus A321XLRs, the focus...
2PAXfly
QANTAS: Gets A321XLR configuration very wrong. Too few loos.
When Qantas began introducing its new Airbus A321XLRs, the focus was on longer range, larger overhead bins, and a more modern onboard experience. Instead, they got one incredibly basic thing wrong. It has become the talking point amongst passengers. That is, not enough toilets, or colloquially, ‘too few loos’. For...
2PAXfly
QANTAS: Refreshing 7 regional lounges after closure
If you rely on Qantas’ regional lounges for a quiet coffee, a power point and a bit of pre-flight calm, there’s good and bad news. Your lounge is likely being refreshed and may be closed for a few weeks. Qantas has been active on the lounge front, with the most...
2PAXfly
EUROPE: Carry on bags to become free on low-cost carriers
Budget carriers like easyJet, Ryanair and Wizz Air have built their ultra-low headline fares on optional extras, especially baggage fees. But now the European Parliament has taken a strong stance in favour of passengers being allowed to bring more on board for free — and it has triggered a fierce...