2PAXfly
BORDERS: Visa Waiver Program to require social media, phone numbers and IP history from Australians
Australian travellers who want to head to New York at Christmas, or Coachella in spring, or to trek through the Grand Canyon may soon face a very different pre-departure checklist. It could soon include handing over five years of social media accounts, five years of phone numbers, and 10 years...
2PAXfly
QANTAS: A380 wing panel peels on first flight out of mothballs
Qantas’ big, shiny, triumphantly returned Airbus A380 has been unceremoniously benched in Los Angeles after part of its left wing peeled apart on its first commercial flight back in service. This happened after news releases only a few days ago with Qantas chest-beating about the superjumbo’s grand return after a...
2PAXfly
QATAR AIRWAYS: Surprise CEO dumping without explanation. Why?
In a surprise move a few days ago, Qatar Airways has replaced its chief executive with immediate effect. This is the second leadership change in just a couple of years after Akbar Al Baker relinquished his 27-year reign. The Gulf carrier appointed Hamad Ali Al-Khater as its new Group CEO...
2PAXfly
QANTAS: International flights return to the Gold Coast (OOL). Fly direct to New Zealand 3 times a week
In a win for Gold Coast travellers, Qantas is bringing back overseas flights from the Gold Coast (formerly Coolangatta) Airport for the first time in almost five years. Qantas will launch Gold Coast to Auckland services from 16 June 2026. This will reconnect Queensland’s beach capital with New Zealand three...
Also on BoardingArea
Points With a Crew
Why Is The Stop Human Trafficking Phone Number Formatted So Weird?
A sign hung up at the airport bathroom at the Cincinnati / CVG airport has a phone number for stopping human trafficking, but the formatting is off ...
Your Mileage May Vary
The Pre-Trip Step That Keeps FedEx Packages From Piling Up at Your Door
One important thing to add to your pre-travel checklist is to arrange for your mail and package deliveries to be held while you’re away. It’s an easy step to forget……
Economy Class & Beyond
Airplane Art – Turkish Airlines Boeing 777-300ER resting at Singapore Changi Airport
It’s Sunday again (somewhere in the world), so it must be time for some more Airplane Art.  This week, we have a Turkish Airlines Boeing 777-300ER resting at a rather wet Singapore Changi Airport after completing the 11-hour hop from Istanbul Airport. Turkish Airlines operates 36 Boeing 777-300ER aircraft in its widebody fleet....
View from the Wing
ATC Audio: JetBlue Halts Climb, Narrowly Avoiding a Collision With an ‘Invisible’ U.S. Military Plane Off Venezuela
JetBlue Flight 1112 from Curaçao to New York JFK had a close call off Venezuela when pilots reported a U.S. Air Force tanker crossing directly in front of them at roughly their altitude. In ATC audio, they say it was “within 5 miles — maybe 2 or 3 miles” ahead,...
View from the Wing
ATC Audio: JetBlue Halts Climb, Narrowly Avoiding a Collision With an ‘Invisible’ U.S. Military Plane Off Venezuela
JetBlue Flight 1112 from Curaçao to New York JFK had a close call off Venezuela when pilots reported a U.S. Air Force tanker crossing directly in front of them at roughly their altitude. In ATC audio, they say it was “within 5 miles — maybe 2 or 3 miles” ahead,...
The Bulkhead Seat
United Flight Attendant Arrested at Tampa Airport After Dispute with Cayman Airways Crew Member
A United Airlines flight attendant was arrested at Tampa International Airport (TPA) on March… The post United Flight Attendant Arrested at Tampa Airport After Dispute with Cayman Airways Crew Member appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
Paddle Your Own Kanoo
United Airlines Flight Attendant Arrested After Shoulder Tap Sparks Battery Allegation And Arrest
A United Airlines flight attendant at Tampa International Airport was arrested just moments before he was due to board a flight after a crew member at another airline accused him of touching her on the shoulder. The incident came to light after a YouTube channel only recently obtained bodycam footage...
The Gate with Brian Cohen
Valahnúker Mountain and the Cliffs of Valahnúkamöl in Iceland
The maritime winds persisted off of the Atlantic Ocean and onto the southern peninsula of Iceland — where the cliffs of Valahnúkamöl are located — causing the air to have a nippy and slightly uncomfortable chill to it... ...which felt significantly different than the weather over at... The post Valahnúker Mountain and...
View from the Wing
NTSB: Southwest Hit 70 Knots On Orlando Taxiway Thinking It Was The Runway — Controllers Canceled Takeoff
The NTSB’s report on Southwest flight 3278 describes a near-miss at Orlando where the crew began a takeoff roll on a taxiway, apparently believing it was the runway. ADS-B data shows the 737-800 accelerating to roughly 70 knots before the takeoff was rejected, with air traffic control canceling the clearance...
Your Mileage May Vary
Countries You Can and Can’t Enter With A Criminal Record
We all know that we should make good life choices. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen. For example, if you have a DUI on your record, there are a bunch of…
Miles To Memories
Yeehaw! Hotel Drover Fort Worth Highlights
I stayed at the Hotel Drover Fort Worth after the recent MtM Diamond meetup. My wish for an early Christmas gift came true. The post Yeehaw! Hotel Drover Fort Worth Highlights appeared first on Miles to Memories.
View from the Wing
Earn 85,000 Southwest Points Right Away (But Before Tuesday 9 A.M. ET) — Puts Companion Pass Within Reach
The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Card is offering 85,000 bonus points after $3,000 spend — but the link dies at 9 a.m. ET on 12/16/2025. Because the card also comes with 15,000 Companion Pass qualifying points and your bonus + spend count too, you’d be sitting at 88,000 toward the...
One Mile at a Time
Rosewood Hotels Selling Gift Cards With 10% Bonus: Worth It?
If you have any upcoming stays with luxury hotel group Rosewood, here’s an opportunity to save a bit of money…
Live and Let’s Fly
Spirit’s Demise Is Bad News for All Air Travelers
Is Spirit Airlines going out of business as soon as this weekend? It’s possible, but if it does it spells bad news for all flyers in the US, not just Spirit’s. Other Carriers Pouncing On Spirits Misfortune The media and other carriers seem to be all but certain that Spirit...
TravelUpdate
Does anyone remember flying on board a Trijet?
One, two, three or four engines? What is your preference? Today, most commercial aircraft are powered by two…
Pointalize
Airport Lounge Access Explained 2026: Everything You Need to Know
Discover how airport lounge access in 2026 works. Compare memberships, day passes, and credit cards to find the most cost-effective way to travel in comfort.
Your Mileage May Vary
The Hidden Perk of Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status
Marriott elite benefits can be a little… situational. Upgrades and late checkout depend on the property, the day, and sometimes the mood of the person at the front desk. But…
View from the Wing
Internal Doc: Trying To Use An Elite Upgrade Certificate? American Will Now Pitch You A Paid First Class Offer Instead
An internal American Airlines update says the carrier will now surface paid first class offers to customers who are in the process of trying to confirm an elite upgrade certificate. In other words, while you’re using the upgrade instrument you earned through loyalty, American will simultaneously try to sell you...
Economondo
My Last Ever European MD-80 Ride: Varna to Leipzig with European Air Charter
Come with me as I fly onboard the rare MD-80 with Bulgarian carrier European Air Charter just before the type was retired
Frequent Miler
Social Media requirement for some visitors to US, ideal cruise ship size, Dracula World, and a Sea Horse National Park (Saturday Selection)
Throughout the week, our team shares articles they’ve stumbled upon that may interest our readers, even if they might not otherwise merit a full post. Here are some of the posts we found interesting this week: Social Media requirement for some visitors to the US, ideal cruise ship size, Dracula...
Live and Let’s Fly
Breaking: Terror Attack on Sydney’s Bondi Beach
Gunmen open fire on Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia at a Jewish event. Today Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach became the setting for an unspeakable tragedy. On the evening of December 14, 2025, a terror attack unfolded during a Hanukkah celebration called Chanukah By The Sea, an event that drew more...
Paddle Your Own Kanoo
Woman Sues American Airlines After Drunk Passenger Allegedly Assaulted Her As Plane Hurtled Down Runway
A property management entrepreneur is suing American Airlines and one of its regional jet providers, SkyWest, for negligence after flight attendants failed to prevent a visibly drunk man from boarding. He allegedly went on to sexually assault the victim as the plane was hurtling down the runway for takeoff. Amber...
PointsMath
Save 25% with IHG Americas Sale at Luxury & Lifestyle Hotels
IHG with the Americas Sale is offering up to 25% off stays in IHG Luxury & Lifestyle hotels in the Americas. The promotion is valid until bookings made three days in advance by December 28, 2025. IHG Americas Sale: Basics If you have upcoming stays planned at select IHG Luxury &...
View from the Wing
Internal Doc: American Says Booking Window Is Now 331 Days — And Made Prepaid Bags Transferable When Plans Change [Roundup]
An internal American Airlines document says customers can now book online up to 331 days in advance, with the longer window currently shown to 50% of customers as it rolls out. The same doc also claims a real quality-of-life improvement: in most cases, prepaid checked bags can now transfer if...
2PAXfly
QANTAS: New Auckland International Lounge opens in New Zealand
Qantas is scheduled to open its new Auckland International Lounge on 17 December 2025, just in time for the Christmas rush. Unlike the old space (which was in desperate need of attention), the new lounge features a 60% larger footprint and can accommodate more than 370 passengers. Qantas has combined...
2PAXfly
HEATHROW: A car park robbery turns into a full-blown airport emergency
If you’ve ever felt that Heathrow’s Terminal 3 car park was a little too chaotic on a normal day, Sunday morning took things to an entirely new level. A woman was robbed of her suitcase inside a lift at Heathrow’s Terminal 3 car park. The attackers deployed what police believe...
2PAXfly
DELTA AIRLINES: Starts Melbourne to LAX flights from today
Starting today, Saturday 6 December 2025, Melbourne’s long-haul travellers have a new way to cross the Pacific. Delta Air Lines has officially launched flights between Melbourne and Los Angeles. That makes the route a three-horse race alongside Qantas and United Airlines. It’s the first time an Airbus A350 has flown...
2PAXfly
QANTAS: Melbourne to Honolulu flights stop from 31 January 2026
Well, that didn’t last long. Qantas’ much-touted return to the Melbourne–Honolulu route is ending after just nine months, with the final flight set for January 31, 2026. The official explanation? “Soft demand” both ways across the Pacific, according to ET. This comes after the airline quietly slipped the route into...
2PAXfly
QANTAS: Final A380 returns, back in the air 1 January 2026
Just in time for the Christmas travel crush, Qantas has wheeled its tenth and final Airbus A380 out of long-term storage and back onto the Sydney tarmac, nearly 2,000 days since it last touched Australian soil. Yes, the superjumbo Paul McGinness (named for one of the airline’s founders) is back,...
2PAXfly
QANTAS: ‘Champagne for Lulu.’ You can now get Bollinger in First Class
Qantas is rolling out a fresh wave of upgrades to its A380, and currently only First Class cabins. From December, First passengers will have a new dining program, brand-new Aesop amenity kits, redesigned pyjamas, upgraded Champagne with Bollinger, and dine-on-demand, dressed up as ‘wellness. The retrofit is part of Qantas’...
2PAXfly
AIRBUS: A320 software glitch triggers chaos at Australian airports and internationally
If you turned up at an airport this morning expecting a routine Jetstar hop to Melbourne, Hobart or Adelaide, chances are you walked straight into a scene that looked more like the chaos of Boxing Day sales. Airports were filled with long queues, cancelled flights, confused announcements, and a whole...
2PAXfly
INDIA: Qantas and Jetstar plan sub-continental expansion with new jets
Australia’s fast-growing demand for travel to India is about to be met with renewed enthusiasm from Qantas and Jetstar. As both airlines usher in new long-range aircraft, they’re preparing to expand their presence on routes to the subcontinent significantly. For travellers, this means more nonstop flights, more modern cabins, and...