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
Frequent Miler
Rakuten offering up to $75 when applying for Chase Freedom Unlimited® card
For a limited time last year, Rakuten offered bonus cashback when applying for select Chase credit cards. Although the offer isn’t quite as generous as back then, you can again earn additional rewards when applying through Rakuten and getting approved for the Chase Freedom Unlimited® card. Note that this time,...
Live and Let’s Fly
False Alarm: United Free Wi-Fi “Rollout” Was Just A Glitch
UPDATE: United tells Live And Let’s Fly, “We haven’t made any changes to our current Wi-Fi policy.” Prices remain $8 for MileagePlus members and $10 for non-members on U.S. domestic and short- haul international flights. Live And Let’s Fly has learned there was a minor technical issue yesterday that briefly...
Miles To Memories
Save $200 on Your Next Norwegian Cruise with Amex Cards
American Express cardholders can take advantage of a new Amex Offer to save $200 on their next Norwegian Cruise Line booking.
The Gate with Brian Cohen
New Apartment Collection by Hilton Brand Now Available to Book Reservations
Apartment Collection by Hilton became brand number 26 of the portfolio of Hilton in January of 2026; and you can book reservations at two of its properties effective immediately. This new lodging category...
Frequent Miler
Chase updates DoorDash benefits on several cards (now $20 min order)
Update: The $10 monthly DoorDash credits on seemingly every Chase card nowadays now have a new, frustrating $20 minimum order, making them significantly less appealing for many folks. A few years ago, Chase added DoorDash benefits on several cards. Then, in August 2024, they expanded benefits, meaning some cardholders started receiving...
One Mile at a Time
American Flight Attendants Want More Pay On London Flights Due To Workload
I’m a pretty pro-union guy, but I have a hard time supporting the union on this one, at least based on my understanding of the situation (thanks to PYOK for flagging this).
View from the Wing
Passenger Falsely Accused A United Pilot Of Using A Slur — Then Asked For Points
A United Airlines pilot was accused of using a slur against a passenger. Then the accuser admitted the whole thing was made up and asked for points anyway, turning the episode into an example of the fake brand complaint meme that airlines and their social teams increasingly have to navigate.
Bald Thoughts
JetBlue Companion Pass, Flight Turbulence, Dumb Things We Spend Money On
Welcome to The Morning Shave for Friday, April 17, 2026. The reasons behind increased flight turbulence, JetBlue introduces a Companion Pass, and dumb things we keep spending too much money on. Visit BaldThoughts.com/tms to read all the stories. We read a ton of travel articles each day for our research...
Miles To Memories
United Airlines Restricts Polaris Lounge Access for Star Alliance Partners
United Airlines has introduced a new policy that sharply restricts access to its premium Polaris Lounges.
Frequent Miler
(Increased) Rakuten offering bonus cashback/rewards on select Bank of America credit cards
Update 4/17/26: Rakuten has increased the rewards on the Travel Rewards card from $150/15K points to $250/25K, and increased the rewards on the Customized Cash Rewards card from $75/7.5K points to $150/15K points. h/t Doctor of Credit ~ Last year, Rakuten started offering bonus rewards when applying and being approved...
One Mile at a Time
IHG Business Card Up To 200K Bonus Points Limited Time Welcome Offer
Link: Learn more about the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card with a bonus of up to 200K points
Frequent Flyer Bonuses
Marriott Bonvoy: Earn 25,000 bonus points on Florida or Hawaii Vacation packages (April 17 Bonus Offer Highlight)
Today's bonus offer highlight is the next monthly bonus from Vacations by Marriott who are offering bonus Bonvoy points on Florida and Hawaii packages. Check out all of the new bonuses added today:
Paddle Your Own Kanoo
American Airlines Flight Attendants File Greivance Demanding More Pay On Flights to London… Here’s Why
Flight attendants at American Airlines are once again calling for more money to work flights to London Heathrow, and this time they’ve filed a notice of dispute in a bid to secure “meaningful” additional compensation when they operate to the British capital. The reason for the escalating tensions between the...
Miles To Memories
New Amex Offer for Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Save $100 on Your Stay
If you have a stay on the horizon, check your Amex accounts to see if you’ve been targeted for a $100 statement credit at at eligible properties worldwide.
The Bulkhead Seat
JetBlue Launched New Barcelona Flights From Boston This Week
Back in November, I wrote about JetBlue’s plans to launch flights between Boston Logan…
The Alviator
Review: Cathay Pacific A350 Economy Class (LHR-HKG)
A review of economy class onboard one of Cathay Pacific's A350-900s, which operate some of the airline's longest flights.
Frequent Miler
Leading Hotels of the World Amex Offer: Spend $700 & get 15k Membership Rewards points
There’s a new, targeted Leading Hotels of the World Amex Offer out, which gives 15,000 Membership Rewards points when spending $700 or more on room rate and room charges. Hotel Amex Offers are frequently only valid domestically, but this one works in the US and at a robust selection of...
Points With a Crew
Kickstarter: NoxTi Tritium Keychain (Back By Saturday)
The NoxTi keychain is built from tritium, which has an expected light length of 25 years with zero batteries. It's on Kickstarter currently, but only for a few more ...
Live and Let’s Fly
FAA Cuts Chicago O’Hare Flights, Ending A “Pointless” Capacity War Between United And American
The FAA is stepping in at Chicago O’Hare and cutting flights this summer, a move that ironically provides relief to both American Airlines and United Airlines and likely benefits consumers too. FAA Flight Cuts At Chicago O’Hare Are A Win For Both United And American The Federal Aviation Administration will...
Your Mileage May Vary
He Refused Every Drink and Snack on the Flight. That Got Him Arrested
Flight attendants noticed something unusual when one passenger refused everything on a long flight—and alerted authorities. It’s no secret that, when you travel, you’re being watched. Regardless of what country…
Miles To Memories
Air New Zealand Launches Skynest Economy Beds
Air New Zealand has launch the Skynest economy beds. Skynest will operate onboard the airline's new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, which are set to take to the skies from November.
View from the Wing
Room Service Used To Feel Luxurious — Now It Feels Like Uber Eats
Room service used to be one of the clearest signs you were staying somewhere better than an Airbnb or a limited-service chain: hot coffee in a pot, breakfast on a cart, and food delivered with some sense of occasion. Now even premium hotels too often send up plastic containers in...
Frequent Miler
Strawberry Hotels (formerly Nordic Choice) Summer Pass is back
For years, Nordic Choice Hotels ran a summer promotion that sold a pass that could get you great savings on lodging. Nordic Choice has since rebranded to Strawberry Hotels, but they’re continuing to offer summer passes, which could be a very good deal if you’ll be traveling throughout Scandinavia this...
Miles To Memories
Just Right – American Airlines Premium Economy (DFW-OGG) Highlights
My family and I recently balanced a bit of fancy and togetherness with American Airlines Premium Economy, and we'd happily do it again.
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...