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...
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...
Also on BoardingArea
The Bulkhead Seat
Spirit Airlines is Selling Elite Status Starting at Only $79
Spirit Airlines is working its way through its second bankruptcy and seems to have… The post Spirit Airlines is Selling Elite Status Starting at Only $79 appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
Eye of the Flyer
Sad End for 747 Hotel, Radiation Impacts 6000 Jets, Moldy Vegan Airline Food, Gross Brown Carnival Tap Water and More Travel News!
Here are this week’s cruise headlines and news from around the web and interweb: Boeing 747-200 was retired and turned into world’s first plane hotel but now it has a sad fate This Upstart River Cruise Brand Is Making Waves in Europe with High-end Ships and Top-notch Cuisine Shocking Scene...
The Bulkhead Seat
Flight Review: Arajet Boeing 737 MAX 8 Extra – MIA-PUJ
I wanted to take the inaugural flight from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to… The post Flight Review: Arajet Boeing 737 MAX 8 Extra – MIA-PUJ appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
You Are Travel
Hyatt to Open Andaz-Branded Mountain Resort in Utah in 2029
​tl;dr – This will be the first Andaz hotel in Utah. ​An intriguing new Andaz property is slated… The post Hyatt to Open Andaz-Branded Mountain Resort in Utah in 2029 appeared first on You Are Travel.
One Mile at a Time
Transfer Chase Points To Virgin Atlantic Flying Club With 40% Bonus
The Chase Ultimate Rewards program has just introduced its latest transfer bonus, and it’s one that some people might find to be worthwhile, as this is quite a big bonus. Let’s cover the details…
Paddle Your Own Kanoo
British Airways Is Now Letting Passengers Know If Wi-Fi Is Not On Their Flight… Why Did It Take So Long?
British Airways is now proactively sending notifications to passengers to let them know that Wi-Fi might not be available on their flight, an acknowledgement, perhaps, that in-flight Wi-Fi is no longer a luxury or gimmick but a necessity for travelers wanting to use the flight time to catch up with...
Live from a Lounge
Air India’s new 787-9 and refurbished 787-8 to take on London Heathrow routes in Summer 2026
Here are the upcoming changes to the Air India network, where the 787s are taking over many routes. The post Air India’s new 787-9 and refurbished 787-8 to take on London Heathrow routes in Summer 2026 appeared first on Live From A Lounge.
PointsMath
KrisFlyer Spontaneous Escapes February 2026 Promo Rewards
The latest KrisFlyer Spontaneous Escapes reward is here. As always, there are great opportunities to use Krisflyer miles for several amazing destinations. The discount on eligible KrisFlyer Spontaneous Escapes award flights is 30%. Here are the details on the February 2026 KrisFlyer Spontaneous Escapes. Related: KrisFlyer Spontaneous Escapes Current Promo...
PointsMath
KrisFlyer Spontaneous Escapes Rules and How It Works
Singapore Airlines, one of the best Airlines in the world, runs a monthly promo rewards program, “KrisFlyer Spontaneous Escapes,” where select flights can be booked at a discount for a limited period. This Guide tells what the KrisFlyer Spontaneous Escapes are and how they work. How does KrisFlyer Spontaneous Escapes...
Paddle Your Own Kanoo
Southwest Airlines Now Faces a Flight Attendant Backlash As Hand Luggage Woes Grow
It’s not only passengers at Southwest Airlines who are unhappy with the Dallas-based carrier’s new hand luggage and boarding rules; the airline is also facing a growing backlash from its own flight attendants who are unhappy with Southwest’s plans to sort out the mess. Central to the new complaints from...
The Bulkhead Seat
Delta Expands Hawaiian Flights With New and Returning Routes Along With Increased Capacity
Delta Air Lines is boosting its presence in the Aloha State with its largest-ever… The post Delta Expands Hawaiian Flights With New and Returning Routes Along With Increased Capacity appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
Points With a Crew
Amex Delta Gold vs. Delta Platinum – which is better? (New Higher Offers)
Several Amex Delta credit cards currently have all-time high signup bonuses. Looking at the Delta Gold vs. Delta Platinum cards - how can you decide which is better?
Economy Class & Beyond
TRIP REPORT: Into Turkey and The Sheraton Levant, Istanbul – Growing Old in Style
Into Turkey and The Sheraton Levant, Istanbul Growing Old in Style Time for a new country to tick off. Let’s enter Turkey properly, and head off to my residence of the night – The Sheraton Levant.  In this mammoth trip report (note, headings subject to change) Yes. I’m that old....
Frequent Miler
Kimpton RiverPlace, Portland (Fine Hotels + Resorts®): Bottom Line Review
Last year, my wife and I made a terrific weekend in Portland, Oregon, out of a concert and two Fine Hotels + Resorts® (FHR) credits that we received from our American Express Platinum® cards. We decided to try out the Kimpton RiverPlace, sitting attractively astride the banks of the Willamette...
The Gate with Brian Cohen
Whales in Charlotte Bay in Antarctica
Our agenda after we spent the morning at both Meusnier Point on the continent and in Recess Cove and then enjoying lunch during the first full day in Antarctica was for all of us to cruise around Charlotte Bay in zodiacs and keep an eye out for whales. The reason why...
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...
Frequent Miler
Private Island ultra-all-inclusive barefoot luxury: $2,500 rebate | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep345 | 2-13-26
In today’s podcast, we’ll talk about why you might not want to toss out that United credit card mailer, how Bilt has led us to coin a new term, and how Calala Island wants to pay you to book with points! Private Island ultra-all-inclusive barefoot luxury: $2,500 rebate Watch the...
Your Mileage May Vary
Why Planes Aren’t Allowed to Stop on Airport Bridges
There are plenty of airport signs you can ignore without consequence. And then there are the ones that make you do a double-take… even when you’re sitting in seat 18C…
Frequent Miler
Chase Sapphire Reserve® cardholders can get a free Calm Premium annual subscription
Have you ever wanted Matthew McConaughey to softly read you a story while you drift off to sleep? Now you can make that dream a reality. In addition to a credit good toward a full-year WHOOP Life membership, Chase Sapphire Reserve® cardholders can also receive 100% back on an annual...
One Mile at a Time
Hong Kong Airlines A330 Business Class: Second-Rate But Good Enough
Hello from Japan, as I just flew Hong Kong Airlines’ Airbus A330-300 business class on the 3hr30min flight from Hong Kong (HKG) to Tokyo Narita (NRT). My goal was to get to Japan, but with the Chinese New Year holiday period, flights on All Nippon Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Japan...
View from the Wing
Influencer’s Mid-Flight Flirt Disaster Goes Viral—Oblivious Guy Needs Multiple Notes To Realize What’s Happening
An influencer’s mid-flight attempt at romance hilariously misfired when the oblivious guy across the aisle completely missed her subtle (and then not-so-subtle) hints. Her awkward efforts—and his total confusion—quickly went viral, turning an everyday Sydney-Melbourne flight into comedy gold.
Frequent Miler
Bilt cards being frozen, 5x not being honored. (Update: Bilt investigating case-by-case)
Update 2/13:26: Yesterday, Bilt sent an email to members saying that cardholders who were affected by any of the problems with the 5x promo listed below (frozen cards, offer not attached, late-arriving cards) should file a claim for review: If you believe you qualified for the 5X for 5 Days Promotional...
Points With a Crew
Kickstarter: Zaylli LYRÖ Ultra-Natural Hi-Fi Headphones (Back By Saturday)
The Zaylli LYRÖ headphones are the world’s 1st open-back headphone with a rotary sound-curve switch. Perfect for audiophiles, it's on Kickstarter, but only for a few more ...
Your Mileage May Vary
Everyday American “Luxuries” Europeans Say They’re Jealous Of
People often assume that life in the U.S. and Europe looks broadly similar, especially in countries with comparable wealth and infrastructure. But when Reddit asked Europeans what Americans have every…
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...
2PAXfly
QANTAS: Refreshing 7 regional lounges after closure
If you rely on Qantas’ regional lounges for a quiet coffee, a power point and a bit of pre-flight calm, there’s good and bad news. Your lounge is likely being refreshed and may be closed for a few weeks. Qantas has been active on the lounge front, with the most...
2PAXfly
EUROPE: Carry on bags to become free on low-cost carriers
Budget carriers like easyJet, Ryanair and Wizz Air have built their ultra-low headline fares on optional extras, especially baggage fees. But now the European Parliament has taken a strong stance in favour of passengers being allowed to bring more on board for free — and it has triggered a fierce...
2PAXfly
ETIHAD: Brings its best Business Class to Sydney and Melbourne
Etihad Airways has now rolled out its latest-generation Business Class suites on all services from Sydney and Melbourne to its base in Abu Dhabi. That consistency of product will be welcomed by Australian travellers. In practical terms, that means no more ‘pot luck’ draw of older cabins. Book Business Class...