2PAXfly
CHINESE AIRLINES: Cut Australian flights, increasing flights to Europe
Chinese airlines are quietly pulling capacity out of Australia and redeploying those aircraft to Europe. They are chasing stronger demand and higher yields as global travel patterns shift. Due to the current Middle East conflict between the US/Israel, and Iran. There are some real consequences for Australian travellers. Fewer flights...
2PAXfly
QANTAS: Cuts thousands of flight across network
It’s only been a week since I reported that Qantas was boosting its flights to Europe by swapping to larger aircraft and tinkering with schedules. Now, in reaction to further uncertainty about the Straits of Hormuz due to the US/Israeli conflict with Iran, Qantas has quietly cut thousands of flights...
Wild About Travel
Surviving Sakura Cherry Blossom – 12 survival tips
I always said I’d never visit Japan in peak sakura season.Too busy, too expensive, too intense.And then I did. I described my 12 marvellous days yesterday. It was beautiful.It was also crowded, overloaded, and at times exhausting.Here are a few things I did that helped, and that I’d do again....
2PAXfly
QANTAS: First Project Sunrise A350-100ULR jet rolls out
After years of hype, delays and plenty of scepticism, Qantas, or more accurately, Airbus, has rolled out its first ultra-long-haul Airbus A350-1000ULR from the factory in Toulouse, marking a major milestone for Project Sunrise. It’s a timely occurrence, with the current Middle East trauma, that this aircraft could fundamentally change...
Also on BoardingArea
Points With a Crew
Save Up to 50% on Amazon with Amex Rewards Dollars (Targeted)
Act fast if you want to save up to 50% on your Amazon purchases, possibly even including gift cards. Find out how by ...
One Mile at a Time
Wow: Court Rules Airline Must Pay For $3,900, 9-Hour, Munich To Paris Taxi Ride
The European Union is known for its consumer protections for airline passengers, thanks to its EC261 scheme. The reality is that while rules are written a certain way, their enforcement is often determined through court decisions (like alcohol not being considered a ”refreshment” for the purposes of reimbursement from airlines...
The Gate with Brian Cohen
Should Reciprocity Fees — and Visa Fees — Be Reduced or Eliminated?
I recently visited Taiwan, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam last month during March of 2026. With the exception of Taiwan, all of the countries required fees per person to obtain visas to visit: Cambodia was $30.00; Laos was $45.00; and Vietnam was $25.00 for a grand total of $90.00. Those visa fees...
Frequent Miler
Hyatt Regency Chase Offer: 20% back on up to $250
There’s a Hyatt Regency Chase Offer out that’s good for 20% back on a purchase of $100-$250. While Chase Offers for various Hyatt brands are fairly common, they are usually between 10%-15%. It’s been some time since we’ve seen one for 20% There are probably other versions out there as...
View from the Wing
[Ends Soon] Best-Ever 200,000-Point IHG Business Card Bonus
Chase has brought back the best-ever 200,000-point offer on the IHG One Rewards Premier Business card, giving small-business owners a shot at one of the richest hotel bonuses currently on the market. The card’s $99 annual fee is easy to justify if you value the annual free night and fourth-night-free...
The Alviator
Trip Report Introduction: To Australia And Beyond
Here's how I booked my trip to Australia and beyond, including Cathay Pacific economy class, ANA and Air NZ premium economy, and more.
Miles To Memories
Over $8K In ANNUAL FEES, Chase Pay Yourself Back Is Back & Wells Fargo’s Huge New Transfer Win
Over $8K in annual fees, Wells Fargo's blockbuster partner, more Bilt roadbumps and JetBlue improves?
One Mile at a Time
Capital One Venture Business Review: $95 Fee, 2x Miles, Up To $220 In Credits
Link: Learn more about the Capital One Venture Business
View from the Wing
Airlines Keep Selling First Class For $26 — Killing The Reason To Chase Their Top Status
Airlines are selling domestic first class seats for as little as $26 instead of using them to reward frequent flyers, and that is quietly gutting the biggest reason many customers chase top-tier status in the first place. That weakens premium credit card spend. But there are ways they could fix...
Frequent Miler
Fairmont Spring Sale: 25% off 2-night+ stays (includes points bookings)
Fairmont is running a very good “Spring Sale,” offering 25% off at participating hotels with a minimum 2-night stay (for properties outside North America). There is an advertised additional 10% off for All Accor members, for a total theoretical discount of 27.5% from the base rate. However, I didn’t see...
Points With a Crew
Help! I’m Stuck Next to Someone Else’s Kid on an Airplane
A few years ago, I was traveling back from a quick trip to Denver.  I don’t normally do flight review posts for random flights on ULCCs like Frontier, since ya know, what is there really to say about flying on Frontier? But occasionally something interesting happens that I think might...
Frequent Miler
SAS award sale: Business class between US and Europe for 42k points
One of the sweet spots of the SAS EuroBonus program is the ability to book flights between the US and Europe for only 60,000 points one way in business class when flying on SAS metal. That has become even sweeter, as SAS is currently offering a 30% discount on award...
The Gate with Brian Cohen
Your Chance to Win 100,000 AAdvantage Miles: 100 Years of American Airlines
Your chance to be one of 100 people to win 100,000 AAdvantage miles in the centennial sweepstakes of American Airlines is one way to commemorate the celebration of the airline being in business continuously for 100 years yesterday, Wednesday, April 15, 2026... ...but you must...
Frequent Miler
Chase Freedom Unlimited: 25K points / $250 on only $500 in spend (ending soon)
4/16: This increased welcome offer for the Chase Freedom Unlimited will be ending on 4/30/26 at 9 am Eastern. If you’re interested, now’s the time. ~~~ The Chase Freedom Unlimited card is unique among Ultimate Rewards-earning cards in that it earns at least 1.5x on all spend and 3x-5x on purchases...
The Bulkhead Seat
Tampa International Airport Named Spotless Space of the Year for Exceptional Cleanliness
Tampa International Airport (TPA) has been recognized as the cleanest space in the United…
View from the Wing
You Can Buy United Airlines 1K Status Online For $330 — But It Could Cost You Your Account
United Airlines top-tier 1K status is being offered online for just $330, a tiny fraction of what frequent flyers normally spend to earn it. It may look like an easy shortcut to upgrades, priority treatment, and fee waivers, but buying status this way risks far more than wasted money if...
Hawaii Calling
Is SW Steakhouse at Wynn Las Vegas Worth It? Full Review + Tips
Quick Take• Restaurant type: Upscale steakhouse with seafood and wagyu specialties• Atmosphere: Romantic, high-end, with outdoor seating overlooking the Lake of Dreams show• Price range: $150–$300+ per person• Reservation tip: Book at least 2 weeks ahead, especially for outdoor seating around sunset or prime evening slots To Start SW Steakhouse...
Dots, Lines, & Destinations
DLD 582: Planten un Blomen
Aircraft Interiors Expo 2026 is a wrap, and we've got a report from Hamburg recapping all the fun bits about new seats and screens and more.
Miles To Memories
American Express Introduces Platinum Member Airfares
American Express has introduced Platinum Member Airfares, a new, expanded airfare program for Platinum Card Members booking through Amex Travel.
One Mile at a Time
Lufthansa Outsourcing A350-900s, Retiring A340-600s, Grounding 747-400s
Lufthansa has just announced a series of capacity and fleet measures, in light of current circumstances. This is due to a combination of high oil prices and major labor issues at Lufthansa, which are leaving the carrier in a tough spot.
Points Miles and Bling
Regent vs W Taipei: The Cheaper Hotel Was Better
This Regent Taipei vs. W Taipei comparison turned out more surprising than expected. It’s true that just because a hotel…
Frequent Flyer Bonuses
Air Canada Aeroplan: 75,000 bonus points on the Chase Aeroplan® Credit Card (April 16 Bonus Offer Highlight)
Today's bonus offer highlight is a new elevated welcome bonus of  75,000 points on the Chase Aeroplan Credit Card. Check out all of the new bonuses added today:
The Bulkhead Seat
American Airlines Introduces Pilot Trading Cards to Celebrate Its Centennial
Airline trading cards are a lot of fun. When I remember, I ask pilots…
Frequent Miler
Kroger: Earn 4x fuel points on 3rd party and fixed-value Visa / Mastercard gift cards
Kroger is again running a promotion that awards 4x fuel points on third-party gift cards, whether purchased online or in-store. Fixed-value Visa and Mastercard gift cards are now included as well. The current 3rd-party gift card deal runs through April 21, 2026, while the Visa/MC deal ends on May 12th....
Wild About Travel
Marvellous 12 days in Japan
It is a bit of a grim world right now, so I thought I would share a positive, beautiful, and delicious 1000-mile journey through one of my favourite countries in Sakura (Cherry blossom). Despite it being insanely busy, I enjoyed the landscapes, food, museums, shopping, temples, parks, and, of course,...
Wild About Travel
Gulf Aviation After the Ceasefire: What Travellers Need to Know Now
A two-week ceasefire for Iran was announced on 7th April. On 9th April, several Gulf governments reported a full day without any new missiles or drones. The UAE’s defence ministry said the country was “free of any air threats” that day, after weeks of intercepting ballistic and cruise missiles and...
2PAXfly
TURKISH AIRLINES: Leadership shake-up. Why?
A recent leadership overhaul at Turkish Airlines has sparked industry attention. Here’s a clear breakdown of what we know as fact and what is informed speculation. The interest in this story stems from Turkish Airlines’ recent commencement of non-stop flights to Istanbul from Australia. A flight I recently took, and...
2PAXfly
THAILAND: Travel insurance for tourists may become compulsory
Thai authorities are moving toward making travel insurance mandatory for all foreign visitors, as hospitals struggle with rising unpaid medical bills from tourists. It’s not law yet, but according to the Bangkok Post, the direction for travellers is clear, so Australians should take note. Why Thailand is cracking down The...
2PAXfly
NEW ZEALAND: Top of the South Island, what we did and ate in Picton, Havelock and Blenheim
We had three nights/four days at the Picton Waterfront Apartments, and were mainly interested in rest and relaxation. We also did a little sightseeing, and winery wining and dining. This post is a short summary of some of those activities. Hope it gives you an idea of what you can...
Wild About Travel
Sendai: The City of Trees
A 90-minute hop from Tokyo on Japan’s fastest train, the Hayabusa Shinkansen, brings you to Sendai, the city of trees! My critique of many Japanese cities is that they have a lot of concrete and asphalt, and not much green space. In the 19th century, Sendai’s local ruler encouraged tree...
2PAXfly
EUROPE: New EES entry system for Australians
From April 10, a major overhaul of border control across much of Europe comes into full effect, replacing the familiar passport stamp with biometric data, digital records. I experienced this when entering the Czech Republic at Prague Airport in March, and it was surprisingly efficient. It’s called the Entry/Exit System...
2PAXfly
LOYALTY: Airline programs now worth billions. Qantas in top 10
If you’ve ever wondered why airlines seem more interested in selling points than seats, a new global report puts some serious numbers behind that suspicion. According to the latest On Point Loyalty Top 100 report, airline loyalty programs have evolved into multi-billion-dollar businesses, and for Australian travellers, that shift is...