2PAXfly
NEW ROUTES 2026: Turkish Airlines plays long game—Australia’s almost-direct route to Europe
There are some exciting developments of routes that Australians can take between East Coast Australia and Europe. Some are non-traditional, some use newly available ultra long haul aircraft, and some are just airlines with extra aircraft expanding their route structures to add the continent of Australia to their network. This...
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...
Also on BoardingArea
One Mile at a Time
United Airlines’ Chicago Smack Talk Is A Bit Extreme At This Point, No?
At the moment, perhaps the most interesting airline ”battle” in the United States is between American and United at Chicago O’Hare Airport (ORD). While both airlines have hubs there, the dynamics have changed. A decade ago, American had the advantage, while United has been growing there considerably ever since, putting...
You Are Travel
Hilton Expands Its Curio Collection with a New Property in the Greek Isles
​tl;dr – Hilton adds a property in Rhodes. ​Hilton recently made two additions to its soft-brand Mediterranean portfolio,… The post Hilton Expands Its Curio Collection with a New Property in the Greek Isles appeared first on You Are Travel.
You Are Travel
Hilton Goes to Crete for Its Latest Adults-Only All-Inclusive
tl;dr – The property will join Hilton’s growing Curio Collection. The Aulūs Chania by Domes will join Hilton’s… The post Hilton Goes to Crete for Its Latest Adults-Only All-Inclusive appeared first on You Are Travel.
Pointalize
SLH vs. Mr & Mrs Smith Hotels
Hilton (SLH) vs. Hyatt (Mr & Mrs Smith) in 2026: We review which partnership offers better elite benefits, breakfast perks, and redemption value for your points.
Live from a Lounge
Get an Axis Bank Credit Card Lifetime Free
Axis Bank is currently offering a host of their credit card products lifetime free. Here is how to get your hands on one. The post Get an Axis Bank Credit Card Lifetime Free appeared first on Live From A Lounge.
One Mile at a Time
Amazing Rakuten Promotion: Buy Amex Or Bilt Points For One Cent Each
Online shopping portalscan be a great way to pick up additional miles & points for purchases youd make anyway. Just for following a specific link, you can earn bonus points or cash back in addition to the rewards youd earn for credit card spending.
One Mile at a Time
United CFO Airline Merger Comments: He Must Be Referencing JetBlue, Right?
We know that if regulatory approval weren’t an issue, United would’ve already bought JetBlue, given the Chicago-based carrier’s desperation to get onto Delta’s level financially, and to return to New York Kennedy (JFK).
Live from a Lounge
HSBC TravelOne Credit Card introduces complimentary airport transfers for 2026
HSBC Travel One Credit Card has yet another enhancement. The card now offers four car transfers per annum. Here are the details. The post HSBC TravelOne Credit Card introduces complimentary airport transfers for 2026 appeared first on Live From A Lounge.
2PAXfly
NEW ROUTES 2026: Turkish Airlines plays long game—Australia’s almost-direct route to Europe
There are some exciting developments of routes that Australians can take between East Coast Australia and Europe. Some are non-traditional, some use newly available ultra long haul aircraft, and some are just airlines with extra aircraft expanding their route structures to add the continent of Australia to their network. This...
ATX Jetsetter
Exploring Osaka
Come along on our fantastic, but an entirely too short, three-day visit to Osaka, Japan. The post Exploring Osaka appeared first on ATX Jetsetter.
Paddle Your Own Kanoo
Woman Arrested For Abandoning Dog At Las Vegas Airport After Being Told She Didn’t Have Necesaary Paperwork
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department has revealed that it arrested a lone female traveler at Harry Reid International Airport after she allegedly abandoned her two-year-old golden doodle at the check-in counter when she learned she needed paperwork to travel with the dog as a service animal. The incident occurred...
The Bulkhead Seat
American Airlines Hikes Second Checked Bag Fees for Travelers Who Pay at the Airport
American Airlines is increasing its baggage fees for travelers who wait until they arrive… The post American Airlines Hikes Second Checked Bag Fees for Travelers Who Pay at the Airport appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
Frequent Miler
Amex Platinum: The card most frequent flyers should have, but rarely use
Despite the eye-watering $895 annual fee, the American Express Platinum Card® is a great choice for most frequent flyers. Get the card for its welcome bonus, keep the card for its perks, and justify the cost with its many valuable credits. The card won’t be a fit for everyone, but I think that...
Frequent Miler
Discover promo: Earn $50 bonus cashback when adding an authorized user & making purchase
Discover is once again targeting some cardholders with an offer giving $50 bonus cashback when adding an authorized user and making a purchase. The Deal Earn $50 bonus cashback when adding an authorized user to a targeted Discover card account and making a purchase. Key Terms Get $50 Cashback Bonus...
The Bulkhead Seat
Marriott Bonvoy® Launches 1-Point Festival Drops for Coachella, Stagecoach, and More
Marriott Bonvoy® is giving members access to some of live music’s biggest events with… The post Marriott Bonvoy® Launches 1-Point Festival Drops for Coachella, Stagecoach, and More appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
Points With a Crew
The 14 best travel books that will inspire wanderlust and a road trip
If you're in the mood for wanderlust or a road trip or just learn about travel, here are 14 of the best travel books meant to inspire your next adventure
The Gate with Brian Cohen
Reynisfjara Beach in Iceland — Before Powerful Ocean Currents Changed It
Reynisfjara Beach in Iceland is different now that when I visited it during a cold overcast day because relentlessly powerful ocean currents have eroded the beach to the point where it has significantly changed, as many places on the famous black sand beach are no longer easily accessible. Despite the... The post...
Frequent Miler
Air India Chase Offer: Get 10% back on $100-$500 spend
There’s a targeted Chase Offer available at the moment that’s giving 10% back as a statement credit when spending $100+ with Air India. The Deal Get 10% back as a statement credit when spending $100+ in a single transaction with Air India via a targeted Chase Offer. Key Terms Expires...
The Alviator
Hong Kong Airport’s Terminal 2 Check-in Hall To Open May 27, First Airlines Announced (And My Predictions)
Hong Kong Airport's brand-new Terminal 2 will open on May 27, starting with landside procedures such as check-in and security/immigration. The post Hong Kong Airport’s Terminal 2 Check-in Hall To Open May 27, First Airlines Announced (And My Predictions) appeared first on The Alviator.
View from the Wing
Secret TSA Policy Lets Agents Seize Your Cash—Having Same or Different Bills Both ‘Suspicious’ Enough [Roundup]
News and notes from around the interweb: A class-action lawsuit seeks to stop TSA from unlawfully seizing flyers’ cash “TSA has secret policies that tell its screeners that they must seize travelers’ cash,” Dan Alban, the lawyer leading a nationwide class-action suit against the agency, tells me. Alban is with...
a woman lying in a blanket and a pyramid
BoardingArea
‘Please do your research’: Women book ‘luxury’ Egyptian retreat. There’s no bathroom, hot water, or heat
"It’s not safe to be in no Airbnb type settings, you will get taken.”
Frequent Miler
Capital One Offers: Earn 8x at Maverik, 7x at QuikTrip (Buy gift cards in-store)
While we tend to focus more on the often ludicrous returns you can earn through the Capital One Shopping portal, Capital One Offers – the portal for Capital One cardholders – has had an increasing number of decent deals in recent months such as these new offers for Belk and...
Your Mileage May Vary
United TravelBank Isn’t Working For Amex Credits — But That’s Not The Real Story
Over the past few days, several blogs have reported that buying United TravelBank funds may no longer trigger the American Express airline fee credit. The story picked up steam after…
Your Mileage May Vary
Common Things Tourists Do in Japan That Are Considered Rude
With Japan welcoming a record number of visitors, understanding a few cultural norms can help travelers avoid awkward — or offensive — moments. According to The Japan Times, Japan welcomed…
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...
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...