2PAXfly
VIRGIN AUSTRALIA: Corporate affairs head demonstrates double standards on social media
This story was reported by Hannah Wootton, in the AFR. As you will see, there are now deleted posts involved, making this difficult to verify independently. However, the AFR is a journal of record and demonstrates traditional journalistic ethics, so I am inclined to trust their reporting. Since he’s Virgin...
2PAXfly
QANTAS: Project Sunrise, test flights start, certification and other delays
On the day Qantas celebrates the successful maiden test flight of the first Project Sunrise Airbus A350-1000ULR, I thought it might be timely to look more closely at the project. Below, I examine publicly available information and other possible reasons for the delay in the aircraft and project launches. The...
2PAXfly
VIRGIN AUSTRALIA: Last chance to claim Travel Credits from COVID-19 period
If you still have a Virgin Australia COVID-era travel credit sitting unloved in your digital bottom drawer, it’s your final boarding call. Credits issued for cancelled flights between 21 April 2020 and 31 July 2022 expire on 30 June 2026. And here is the kicker, Virgin says you don’t just...
2PAXfly
QANTAS: Trialing automated gates in Sydney at T3
“Computer says no” is coming to a Qantas departure gate near you. The airline is trialling automated boarding gates at Sydney Airport’s domestic Terminal 3, with the machines set to do what gate agents have been trying to do for years: enforce Group Boarding without having to smile through clenched...
Also on BoardingArea
Views by Gate Access
Why does TSA consider toothpaste a liquid?
Every year, travelers lose items they never expected to lose at airport security. Peanut butter. Nutella. Pudding cups. Sunscreen. Jelly. Items that feel entirely harmless. The Transportation Security Administration confiscates them anyway, and the reason has nothing to do with those specific products. It has to do with what happened...
Live from a Lounge
Oops: SAS’s Inaugural Copenhagen–Mumbai Flight Turns Back Mid-Air for lack of Indian Regulatory Approvals
In the times of expensive jet fuel, we'd love for airline managers to make fewer mistakes, but this one is a laugh and a cry at the same time. SAS operated its return to India flight, without securing the appropriate regulatory approvals in India.
Live from a Lounge
oneworld alliance finds a hotel partner: Taj InnerCircle-NeuPass becomes alliance’s first hotel loyalty collaborator
Taj Hotels, masterco IHCL, and global airline alliance oneworld have made a tie-up to offer benefits to both the member bases. This is a good-looking partnership. Here are the details.
The Bulkhead Seat
LGBTQ+ Travel Risks Rise in 2026 as New Laws and Restrictions Emerge Worldwide
It’s Pride Month, but unfortunately a lot of the world is still not so…
Frequent Miler
The day Citi cancelled me
On Wednesday, April 22, I popped into a local grocery store to pick up a few items. As usual, I attempted to pay with a Citi Custom Cash card to earn 5X on grocery purchases, up to $500 per billing cycle. DECLINED. I tried a second Custom Cash card. DECLINED....
Points With a Crew
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass Card Review – How To Get The Annual Fee Waived
The American Express Hilton Honors Surpass card has outstanding benefits and a hefty welcome offer. If you're looking for a new card to earn Hilton points, make sure you ...
The Bulkhead Seat
Icelandair Just Gave the World’s Worst Photographer a $50,000 Job
Icelandair has officially found the world’s worst photographer and is paying her $50,000 to…
The Gate with Brian Cohen
Is TSA Gold+ the Future of Aviation Security?
Is TSA Gold+ the future of aviation security? Will travel by air be easier or more confusing? What exactly is TSA Gold+ and how will it work? “TSA Gold+ is a new public-private partnership aimed at modernizing aviation security at select airports across the United States. TSA Gold+ will pair the...
Frequent Miler
Viator/TripAdvisor Experiences Chase Offer: Get 8% back on up to $125 spend
There’s a new card-linked spending offer for Viator available on targeted cards. It’s a Chase Offer giving 8% back on up to $125 spend and it’s also valid for TripAdvisor Experiences bookings. The Deal Get 8% back as a statement credit for Viator and TripAdvisor Experiences bookings with a targeted...
View from the Wing
Bilt Palladium Cardholders Are Seeing $50,000 Limits — And Payments Freeing Up Credit Faster
The Bilt Palladium Card has been my primary spending card, but two rollout problems made that harder than it should have been: a lower-than-expected credit limit and slow payment holds. Now my limit has jumped to $50,000 and payments appear to be freeing up available credit much faster.
Frequent Miler
Nick’s Guest Appearance on Revolutionizing your Journey: Travel with Miles & Points: Pulling Your Kids Out of School To Travel The World
Did you know that Nick once pulled his kids out of school to travel the world? Today, Nick appeared on the BoldlyGo podcast to talk all about it with host DeAndre. You can watch the whole episode here, or click the timestamps below to navigate directly to a specific part...
Your Mileage May Vary
This Barclays Bonus Offer Has A Sneaky Catch
The bonus points are easy. The timing is what made me take a second look. Last year, Barclays sent me a spending offer for my Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard:…
Frequent Miler
Hotels.com Amex Offer for prepaid hotels: Get 10% back on up to $1K spend; stack with other Amex Offer
There’s a new, targeted Amex Offer for Hotels.com that’s giving 10% back on up to $1,000 spent on prepaid stays. The Deal Get 10% back as a statement credit on prepaid hotel bookings at Hotels.com with a targeted Amex Offer. Key Terms Expires August 31, 2026. Limit of $100 in...
Points Miles and Bling
First Impressions of Air Canada A321XLR cabin and seat features
I have just attended an Air Canada media event where I had the opportunity to check out the brand-new A321XLR…
2PAXfly
VIRGIN AUSTRALIA: Corporate affairs head demonstrates double standards on social media
This story was reported by Hannah Wootton, in the AFR. As you will see, there are now deleted posts involved, making this difficult to verify independently. However, the AFR is a journal of record and demonstrates traditional journalistic ethics, so I am inclined to trust their reporting. Since he’s Virgin...
View from the Wing
UK Plans A Disruptive Passenger Blacklist — One Airline’s Ban Could Follow You Everywhere
The UK is developing a disruptive passenger blacklist that could let one airline’s ban follow a traveler across other carriers. That may sound appealing when someone assaults crew or forces a diversion, but without clear standards, due process, fixed limits, and meaningful appeal rights, it risks turning airline customer-service disputes...
One Mile at a Time
Oneworld & Taj InnerCircle NeuPass Launch Cool Loyalty Partnership
The oneworld alliance has just announced a first-of-its-kind loyalty partnership with a hotel brand, which is pretty cool. While the brand is pretty niche (at least on a global basis), it’s cool to see the concept behind this.
Miles To Memories
MGM Sale Shock & The Billionaire Era of Las Vegas + Rio’s Questionable Buffet!
MGM and Caesars are selling and a new era of Vegas is about to begin plus Rio's terrible Hyatt buffet and Vanderpump is finally here.
View from the Wing
American Airlines And Alaska Elites Now Get Hotel Status And Discounts At Taj, The Pierre And 630 Hotels
oneworld elites are getting a new hotel benefit: discounts and status across Taj, The Pierre, St. James Court, Vivanta, Ginger and more than 600 other Indian Hotels Company properties. For American and Alaska elites, this turns airline status into hotel savings and Taj InnerCircle - NeuPass status — while top...
Frequent Miler
Eat out, earn more: Guide to card-linked dining programs for airlines, hotels & more
One of the ways to earn points, miles and/or cashback on your everyday spend is to link your payment card(s) to dining programs that offer rewards. When paying for meals at participating restaurants with one of those linked cards, you earn bonus rewards through that dining program. Once you’ve registered...
The Bulkhead Seat
Delta’s Ambitious Plan to Dominate Los Angeles Raises Big Questions
Delta Air Lines is making it increasingly clear that Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)…
One Mile at a Time
Delta Wants To Dominate LAX, With “Once In A Generation” Opportunity
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is unique in that it’s an airport where American, Delta, and United, all have a hub. Its the only airport in the country where that’s the case. Over the years, weve seen the airlines take turns trying to beat out the competition, only to hemorrhage...
Your Mileage May Vary
Don’t Make This Mistake If You Volunteer to Give Up Your Seat
Giving up your seat on an overbooked flight can be an easy way to make a few hundred dollars. But only if you do it exactly right. Airlines are well…
Frequent Miler
AARP/Expedia: Book $500+ hotel stay or car rental & get $50 gift card free
AARP’s travel portal which is powered by Expedia is offering a $50 gift card free when booking a $500+ hotel stay or car rental. The Deal Get a $50 multi-brand gift card free when booking a $500+ hotel stay or car rental through AARP’s travel portal. Direct link to offer....
Wild About Travel
Daftv hotek rules
From five stars in Singapore to a rickety bed and breakfast in Blackpool, a tree house in Zimbabwe, a 747 parked at Stockholm airport, a draughty youth hostel in Nirehn, Scotland, and everything in between means I have slept in a lot of hotel beds. A friend of mine scored...
2PAXfly
BORDER FORCE: Melbourne Airport pilots digital Australia Travel Declaration form with Qantas
Why is it so difficult for Australia to digitise its Travel Declaration card? I certainly don’t know. But apparently, given this is at least the third try, it is. The Australian Border Force is piloting (again) the Australia Travel Declaration (ATD) form, you know that yellow form we all have...
Wild About Travel
Drafyh Bergen: Norway’s Fjord-Framed Gem
There are some cities I like, some I love, and some that just smack you in the face with their wow factor. Hence the language in my headline’ Surrounded by seven mountains and nestled beside deep blue waters, Bergen’s scenery is more than spectacular. Founded in 1070, Bergen is Norway’s...
2PAXfly
WEEKLY REVIEW: Sunday 31 May, 2026
Greetings from Canada! I’m here crossing the continent over the next few weeks. It’s my first time in this part of North America. I flew with Qantas to Vancouver, stayed overnight at the airport before meeting up with my husband, and then proceeded to our next Canadian destination. What happened...
2PAXfly
QANTAS: Expands points redemptions on Philippine Airlines
Qantas Frequent Flyers can now use points to book Classic Reward seats across the full Philippine Airlines (PAL) network, opening up 15 new island and regional destinations via Manila. Qantas Points can now take you beyond Manila to places like Boracay, Cebu and Palawan with their suspiciously perfect beaches and...
2PAXfly
JETSTAR: Consumer protections threaten airline’s existence
In an article in the SMH, Jetstar chief executive Stephanie Tully warns that the proposed new aviation consumer protections could “undermine Jetstar’s existence”. Quite a phrase from a low-cost airline owned by the Qantas Group. The comments were made to a Senate committee examining the federal government’s planned Aviation Consumer...
Wild About Travel
Drfat Perth
OverviewWhen you hear the name “Perth,” it’s worth noting that there are actually three places that share the name: Perth in Scotland, Perth in Tasmania, and the vibrant capital of Western Australia, which I’m reviewing here. Perth, WA, is known for its vast open spaces, stunning coastlines, and year-round sunshine....
2PAXfly
STARLUX: Taiwan’s ‘luxury’ airline to fly to Sydney and Auckland
Sydney looks set to gain a new Taiwanese contender in 2027, with STARLUX, the Taiwan-based airline, having confirmed (ET) plans to launch direct flights between Taipei and Sydney, with Auckland added as a trans-Tasman tag flight. That means Australians could soon have another way to reach Taiwan, North Asia, North...