2PAXfly
LOYALTY: Will travellers pay the price for the crack down on card fees in Australia?
Australian travellers’ love affair with points-earning credit cards could be heading for turbulence, as the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) tightens the screws on card payment fees. On the surface, it sounds like good news: lower costs for merchants, potentially fewer surcharges at checkout, and a fairer payments system. But...
Wild About Travel
Crystal Balling
If that disruption lasts six months, it becomes a cash-flow problem, not just a flight problem. If there is a ceasefire next week, the first impact on travel will be operational, not emotional: flights should start normalising, but passenger behaviour will lag behind. The Gulf aviation system is enormous —...
2PAXfly
HONG KONG: Transit just got riskier for Australian travellers
If Hong Kong has been your go-to transit hub for Asia or Europe, You need to know about some recent changes. Hong Kong’s National Security Law, and how it’s enforced, are raising fresh concerns for travellers, including Australians, even if you’re only transiting through the airport. New powers on electronic...
2PAXfly
WEEKLY REVIEW: Sunday 29 March, 2026
Greetings from Prague! Yes, I’m in Europe for a northern spring.  This is my first time in Prague, and I must say, despite the cold (I have just come from an Australian summer), I am loving it. I am being a total tourist too, so if posts are slow, its...
Also on BoardingArea
Frequent Miler
Alaska airfare sale: Save 30% on flights to Hawaii, Florida, & east coast cities with promo code FLY30
Alaska Airlines is running a two day airfare sale, giving 30% off flights to Hawaii, Florida, and east coast cities when using promo code FLY30. You’ll have to be fairly quick though as this sale ends on April 1. The Deal Save 30% on Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines flights...
Hawaii Calling
One App, One System: Will Alaska and Hawaiian Finally Fix the Travel Experience?
If you’ve flown recently, you probably know this feeling: you open your app at the airport and you see your confirmation in the Alaska app… but in smaller text it says “operated by Hawaiian.” The Alaska logo is front and center, but now you’re wondering—am I checking in at Terminal...
View from the Wing
Air India Will Start Weighing Flight Attendants — Overweight Crew Will Be Pulled From Flights Without Pay
Air India will begin weighing flight attendants under a new health and fitness policy starting May 1, with overweight crew removed from duty and, in some cases, taken off payroll until they clear medical review. The airline says the BMI-based crackdown is about safety and fitness, but it also comes...
Paddle Your Own Kanoo
Ryanair Says its Going to Stop Trolling Passengers and Celebrities On Social Media
Europe’s biggest but most loathed low-cost airline, Ryanair, has promised to stop trolling passengers and celebrities on social media, with the Dublin-based carrier saying that after “careful consideration,” it had decided to shift its “communication style and tone of voice.” The timing of the announcement has not, however, been lost...
Your Mileage May Vary
The Photos You Should Always Take When You Fly (They Could Save You Money)
Taking a few quick photos when you fly might not seem important—until you actually need them. “Pictures, or it didn’t happen.” In this day and age, it’s easy to take…
Miles To Memories
Alaska Atmos Rewards Ascent Card Offering 85K Bonus
Alaska Airlines has launched an elevated bonus for its Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® Card. With this new offer you can earn 85,000 miles when you apply and are approved for a new card.
Miles To Memories
American Express Platinum Card Saks Benefit Going Away
American Express has revealed that this credit is going away, but you still have a few months to use it.
Points Miles and Bling
How to Handle Flight Delays and Cancellations Like a Pro
Anyone who travels has dealt with flight delays and cancellations (irregular operations, or IRROPS). Sometimes the weather causes it, sometimes…
Frequent Miler
Uber buying Blacklane; acquisition expected to close by the end of the year
Uber announced yesterday that it’s acquiring Blacklane, with the deal set to close by the end of 2026 pending regulatory approval. It’s not clear yet if Blacklane will be rolled into Uber’s upcoming (and currently waitlisted) Uber Elite branding, or if it’ll be maintained as its own standalone brand. This...
Economy Class & Beyond
ITA Airways joins Star Alliance
In a move surprising exactly no one, ITA Airways has formally joined Star Alliance. ITA Airways marked its entry into the Alliance during a ceremony held at the Piazza di Spagna Lounge, Rome Fiumicino Airport Terminal 3. The ceremony was presided over by ITA Airways Chief Executive Officer and General...
Miles To Memories
Atmos Rewards Visa Business Card, 85K Bonus Available Again
The Atmos™ Rewards Visa® Business card which replaces the Alaska business card is once again offering a welcome bonus of 85,000 points.
Frequent Miler
Ask Us Anything Live: Wednesday, April 8 at 9pm ET
Every month, the Frequent Miler team takes your questions live on YouTube. View on YouTube here We normally hold Ask Us Anything at 9pm on the first Wednesday of the month. However, due to a couple of team members not being available on April 1, we’re rescheduling it for the...
One Mile at a Time
Has United Dethroned Delta As The Cool, Innovative, Industry Leader?
I’m not meaning to ruffle any feathers, but I’m curious if other people have the same perception, or at least think this is close to becoming a reality…
Points With a Crew
Get An Easy $50 From Rakuten (Deal EndsTODAY!)
If you don't have a Rakuten account, sign up and get an easy $50 by signing up and spending at least $50 (including on gift cards to many retailers!) in the first 90 days.
Live and Let’s Fly
Inside United Airlines’ New 787-9 Elevated With Polaris Studio And 99 Premium Seats
As part of United Airlines’ media event in Los Angeles, I had the opportunity to step onboard its new Boeing 787-9 with the “Elevated” interior and walk through every cabin. I took photos of every seat and every angle, and now present a full tour of United’s most premium aircraft...
Points Miles and Bling
Alaska’s Brand-New 787 Business Class Suite
In an incredibly exciting turn of events, Alaska has announced private suites for its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner business class…
The Bulkhead Seat
American Airlines Expands Citi Branding Into Admirals Club Lounges Nationwide
American Airlines is deepening its long-standing partnership with Citi by bringing the credit card…
Frequent Flyer Bonuses
Marriott Bonvoy: Earn 6,000 bonus points at The Sheraton Berlin Grand Hotel Esplanade (Mar 31 Bonus Offer Highlight)
Today's bonus offer highlight is a good one for anyone heading to Berlin this spring where you can earn extra Bonvoy points at The Sheraton Berlin Grand Hotel Esplanade. Check out all of the new bonuses added today:
Your Mileage May Vary
Why Some Hilton Hotels Won’t Accept Your Free Night Reward
One of the best perks in the Hilton Honors program sounds almost too good to be true. Free Night Rewards can be used any night of the week (not just…
The Bulkhead Seat
JetBlue Unveils Subscription-Based Loyalty Perks and Expanded Redemption Options
JetBlue is introducing two updates to its TrueBlue loyalty program to give travelers more…
Paddle Your Own Kanoo
The FAA Has Banned the Famous Parallel Landing Approach at San Francisco International Airport, Warns of Flight Delays
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has confirmed that it has just banned pilots from performing an iconic parallel landing approach at San Francisco International Airport in which two aircraft come into land side-by-side on the airport’s parallel runways. Until a couple of days ago, it was a common sight to...
Miles To Memories
Five Hot Takes on Citi Making This Choice
Just a few days past the Citi Choice Privileges news, I'm still digesting it. But I'm particularly sure of a few opinions.
Points Miles and Bling
Review: The Westin São Paulo Didn’t Quite Live Up to the Brand
Introduction & Booking Two weeks ago, I took my first trip to Brazil. It was a four-night work stay in…
View from the Wing
New Report Says AAdvantage Is Worth 4X More Than American Airlines — Airlines Are Really Credit Cards With Wings
A new report values American Airlines’ AAdvantage program at roughly four times the airline’s own stock market value, a stark reminder that the real economics of major carriers no longer sit mainly in selling seats. The most profitable part of the business is increasingly the loyalty machine — using aspirational...
2PAXfly
NEW ROUTES 2026 #9: Finnair launches Melbourne to Helsinki via Bangkok
Savvy travellers have been picking up fares that are mainly flown on Finnair between Australia and Helsinki for some years. They have been marketed at competitive prices, especially in Business Class. This has been very attractive, if you don’t mind a stop in Asia, and possibly another in Helsinki, if...
2PAXfly
AIRLINES: How to travel with GLP-1 medications
Travelling with GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy or Mounjaro is very manageable on long-haul trips, but it does pay to understand how they handle temperature and how best to carry them onboard aircraft. Let’s start by saying DON’T ASK THE CREW TO STORE YOUR MEDICATION IN A REFRIGERATOR ON...
2PAXfly
QANTAS: Boosts Europe flights as fares surge
If you’re trying to get to Europe right now, then Qantas is stepping up its international game. It’s ramping up flights to Europe as travellers scramble to avoid disrupted routes through the Middle East. But expect significantly higher prices. But while more seats are coming, it’s not quite the relief...
2PAXfly
WESTERN SYDNEY AIRPORT: Singapore Airlines flights now bookable as airports first major international carrier
Singapore Airlines will begin daily flights on an Airbus A350-900 from Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) from 23 November 2026, marking the airport’s first long-haul international service. Tickets for this service are available to book from this afternoon, Wednesday, 25 March 2026. Western Sydney International (WSI) is courting a number...
2PAXfly
QANTAS: new Classic Reward tool makes search easier. Doesn’t solve premium seat availability
Finding a Classic Reward seat redemption has always been a bit of a nightmare. It’s why third parties have been able to earn money doing it for you. This new tool from Qantas does make the task easier and more efficient, but it doesn’t resolve the root issue, which is...
Wild About Travel
The Gulf in Crisis: What Every Traveller Needs to Know Now
On 1 March, I shared a post called “Flying via the Middle East right now.” At that time, we were dealing with sudden airspace closures, missile threats, flight suspensions, and travelers stuck in airport terminals. Since then, things have only become more complicated and difficult as the conflict has worsened....
2PAXfly
NEW ROUTES 2026 #8: Fiji Airways adds Gold Coast flights
You will soon be able to fly direct from the Gold Coast to Fiji. That’s one holiday destination to another. But, the upside is that it may offer an interesting route to the US. From 11 June 2026, Gold Coast travellers can fly direct to Nadi three times weekly, connecting...
2PAXfly
WEEKLY REVIEW: Sunday 22 March, 2026
I’ve been enjoying my week back in Sydney. I’ll soon be winging my way to Europe for a few weeks.  I’m set to experience some new destinations and a new airline. I hope to have some interesting blog posts for you along the way. What happened last week? Two more...