Wild About Travel
Understanding Cabin and Fare Classes to Unlock Airline Miles
As a frequent flier, I hold status in three programs: Virgin Australia, Qantas (oneworld), and Turkish (Star Alliance), and I juggle credits across all of them. I need to know, actually, how many miles I am getting or not getting when I am booking flight choices. For example, last year...
2PAXfly
AUSTRALIANS: Where and what kind of trouble they get into overseas
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) has just released its State of Play report for the period 2023-24 period. The facts sheets make for interesting reading. It shows that Australians request consular services mostly when they get into trouble in Thailand (827). Second comes Indonesia (546), followed by the...
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...
Also on BoardingArea
Paddle Your Own Kanoo
Passengers On Flight From Tokyo to Frankfurt Face One Of The Longest Ever ‘Flights to Nowhere’ in 14-Hour Endurance Marathon
Passengers on an ANA Airlines flight from Tokyo to Frankfurt on Tuesday faced one of the longest ever ‘flights to nowhere’ when their Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner experienced a maintenance issue as it was flying at over 34,000 feet above the Arctic Ocean. What followed was an endurance marathon as the...
Live and Let’s Fly
Review: Hyatt Centric Kuala Lumpur (Central Location)
I spent my  final night in Kuala Lumpur at the Hyatt Centric City Centre, a reasonably-priced, centrally-located Hyatt hotel within easy walking distance of the Petronas Towers and Bukit Bintang. Hyatt Centric City Centre Kuala Lumpur Review If you’re a Hyatt loyalist on a budget, this hotel is for you....
The Bulkhead Seat
Weak Promo: Marriott Bonvoy® Week is Back at Starbucks Through February 22nd
In June 2024, I first wrote about a new partnership between Starbucks and Marriott… The post Weak Promo: Marriott Bonvoy® Week is Back at Starbucks Through February 22nd appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
View from the Wing
Thousands of American Airlines Employees Blamed New Uniforms for Rashes—10 Years Later, Courts May Toss Their Case
Ten years after American Airlines introduced uniforms blamed for rashes and reactions, employees are still fighting in court—but judges remain skeptical, dismissing expert testimony as speculation rather than science.
You Are Travel
Hilton Planning to Launch Yet Two More Brands, Including a Student-Housing Concept – Are We Fatigued Yet?
​tl;dr – The other sounds like a soft brand. ​Recently, a reader by the name of Christian left… The post Hilton Planning to Launch Yet Two More Brands, Including a Student-Housing Concept – Are We Fatigued Yet? appeared first on You Are Travel.
Frequent Flyer Bonuses
Earn 2,000 bonus ALL Rewards points with an Accor+ Explorer membership
A friendly reminder that the bonus points offer for purchasing an Accor+ Explorer membership comes to a close at the end of day on December 31. The 2,000 bonus points offer: Receive 2,000 Bonus ALL Rewards Points when you purchase an Accor+ Explorer membership. Offer valid to Mar 13, 26...
Your Mileage May Vary
American Airlines Still Offers Fare Holds — And They’re Longer Than Advertised
While most U.S. airlines only give you a 24-hour “risk-free cancellation,” American Airlines still offers a true fare hold — and in practice, it often lasts a bit longer than…
One Mile at a Time
Must-Read: A Yale Academic’s Bizarre Defense Of American CEO Robert Isom
American Airlines CEO Robert Isom has been widely criticized in recent times, due to the extent to which the carrier lags competitors Delta and United. This is true in terms of profitability, and it’s also true in terms of passenger experience.
Miles To Memories
Improved Offers for Hilton Cards Coming Soon
American Express may soon bring back elevated welcome offers on Hilton Honors credit cards. The post Improved Offers for Hilton Cards Coming Soon appeared first on Miles to Memories.
Points Miles and Bling
Review – Hilton Helsinki Airport Hotel is great for long layover
Introduction and Booking After a memorable journey to Lapland in northern Finland to attend the Midnight Sun Film Festival, my… The post Review – Hilton Helsinki Airport Hotel is great for long layover appeared first on Points Miles and Bling.
Frequent Miler
Homes & Villas by Marriott: Save 10% on 2+ night stay (stack with up to 3 other promos)
Homes & Villas by Marriott is out with yet another promotion, this time giving a 10% discount when booking a 2+ night stay. This offer should be stackable with up to three different promotions to make for an even more rewarding stay. The Deal Save 10% when booking a 2+...
Miles To Memories
Free Movie Tickets and Popcorn for Visa Infinite Cardholders
If you have an eligible Visa Infinite credit card in your wallet, you can get two complimentary Regal movie tickets and one free popcorn. The post Free Movie Tickets and Popcorn for Visa Infinite Cardholders appeared first on Miles to Memories.
One Mile at a Time
Individual Air Nozzles On Airplanes: Why Don’t All Airlines Have Them?
When it comes to airline passenger experience, we all have different things we value. A lot of airlines are laser focused on passenger experience, and invest a lot in new seats, great food and drinks, and more, but then totally ignore one feature that can make a big difference to...
You Are Travel
IHG launches “Noted Collection” – A New Premium Conversion Brand
​tl;dr – IHG will introduce a new upscale line of hotels. ​Late last year, I signaled that IHG… The post IHG launches “Noted Collection” – A New Premium Conversion Brand appeared first on You Are Travel.
Travel Codex
New: Project Expedition’s Cruise Shore Excursion Search
For many travelers port days and time off the ship matters just as much as the the ship. You can have the best cabin, the best dining, the best service onboard but if you waste your time ashore on overpriced, overcrowded excursions, it drags down the entire cruise. Cruise lines...
Frequent Miler
Amex Blue Business Plus Credit Card Review (2026)
The Blue Business Plus card from American Express is an excellent business credit card that belongs in the pocket of just about any business owner who is a fan of American Express Membership Rewards. That’s because the card offers excellent return on spend and keeps Membership Rewards points alive and...
The Bulkhead Seat
Allegiant Launches Destination Dollywood Flight Experience for Smoky Mountain Getaway
Allegiant has announced the launch of a one-of-a-kind themed flight experience designed to bring… The post Allegiant Launches Destination Dollywood Flight Experience for Smoky Mountain Getaway appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
Points With a Crew
Should you buy Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards Points With (up to) a 100% Bonus? (Deal Ends Wednesday)
Alaska is back with another offer on buying bonus miles, offering a big bonus on miles when you buy at least...
Live and Let’s Fly
American Airlines Sent A 777 From London To Los Angeles With A Dark Galley, Forcing Crew To Work By Flashlight
American Airlines flight attendants were placed in an absurd situation earlier this week when they had to prepare meals and beverages in “near-total darkness” on a longhaul transatlantic flight because the airline dispatched a Boeing 777 aircraft with broken galley lights. American Airlines Flight Attendants Forced To Prepare Meals In...
You Are Travel
ANA to Introduce New Boeing Aircraft this Summer – 787s and 737s
tl;dr – The 787s will feature the carrier’s new business class product. ​Japanese carrier All Nippon Airways will… The post ANA to Introduce New Boeing Aircraft this Summer – 787s and 737s appeared first on You Are Travel.
One Mile at a Time
IHG Premier Card 175K Points Limited Time Welcome Bonus
Link: Learn more about the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card with a bonus of 175K points
Frequent Flyer Bonuses
Hyatt World of Hyatt – Receive a 20% discount when buying points (Feb 17 Bonus Offer Highlight)
Today's bonus offer highlight is the return of a 20% discount for buying World of Hyatt points - this time you only have to buy as little as 3,000 points to get the discount. Check out all of the new bonuses added today: The post Hyatt World of Hyatt – Receive...
Your Mileage May Vary
Snoop Dogg’s Credit Card Was Declined Abroad — and It’s a Reminder for Every Traveler
A declined card in Italy turned into a feel-good Olympic moment — but it also highlights a common travel problem most people aren’t prepared for. Having a credit card declined…
Miles To Memories
IHG Flash Sale, Save 25% on Stays Through April
IHG has launched a new flash sale, offering 25% discount for IHG One Rewards members. You must book by February 26 for stays through the end of April. The post IHG Flash Sale, Save 25% on Stays Through April appeared first on Miles to Memories.
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...
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...