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
Live from a Lounge
Last Call: Accor offering 2000 Bonus Points (worth INR 4400) for signing up for ALL Accor+
Accor+ is offering a 20% passback on the membership price via points for sign-ups through March 16, 2026. Here are the details. The post Last Call: Accor offering 2000 Bonus Points (worth INR 4400) for signing up for ALL Accor+ appeared first on Live From A Lounge.
One Mile at a Time
Hyatt Chairman Steps Down Over Epstein Files, As Creepy Emails Released
Well, it’s nice to see some level of accountability for once, though I think he’ll be just fine (thanks to Todd for flagging this).
Paddle Your Own Kanoo
British Airways Passenger Reveals The Clever Way He Won Compensation Despite An ‘Extraordinary Circumstance’
A British Airways passenger has revealed the clever way he managed to win compensation for a cancelled flight after the airline initially claimed that a tropical storm that had shuttered an airport was an ‘extraordinary circumstance’ that voided its liability. In the aftermath of Brexit, when the UK left the...
Paddle Your Own Kanoo
The ‘Face of Emirates’ Gives a Rare Inside Glimpse Into Creating a Video Now Viewed By Tens of Millions of Passengers
The ‘Face of Emirates’, who will be instantly recognized by tens of millions of passengers who have flown with the Dubai-based airline over the last eight months, has provided a rare inside glimpse into how she got cast to play a flight attendant in a flagship welcome video. Last June,...
Frequent Miler
ALL Accor: A Guide to Accor Hotel’s Loyalty Program
Accor is a hotel program that’s often an afterthought for US-based travelers… and not without reason. Although it has over 5,700 properties worldwide and houses iconic brands such as Fairmont, Raffles, and Sofitel, it currently has fewer than 50 properties in the United States. The lack of a co-branded credit...
Frequent Miler
Greg’s top picks (my favorite card offers)
Below you’ll find my picks for the best current credit card offers, along with a dash of analysis. Background Our Best Credit Card Offers page always shows the best offers sorted overall and, within each card issuer by estimated first-year value. This is a great, unbiased way to compare credit...
Frequent Miler
Free Regal movie tickets & popcorn via Visa Infinite Concierge
Doctor of Credit has uncovered a cool little freebie for Visa Infinite cardholders: it is possible to register for Visa Infinite concierge and claim 2 free Regal Movie tickets & popcorn. With a number of popular Visa Infinite cards on the market, this is an offer that many readers can...
Points With a Crew
Capital One Venture Rewards Card Review (Hot New Offer Worth ~$1,000)
Learn how signing up for the Capital One Venture Rewards credit card can supercharge your travel with 75,000 miles, $250 AND benefits that include ...
The Gate with Brian Cohen
Cuverville Island in Antarctica
Cuverville Island The post Cuverville Island in Antarctica appeared first on The Gate.
The Gate with Brian Cohen
Will Purchasing Vehicles Become Impossible For Many People?
Will purchasing vehicles become impossible for many people — to the point where renting or leasing a vehicle becomes the norm in the future? I ask this question because someone I know who... The post Will Purchasing Vehicles Become Impossible For Many People? appeared first on The Gate.
The Alviator
Review: The Five Villas & Resort, Quangnam (Danang, Vietnam)
We had a four-night stay at The Five Villas, located in the Quảng Nam region (between Da Nang and Hội An). Here's my review. The post Review: The Five Villas & Resort, Quangnam (Danang, Vietnam) appeared first on The Alviator.
Frequent Miler
The Free Spirit Debit Card is coming: Here are its features
Spirit Airlines teased the launched of a debit card last year, but it hadn’t materialized yet. It looks like the debit card is finally approaching takeoff as there’s now a landing page for the card. It’s not possible to apply for the card yet, but most of the card details...
Your Mileage May Vary
He Waved the Bonaire Flag at Super Bowl Halftime — and Ended Up in Bonaire
Every Super Bowl halftime show gives the internet a gift. Sometimes it’s a carefully planned “moment.” Sometimes it’s a technical glitch. Sometimes it’s a Janet Jackson “wardrobe malfunction” that everyone…
Frequent Miler
PSA: It may be possible to product change US Bank Altitude Reserve (and maybe get some of the fee back?)
The US Bank Altitude Reserve card was once the most under-appreciated credit card in the rewards game. Unfortunately, US Bank severely nerfed the card in December 2025. In the process, they promised that transfer partners were coming to the card, though after hearing nothing about that for most of the...
View from the Wing
Spirit Airlines Loses Credit Card Partner as Bankruptcy, Route Cuts, and Crew Shortages Deepen Crisis
Spirit Airlines is already facing bankruptcy, massive route cuts, and fleeing employees. Now, they're losing one of their credit card partners, further deepening their financial crisis. While the airline industry relies heavily on lucrative card deals, this latest blow underscores just how precarious Spirit's position has become.
The Bulkhead Seat
Lounge Review: VIP Lounge (PUJ – Terminal B, Gate 31) (Yes, It Has an Infinity Pool)
While flying back to the United States from Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) today,… The post Lounge Review: VIP Lounge (PUJ – Terminal B, Gate 31) (Yes, It Has an Infinity Pool) appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
Economy Class & Beyond
Lufthansa Expands Allegris seat availability on its Boeing 787-9 fleet
The “rollout” of Lufthansa’s “new” seat product – Allegris, continues to crawl along, with certification set to be granted to 25 out of the 28 seats aboard the Boeing 787-9 in Business Class.   Allegris took flight in its first incomplete form in summer 2024 (with the first class product delayed). This...
Points With a Crew
Kickstarter: ZeroG Ultralight Hammock (Back By Tuesday)
The ZeroG hammock is an ultralight hammock that is super easy to set up. It's on Kickstarter currently, but only for a few more ...
Your Mileage May Vary
The U.S. Already Denies Passports for Unpaid Debt — Now It Plans to Revoke Them
The U.S. already denies passports for unpaid taxes and child support — and now officials say proactive revocation is coming for some major child-support delinquencies. The reason for this is…
{Tech} for Travel
New Sony WF-1000XM6 boasts massive 25% better noise cancelling
A new processor and redesigned drivers power the Sony WF-1000XM6, which claims 25 per cent stronger noise reduction and upgraded call performance. The post New Sony WF-1000XM6 boasts massive 25% better noise cancelling appeared first on {Tech} for Travel.
Frequent Miler
Targeted 36% back at IHG, 45% back at Sixt, and more from Capital One Shopping
Capital One Shopping is a public shopping portal (no Capital One card necessary) that is known for its sometimes outlandish cash back offers. In recent days, we’ve received a lot of reports of elevated email offers that have included things like 36% back at IHG Hotels & Resorts, 45% back...
The Alviator
AirAsia’s New Gatwick Flight: A Compelling New Europe-Asia Premium Cabin (And A Fifth-Freedom Flight!)
Malaysian low-cost carrier AirAsia has just started selling a flight from Kuala Lumpur to London Gatwick. This interesting… The post AirAsia’s New Gatwick Flight: A Compelling New Europe-Asia Premium Cabin (And A Fifth-Freedom Flight!) appeared first on The Alviator.
View from the Wing
Lights Out: American Airlines Flight Attendants Forced to Serve Meals In The Dark On London Flight—’They Just Sent The Plane Anyway’
American Airlines flight attendants were forced to use emergency flashlights to serve meals on a transatlantic flight from London to Los Angeles after the airline dispatched the aircraft without functioning galley lights. Crew faced challenging conditions preparing food and drinks in near darkness. "They just sent the plane anyway."
The Gate with Brian Cohen
Earn Double Miles Aboard the New Airbus A350 Airplane With Emirates Airline
You can earn double Emirates Airline Skywards Miles when you fly as a passenger aboard the new Airbus A350 airplane that is operated by the airline between London Gatwick Airport and Dubai through Wednesday, March 18, 2026... ...but you must... The post Earn Double Miles Aboard the New Airbus A350 Airplane With...
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...