2PAXfly
WEEKLY REVIEW: Sunday 7 June, 2027
Greetings again from Canada! I’ve spent just shy of a week in the Canadian capital, Ottawa. I’ve also had my first experience of Air Canada, and its Express and Rouge brands. I’m impressed on the whole with their Business Class. Less so by their lounges. What happened last week? Don’t...
2PAXfly
EXPLAINER: What’s the difference between narrow-body versus widebody aircraft?
It used to be largely true that wide-body aircraft were for long-haul flights and narrow-body aircraft were for short-haul flights. Bue recently, and especially since the advent of the Airbus A321XLR, that distinction no longer holds. What largely holds is the level of comfort and service provided on the different-sized...
2PAXfly
VIRGIN AUSTRALIA: Corporate affairs head demonstrates double standards on social media
This story was reported by Hannah Wootton, in the AFR. As you will see, there are now deleted posts involved, making this difficult to verify independently. However, the AFR is a journal of record and demonstrates traditional journalistic ethics, so I am inclined to trust their reporting. Since he’s Virgin...
2PAXfly
QANTAS: Project Sunrise, test flights start, certification and other delays
On the day Qantas celebrates the successful maiden test flight of the first Project Sunrise Airbus A350-1000ULR, I thought it might be timely to look more closely at the project. Below, I examine publicly available information and other possible reasons for the delay in the aircraft and project launches. The...
Also on BoardingArea
Frequent Miler
Last Chance Deals: Preferred Hotels & Wyndham transfer bonuses, discounted Hotels.com gift cards, & more
Welcome to our weekly list of what’s ending this week as well as a collection of some other deals that are due to end soon. Two of Citi’s current transfer bonuses to Preferred Hotels and Wyndham Rewards end next Saturday. Also ending this week is the opportunity to buy Hotels.com gift...
The Bulkhead Seat
Delta Returns to Hong Kong After Nearly Seven Years Away
As I wrote about in July 2025, Delta Air Lines has officially returned to…
2PAXfly
WEEKLY REVIEW: Sunday 7 June, 2027
Greetings again from Canada! I’ve spent just shy of a week in the Canadian capital, Ottawa. I’ve also had my first experience of Air Canada, and its Express and Rouge brands. I’m impressed on the whole with their Business Class. Less so by their lounges. What happened last week? Don’t...
Points With a Crew
Do hotel front desk clerks intentionally not ask you about your stay when you checkout?
Recent stays have made me wonder - do hotel front desk clerks intentionally not ask you about your stay when you check out? It seems like it would be ...
The Gate with Brian Cohen
What Is Wrong With This Photograph? Part 356
While writing this article pertaining to a recent controversy regarding respecting the flag of the United States of America, I researched an official Internet web site of the National Park Service which purposely highlighted an error. Can you spot the error without leaving this article? For this edition of this popular...
Frequent Miler
My low-hassle $0 credit card wallet for re-entering the points game (A Carrie commentary)
About a year and a half ago, I decided to gradually re-enter the points and miles game. Despite working for arguably the best points and miles blog in the space (ok ok, I may be biased), I had essentially retired from the game otherwise. For instance, aside from being an...
Economy Class & Beyond
Last Week at Economy Class and Beyond (6th June)
It’s the end of another week as we head into June, with change in the air. But then, isn’t change a part of life? Anyway, enough musing for a post – time for Last Week at Economy Class and Beyond.   Bollywood in Birmingham – another film starts shooting in...
Your Mileage May Vary
Flying First Class? You Might Still Be Shut Out of the Lounge
You’ve just booked your first First Class flight using airline miles—nice work! You arrive at the airport feeling a little fancy, ready to enjoy all the perks you’ve heard about.…
Miles To Memories
Haters, Hot Takes & “Hating” Criss Angel – The Truth About MTM Vegas!
MTM Vegas unhinged and exposed. Answering your questions and peeling back behind the channel and brand.
View from the Wing
Bali Is Threatening To Deport ‘Influencers’ Who Make Sponsored Posts In New Immigration Crackdown
Bali immigration officials are warning influencers that sponsored posts, comped hotel stays, brand collaborations and content shoots can count as work—not tourism. The island’s new immigration patrol is even using social media posts as evidence, meaning the same Bali reel meant to promote a villa or beach club could become...
The Bulkhead Seat
2026 Weekly Review: June 6th
Greetings from Orlando! We’re spending the weekend here for a pickle ball tournament. In…
One Mile at a Time
Weekly Review: June 06, 2026
I hope everyone is having a nice weekend so far! I’m supposed to head to Europe in the coming days with the whole family, but my gosh, award availability is looking grim. I’m sure I’ll find something, but it’s not looking pretty! On the points & travel front, this week...
Points With a Crew
17 Tech and Travel Deals at Amazon For This Weekend
Some decent Amazon weekend deals on travel and tech gear going on this weekend, including headphones, luggage, locks, packing cubes and supplies, travel books and ...
Your Mileage May Vary
Travelers Were Asked Which City Disappointed Them Most. The Answers Were Brutal.
Sometimes a place can be a victim of its own reputation. You hear people rave about it. You see stunning photos online. Movies, TV shows, travel writers, and social media…
Live and Let’s Fly
The Aging Playboy, The Prada Bag, And The Inflight Romance Scam
I really felt sad for my seatmate, who was engaged in a frenzied WhatsApp conversation on a flight up the California coast with his “girlfriend” that was impossible for me to avoid and left me very thankful that I am out of the dating game… My Seatmate’s WhatsApp Romance Drama...
The Bulkhead Seat
Philippine Airlines to Join oneworld® Alliance in 2027
Philippine Airlines (PAL) is set to become the newest member of the oneworld® alliance…
The Gate with Brian Cohen
Wooden Escalators in Sydney: An Escalation Sensation
You can ride on wooden escalators in New York that are greater than 100 years old which are still in operation to this day; but you can also find wooden escalators in Sydney, which are considered to be an Escalation Sensation. The wooden escalators in Sydney that are currently located in...
Economy Class & Beyond
Embraer E2 programme passes 500 orders – Azorra signs for 15 E2 Aircraft
Embraer has secured an additional order for the E2 family aircraft from lessor Azorra, and in the process, has passed a major milestone in the E2 Project. Azorra has signed an additional firm order for 15 E195-E2 aircraft, with purchase rights for 15 additional jets, strengthening the long-standing partnership.  With...
One Mile at a Time
Surprise: Philippine Airlines Joining Oneworld Alliance In 2027
Lately were not seeing a whole lot of action with the big three global alliances, when it comes to airlines being added, at least compared to a decade or two ago. So along those lines, theres a pretty cool development, as oneworld is getting yet another new member, and this...
View from the Wing
American Airlines Makes Same-Day Flight Changes Miserable — United And Delta Are Far More Generous
American Airlines advertises same-day confirmed changes as a way to move to a better flight, but its rules make the benefit far harder to use than United or Delta. Seats can still be for sale, first class passengers can be blocked, hub customers can lose flexibility, and the app may...
Your Mileage May Vary
Checking Out Of Your Hotel Room? Don’t Do This Before You Go
Most of us have a little routine before checking out of a hotel. We make sure we didn’t leave anything in a drawer, take one last look in the bathroom,…
View from the Wing
Record Chase Sapphire Reserve 150,000 Point Bonus Offer Is Ending Soon
Chase Sapphire Reserve now has a record 150,000-point bonus, but the bigger story is that this is still a premium travel card built for actual spending. With strong earning on direct travel and dining, useful protections, valuable transfer partners, and better-than-usual lounge access, the $795 card is not just another...
View from the Wing
Philippine Airlines Just Announced It Will Join Oneworld—A Major New Asia Partner For American Airlines Flyers
Philippine Airlines is joining oneworld next year, finally putting one of the better-hidden Asia award opportunities within reach of American Airlines flyers. Its seats have often been unusually available but hard for U.S. travelers to book; once PAL enters oneworld, those awards should become cheaper and easier to access—until everyone...
Miles To Memories
Calling an Audible – Chasing More Ultimate Rewards with this Unexpected Card
I've never given much thought to the Chase Ink Business Unlimited. But like many other life aspects, things can and do change.
2PAXfly
VIRGIN AUSTRALIA: Last chance to claim Travel Credits from COVID-19 period
If you still have a Virgin Australia COVID-era travel credit sitting unloved in your digital bottom drawer, it’s your final boarding call. Credits issued for cancelled flights between 21 April 2020 and 31 July 2022 expire on 30 June 2026. And here is the kicker, Virgin says you don’t just...
2PAXfly
QANTAS: Trialing automated gates in Sydney at T3
“Computer says no” is coming to a Qantas departure gate near you. The airline is trialling automated boarding gates at Sydney Airport’s domestic Terminal 3, with the machines set to do what gate agents have been trying to do for years: enforce Group Boarding without having to smile through clenched...
Wild About Travel
Daftv hotek rules
From five stars in Singapore to a rickety bed and breakfast in Blackpool, a tree house in Zimbabwe, a 747 parked at Stockholm airport, a draughty youth hostel in Nirehn, Scotland, and everything in between means I have slept in a lot of hotel beds. A friend of mine scored...
2PAXfly
BORDER FORCE: Melbourne Airport pilots digital Australia Travel Declaration form with Qantas
Why is it so difficult for Australia to digitise its Travel Declaration card? I certainly don’t know. But apparently, given this is at least the third try, it is. The Australian Border Force is piloting (again) the Australia Travel Declaration (ATD) form, you know that yellow form we all have...
Wild About Travel
Drafyh Bergen: Norway’s Fjord-Framed Gem
There are some cities I like, some I love, and some that just smack you in the face with their wow factor. Hence the language in my headline’ Surrounded by seven mountains and nestled beside deep blue waters, Bergen’s scenery is more than spectacular. Founded in 1070, Bergen is Norway’s...
2PAXfly
WEEKLY REVIEW: Sunday 31 May, 2026
Greetings from Canada! I’m here crossing the continent over the next few weeks. It’s my first time in this part of North America. I flew with Qantas to Vancouver, stayed overnight at the airport before meeting up with my husband, and then proceeded to our next Canadian destination. What happened...
2PAXfly
QANTAS: Expands points redemptions on Philippine Airlines
Qantas Frequent Flyers can now use points to book Classic Reward seats across the full Philippine Airlines (PAL) network, opening up 15 new island and regional destinations via Manila. Qantas Points can now take you beyond Manila to places like Boracay, Cebu and Palawan with their suspiciously perfect beaches and...
2PAXfly
JETSTAR: Consumer protections threaten airline’s existence
In an article in the SMH, Jetstar chief executive Stephanie Tully warns that the proposed new aviation consumer protections could “undermine Jetstar’s existence”. Quite a phrase from a low-cost airline owned by the Qantas Group. The comments were made to a Senate committee examining the federal government’s planned Aviation Consumer...